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Sweet Wind, Wild Wind
PAST, PRESENT--FUTURE?
Four years ago rugged Carson Blackridge had branded Lara with his masculine touch, then crushed her innocent heart. Utterly humiliated, she'd fled the Rocking B forever. Reluctantly she was returning, but strictly to research the history of the ranch--not to relive hex past with Carson.
Once, jealous rage had driven Carson to cruelly reject gently trusting Lara Chandler. Now he needed her back on the ranch . . . and wanted her back in his arm He would stop at nothing to rekindle passion, use any trick to recapture his love. But if she discovered the depth of his deception, would she once more vanish like the wild, sweet wind?
Four years ago rugged Carson Blackridge had branded Lara with his masculine touch, then crushed her innocent heart. Utterly humiliated, she'd fled the Rocking B forever. Reluctantly she was returning, but strictly to research the history of the ranch--not to relive hex past with Carson.
Once, jealous rage had driven Carson to cruelly reject gently trusting Lara Chandler. Now he needed her back on the ranch . . . and wanted her back in his arm He would stop at nothing to rekindle passion, use any trick to recapture his love. But if she discovered the depth of his deception, would she once more vanish like the wild, sweet wind?
251 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1987
58 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Lowell
210 books1,928 followersIndividually and with co-author/husband Evan, Ann Maxwell has written over 60 novels and one work of non-fiction. There are 30 million copies of these books in print, as well as reprints in 30 foreign languages. Her novels range from science fiction to historical fiction, from romance to mystery. After working in contemporary and historical romance, she became an innovator in the genre of romantic suspense.
In 1982, Ann began publishing as Elizabeth Lowell. Under that name she has received numerous professional awards in the romance field, including a Lifetime Achievement award from the Romance Writers of America (1994).
Since July of 1992, she has had over 30 novels on the New York Times bestseller list. In 1998 she began writing suspense with a passionate twist, capturing a new audience and generation of readers. Her new romance novel Perfect Touch will be available in July of 2015.
To get a full list of titles as well as read excerpts from her novels, visit www.elizabethlowell.com.
In 1982, Ann began publishing as Elizabeth Lowell. Under that name she has received numerous professional awards in the romance field, including a Lifetime Achievement award from the Romance Writers of America (1994).
Since July of 1992, she has had over 30 novels on the New York Times bestseller list. In 1998 she began writing suspense with a passionate twist, capturing a new audience and generation of readers. Her new romance novel Perfect Touch will be available in July of 2015.
To get a full list of titles as well as read excerpts from her novels, visit www.elizabethlowell.com.
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July 21, 2019
Heroine endures two betrayals by the hero in a purple prose angst-fest set on a Colorado ranch.
Historian heroine is the illegitimate daughter of the hero’s adoptive father. Father (now dead) sold his soul to the devil married a socialite for $ to keep the family ranch running. The socialite (un-affectionately called Queen Bitch) was infertile so they adopted the hero. Father had a long-running affair with the heroine’s mother, who lived with her father in a small cabin on the ranch. Heroine grew up knowing that her father rejected her and that the hero hated her for being the child of that love affair.
When the story opens all of the past generation is dead. The hero is running the ranch and heroine is returning (by invitation) to write the history of the ranch for a university publication. Four years before, when the heroine was 18, the hero had courted her for months only to reject her right before having sex. He confessed he had only courted her as revenge on his father, but couldn’t take her virginity at the last moment.
This is either noble or messed up or both and the heroine has had plenty of time to ruminate on the humiliation and rejection of this crucial event.
Hero is eager to make amends and is surprised that his brutal rejection of her has wounded her so deeply.
Why the hero is eager to make amends eventually comes out as the second betrayal.
This story didn’t really work for me for the following reasons:
*The first betrayal is in flashback and hero spends the first half of the story groveling. So no real-time pain – just real-time groveling. So the heroine’s pain starts to look like neurosis with such a reasonable hero.
*The purple prose is overwhelming– EL is always flowery, but she had it turned up to eleven.
*Nothing really happened when the heroine figured out the second betrayal – she ran out in a storm for a few hours and then she forgave him.
*The extended metaphor of more-information-changing-how-we-view-history really didn’t work for how the heroine forgave the hero for his betrayals. Understanding the hero’s point of view doesn’t really negate the pain and wasted time the heroine endured. It’s just revisionist history.
*There’s not a lot of action beyond the sex scenes and the heroine opening boxes and reading old letters
So if you need an EL fix, this will fit the bill. It’s just not one of her better stories, imo
Historian heroine is the illegitimate daughter of the hero’s adoptive father. Father (now dead)
When the story opens all of the past generation is dead. The hero is running the ranch and heroine is returning (by invitation) to write the history of the ranch for a university publication. Four years before, when the heroine was 18, the hero had courted her for months only to reject her right before having sex. He confessed he had only courted her as revenge on his father, but couldn’t take her virginity at the last moment.
This is either noble or messed up or both and the heroine has had plenty of time to ruminate on the humiliation and rejection of this crucial event.
Hero is eager to make amends and is surprised that his brutal rejection of her has wounded her so deeply.
Why the hero is eager to make amends eventually comes out as the second betrayal.
This story didn’t really work for me for the following reasons:
*The first betrayal is in flashback and hero spends the first half of the story groveling. So no real-time pain – just real-time groveling. So the heroine’s pain starts to look like neurosis with such a reasonable hero.
*The purple prose is overwhelming– EL is always flowery, but she had it turned up to eleven.
*Nothing really happened when the heroine figured out the second betrayal – she ran out in a storm for a few hours and then she forgave him.
*The extended metaphor of more-information-changing-how-we-view-history really didn’t work for how the heroine forgave the hero for his betrayals. Understanding the hero’s point of view doesn’t really negate the pain and wasted time the heroine endured. It’s just revisionist history.
*There’s not a lot of action beyond the sex scenes and the heroine opening boxes and reading old letters
So if you need an EL fix, this will fit the bill. It’s just not one of her better stories, imo
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August 15, 2019Second DNF in two days.
The H in this book makes Diana Palmer's and Susan Fox's heroes look good. He's awful, really really awful, and I don't have the Tums or fortitude to stick it out until the end cause I think he's still going to be as big of an arrogant, smug jackass at the end as he is now only then he will have this poor stupid doormat under his feet forever.
The heroine is the illegitimate daughter of the hero's adoptive father. The adoptive mother was a bitch on wheels. Imagine that? Married for her money then lives with the evidence of her husband's infidelity on the ranch. ON top of that, the heroine's father has nothing to do with her despite the ongoing affair with her mother. Everybody is gross!
Issues, big issues when the H gloats to himself when the h sees him with some OW wannabe. His hairy chest is on display (Diana Palmer) and the OW is all over him like a cheap suit. His stupid agenda: that scene will intrigue her. He honestly thinks he is such hot stuff without his shirt that the heroine will not be able to resist him. Excuse me while I retch. He practically rubs his hand in glee that if he marries her he will get the ranch and the woman he's lusted after for all these years. He then proceeds to slut shame her because she's talking to the ranch hands past 10:00 so she's a hussy. (Susan Fox and DP)
Flashback to the time he seduces her then says he can't go through with it and will have to get back at his adoptive father some other way.
And that's when I DNF'd.
The H in this book makes Diana Palmer's and Susan Fox's heroes look good. He's awful, really really awful, and I don't have the Tums or fortitude to stick it out until the end cause I think he's still going to be as big of an arrogant, smug jackass at the end as he is now only then he will have this poor stupid doormat under his feet forever.
The heroine is the illegitimate daughter of the hero's adoptive father. The adoptive mother was a bitch on wheels. Imagine that? Married for her money then lives with the evidence of her husband's infidelity on the ranch. ON top of that, the heroine's father has nothing to do with her despite the ongoing affair with her mother. Everybody is gross!
Issues, big issues when the H gloats to himself when the h sees him with some OW wannabe. His hairy chest is on display (Diana Palmer) and the OW is all over him like a cheap suit. His stupid agenda: that scene will intrigue her. He honestly thinks he is such hot stuff without his shirt that the heroine will not be able to resist him. Excuse me while I retch. He practically rubs his hand in glee that if he marries her he will get the ranch and the woman he's lusted after for all these years. He then proceeds to slut shame her because she's talking to the ranch hands past 10:00 so she's a hussy. (Susan Fox and DP)
Flashback to the time he seduces her then says he can't go through with it and will have to get back at his adoptive father some other way.
And that's when I DNF'd.
August 8, 2014
I did enjoy this. I listened to the audio and all along I was thinking, this reminds me of a Hqn. Actually it was originally an old Silhouette title. I've only ever read Lowell's historicals and while I knew she'd done some contemporaries I didn't realize she'd ever dabbled in the 'series' books.
The formula is one I tend to enjoy. We have a hero who initially unfairly blames the heroine for things that are not her fault and embroils her in a revenge plot. In this case, he was too decent to follow through, but the damage was done and not to the victim he intended. The heroine hates/fears him due to this.
Several years later they meet again and he's determined to make her his wife. We quickly realize that while he's very attracted to the heroine and genuinely cares for her, there are ulterior motives involved as well.
My issues were that the language was a bit too flowery at times. For instance, there was one scene where the h is sick with flu while pregnant, the hero is talking to the old country doctor about her condition and he goes on and on about how he needs her to be okay and wants to show her flowers and all this other stuff that I can't imagine a lifelong cowboy saying - especially to another man. I'd have loved that scene so much more if he'd have left it at (paraphrase): 'I need her. I want the baby, but I want her more.' Quick, concise, heartfelt and much more believable than all the flowery stuff that followed.
Lowell also hits us over the head a bit with her theories on history and how its a living thing that changes based on perception and new information coming forth. The heroine was a budding historian doing a 100yr history of the ranch she grew up on, so I realize the history stuff was relevant to the story. I love history, particularly the history of ordinary people and family. BUT I finally got to the point where I thought I'd scream if I heard the word 'history' one more time.
My last nitpick, is that the other shoe doesn't drop until the very end. Therefore, the resolution/fallout from the 'big secret' was very quick. It's not that I didn't believe in the HEA. Honestly I never doubted Carson's love for Lara and he was 1000x nicer than many heroes of that genre. I just wanted to see a grand gesture and some crawling. I know, I know - Carson had a rough life with no one to love him. I should be a nicer person. Apparently I'm not. I blame my job.
The formula is one I tend to enjoy. We have a hero who initially unfairly blames the heroine for things that are not her fault and embroils her in a revenge plot. In this case, he was too decent to follow through, but the damage was done and not to the victim he intended. The heroine hates/fears him due to this.
Several years later they meet again and he's determined to make her his wife. We quickly realize that while he's very attracted to the heroine and genuinely cares for her, there are ulterior motives involved as well.
My issues were that the language was a bit too flowery at times. For instance, there was one scene where the h is sick with flu while pregnant, the hero is talking to the old country doctor about her condition and he goes on and on about how he needs her to be okay and wants to show her flowers and all this other stuff that I can't imagine a lifelong cowboy saying - especially to another man. I'd have loved that scene so much more if he'd have left it at (paraphrase): 'I need her. I want the baby, but I want her more.' Quick, concise, heartfelt and much more believable than all the flowery stuff that followed.
Lowell also hits us over the head a bit with her theories on history and how its a living thing that changes based on perception and new information coming forth. The heroine was a budding historian doing a 100yr history of the ranch she grew up on, so I realize the history stuff was relevant to the story. I love history, particularly the history of ordinary people and family. BUT I finally got to the point where I thought I'd scream if I heard the word 'history' one more time.
My last nitpick, is that the other shoe doesn't drop until the very end. Therefore, the resolution/fallout from the 'big secret' was very quick. It's not that I didn't believe in the HEA. Honestly I never doubted Carson's love for Lara and he was 1000x nicer than many heroes of that genre. I just wanted to see a grand gesture and some crawling. I know, I know - Carson had a rough life with no one to love him. I should be a nicer person. Apparently I'm not. I blame my job.
March 21, 2021
Way tooo long so I mostly skimmed except the angsty parts.
March 13, 2010
I enjoyed the emotional intensity of this book. At first, you really don't have a handle on Carson. He was very remote and calculating. I wanted Lara to walk out on him and never look back. Then, I was glad that she didn't get to leave him. Carson was a very sad person. I think about what his parents did to him, to each other, to Lara's mother, and to Lara's grandfather, and it makes me sad. I have a problematic family, but we love each other, for all the strife. Poor Carson never had anyone love him, until Lara. And he couldn't believe that she loved him at first, because love didn't exist. Because of the pain that had destroyed his ability to feel, he hurt Lara very badly. But he actually did the right thing walking away from her the time she was about to give herself to him. In fact, he showed a lot more honor than his adopted father did with Lara's mother. In fact, I think Larry's lucky that Lara's grandfather didn't grab his shotgun and turn the business end towards his sorry butt.
This book deals with choices. We always have them. If we make the wrong choice, we still get more. We can move on and do the right thing for ourselves the next time, or we can languish in our misery and feel sorry for ourselves, take our pain out on others. That's definitely what Carson's adopted mother and father did, and they hurt other people very much in the process. Very sad. I thought Lara was a pretty strong person, for all her gentleness. She tried to live her life the best way she could, despite being a known but not acknowledged illegitimate offspring of Carson's adopted father, and having a mother who was this man's adulterous mistress for thirteen years of her life. Her heart and her sensuality was damaged by Carson's rejection. However, she did try to move on with her life as much as she could. When she came back, she was determined to avoid Carson. But his gentle wooing, breaks down her defenses, and she gives her love freely to him. When his betrayal is revealed, she does react emotionally, at first. But she uses her analytical brain to sort through and to realize that Carson's love for her is true, despite his obvious betrayal. I did admire her for that.
I think that this was not a five star book for me because some of the descriptions were too drawn out, a bit too flowery. I really liked the intense emotions in the book. I felt the anguish, and the pain that Lara suffered, and Carson in his need/love for Lara. His fear that she would walk away if she found out that he lied to her. I felt really bad for Carson, because his parents set him up for an awful life. They were made miserable by the choices they made, and instead of being grownups, they made each other and their adopted son miserable, even after death. That was really sad to me. I don't let Carson off the hook, but I can see why he behaved the way he did. Truly, he had the choice to walk away from the ranch, but what else was there? In his mind, he has nothing but the ranch, because he doesn't think he can have it and Lara. Well, he eventually realizes that Lara is his home and what he needs.
This is an older book, so you have a lot of the older school elements in it. But one thing I love about the old school romances is here. They really bring on the emotional intensity. I was surprised at how sensual this book was. It's from 1987, and I was like, wow! It's not Blaze-level, but pretty sexy for what I think was a category romance.
If you are a fan of Elizabeth Lowell, Diana Palmer, or Susan Fox, or want to read something that's a little vintage, and really intense. Or if you like western-set contemporaries, you would probably enjoy this book.
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
This book deals with choices. We always have them. If we make the wrong choice, we still get more. We can move on and do the right thing for ourselves the next time, or we can languish in our misery and feel sorry for ourselves, take our pain out on others. That's definitely what Carson's adopted mother and father did, and they hurt other people very much in the process. Very sad. I thought Lara was a pretty strong person, for all her gentleness. She tried to live her life the best way she could, despite being a known but not acknowledged illegitimate offspring of Carson's adopted father, and having a mother who was this man's adulterous mistress for thirteen years of her life. Her heart and her sensuality was damaged by Carson's rejection. However, she did try to move on with her life as much as she could. When she came back, she was determined to avoid Carson. But his gentle wooing, breaks down her defenses, and she gives her love freely to him. When his betrayal is revealed, she does react emotionally, at first. But she uses her analytical brain to sort through and to realize that Carson's love for her is true, despite his obvious betrayal. I did admire her for that.
I think that this was not a five star book for me because some of the descriptions were too drawn out, a bit too flowery. I really liked the intense emotions in the book. I felt the anguish, and the pain that Lara suffered, and Carson in his need/love for Lara. His fear that she would walk away if she found out that he lied to her. I felt really bad for Carson, because his parents set him up for an awful life. They were made miserable by the choices they made, and instead of being grownups, they made each other and their adopted son miserable, even after death. That was really sad to me. I don't let Carson off the hook, but I can see why he behaved the way he did. Truly, he had the choice to walk away from the ranch, but what else was there? In his mind, he has nothing but the ranch, because he doesn't think he can have it and Lara. Well, he eventually realizes that Lara is his home and what he needs.
This is an older book, so you have a lot of the older school elements in it. But one thing I love about the old school romances is here. They really bring on the emotional intensity. I was surprised at how sensual this book was. It's from 1987, and I was like, wow! It's not Blaze-level, but pretty sexy for what I think was a category romance.
If you are a fan of Elizabeth Lowell, Diana Palmer, or Susan Fox, or want to read something that's a little vintage, and really intense. Or if you like western-set contemporaries, you would probably enjoy this book.
Overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
April 11, 2018
I read this a few months ago and forgot about it. Not that it was horrible. It was an okay romantic read. I like this author a lot so I will never trash talk her writing :)
September 15, 2015
Another great romance from Elizabeth Lowell, except that I think that when they re-released it she should have written a few extra chapters to give the story a bit more body and the characters a bit more personality and back-story. She did this about 10 years ago when they re-released Summer Games as Remember Summer. I haven't read the original version, but Remember Summer is one of my all time favourite romances. I think Lowell could have done something similar with Sweet Wind, Wild Wind and improved it as she most certainly did with Remember Summer.
September 17, 2020
2020
I've been trying to reread some of my book collection that has been gathering dust over the last few years. Unfortunately, I have learned that not all of the books that I enjoyed in the past are actually winners. I don't know if it was because I was younger or wasn't particular about the stories or didn't have as many books under my belt or what. But some of the books I read were absolute garbage. Including this one.
The characters are insanely one dimensional. They are as interesting as soggy cardboard. The motivations behind their actions are flat and stupid. And if I have to hear one more thing about the past being in the past and it can't affect your future again...I'm going to scream. That was easily one of the dumbest things that went on in this story. Of course, your past affects your future! It is a mindless pathetic statement that doesn't have any sort of actual basis in reality. And it was repeated over and over and over again.
And the "romance" was so rushed. I didn't even feel like the characters had a connection (aside from f***ing, I guess) and the next thing I knew they were married. I hadn't even realized it at first. It happened so fast that I literally missed the sentence that said they had been married. Surprise, I guess. Suddenly they were married and pregnant and then the book was over. (That's how it felt, at least). Just wow.
I've been trying to reread some of my book collection that has been gathering dust over the last few years. Unfortunately, I have learned that not all of the books that I enjoyed in the past are actually winners. I don't know if it was because I was younger or wasn't particular about the stories or didn't have as many books under my belt or what. But some of the books I read were absolute garbage. Including this one.
The characters are insanely one dimensional. They are as interesting as soggy cardboard. The motivations behind their actions are flat and stupid. And if I have to hear one more thing about the past being in the past and it can't affect your future again...I'm going to scream. That was easily one of the dumbest things that went on in this story. Of course, your past affects your future! It is a mindless pathetic statement that doesn't have any sort of actual basis in reality. And it was repeated over and over and over again.
And the "romance" was so rushed. I didn't even feel like the characters had a connection (aside from f***ing, I guess) and the next thing I knew they were married. I hadn't even realized it at first. It happened so fast that I literally missed the sentence that said they had been married. Surprise, I guess. Suddenly they were married and pregnant and then the book was over. (That's how it felt, at least). Just wow.
January 10, 2016
2.5/5
Pff, una novela de las de antes... Creo.
Carson fue un verdadero bastardo y cretino al traumar(? de esa manera a Lara, y Lara es lo suficientemente buena (o estúpida) como para perdonarle.
No me gustó esa parte, el que el papel de víctima de Carson derritiera el corazón de Lara, porque Carson ya era lo bastante adulto como para al menos intentar arreglar las cosas en ese tiempo, y al parecer, tenía demasiadas cosas que arreglar consigo mismo.
Hay partes que se me hicieron enteramente cursiss y yo no aguanto taaanta azúcar. Después del discursito apasionado de éste no puedo imaginarme la cara de wtf del pobre doc.
El final es la tontera de siempre. Ni pum ni paf. Pasa lo que él tiene miedo que pase, pero Lara es mejor que todas(? y lo hace a medias, porque reflexiona en el camino o algo así.
El bigotito de Carson me da qué pensar.
Lo leí por accidente, entendí otra cosa en la sinopsis.. Como que ella tenía un hijo adoptivo de Carson y volvía al rancho con miedo a cruzarlo. Mientras pensaba por qué Lara tendría un niño que no es suyo estando su padre vivito y coleando me di cuenta de que de eso no trataba, u.u
Pff, una novela de las de antes... Creo.
Carson fue un verdadero bastardo y cretino al traumar(? de esa manera a Lara, y Lara es lo suficientemente buena (o estúpida) como para perdonarle.
No me gustó esa parte, el que el papel de víctima de Carson derritiera el corazón de Lara, porque Carson ya era lo bastante adulto como para al menos intentar arreglar las cosas en ese tiempo, y al parecer, tenía demasiadas cosas que arreglar consigo mismo.
Hay partes que se me hicieron enteramente cursiss y yo no aguanto taaanta azúcar. Después del discursito apasionado de éste no puedo imaginarme la cara de wtf del pobre doc.
El final es la tontera de siempre. Ni pum ni paf. Pasa lo que él tiene miedo que pase, pero Lara es mejor que todas(? y lo hace a medias, porque reflexiona en el camino o algo así.
El bigotito de Carson me da qué pensar.
Lo leí por accidente, entendí otra cosa en la sinopsis.. Como que ella tenía un hijo adoptivo de Carson y volvía al rancho con miedo a cruzarlo. Mientras pensaba por qué Lara tendría un niño que no es suyo estando su padre vivito y coleando me di cuenta de que de eso no trataba, u.u
December 24, 2018
My gut literally clenched when I read about Lara’s betrayal. But then I spent the rest of the book wondering if ANYTHING would happen. Aside from sex, almost nothing actually happened in this book!
December 9, 2017
I consulted with myself and we decided that there was no way we could finish this without wanting to put a hole in something (preferably a .45 sized hole). I mean; it's bad enough with the initial vibes of teenage-YA heroine throwing herself at older neighbor and being rejected but then you read further and figure out that he set out purposefully to seduce and, when she caved, reject her to humiliate her, all because his adoptive father - her natural father (but her parents never married) didn't love him enough to suit him. And that daddy dearest, on his deathbed apparently revealed that as a condition of the H inheriting the ranch, he had to make an heir with the h... Ok, no. No, no, a thousand times no.
I read the end - I know that she finds out *after* she slept with him (why she slept with him is beyond me) and left but it didn't stick so... TSTL heroine too apparently.
I read the end - I know that she finds out *after* she slept with him (why she slept with him is beyond me) and left but it didn't stick so... TSTL heroine too apparently.
February 10, 2009
My second favorite Elizabeth Lowell book. Again, the strong closed off emotionally void hero who has a heart that beats for one woman and one woman only. For her, he was able to overcome his hangups from a bad childhood. Of course it took a while and he made mistakes along the way. Even when he had what he wanted he kept part of him in reserve. With this book, the heroine gave up more, but for him and the love they could have it was no hardship. Again, this is the way I like the couples in books to be -- ultimately believing love conquers all and to take the good with the bad. Now that is romance that I want to read about.
December 22, 2016
This hero doesn't look back.
What does that even mean?
You act like an asshole to someone, then, years later, expect them not to be affected by your past behavior, just because you claim you don't look back on the past?
In the real world, bubbles like that burst real quick. And they'll burst when you're kind of trying to hide something...
So, this book turned out to be a bit better than at first. Though I do prefer a more fleshed-out story.
3 stars.
What does that even mean?
You act like an asshole to someone, then, years later, expect them not to be affected by your past behavior, just because you claim you don't look back on the past?
In the real world, bubbles like that burst real quick. And they'll burst when you're kind of trying to hide something...
So, this book turned out to be a bit better than at first. Though I do prefer a more fleshed-out story.
3 stars.
February 11, 2010
Fun, but predictable.
December 31, 2025
Entrei numa maratona de livros de Lowell em dezembro, muitos já lidos na época do lançamento, ou bem perto, porque nas décadas de 1980 e 1990 não eram tão acessíveis no Brasil. Claro que tanto tempo decorrido, alguns eu não posso garantir que já tivesse lido. Outros foram inéditos mesmo. Talvez alguns posteriores ao ano de 2000. Alguém escreveu por aqui que tinha uma relação de amor e ódio com a autora. Eu não chego a extremos. O que me emocionava décadas atrás passou a ser apenas uma curiosidade e um entretenimento. Há horas em que eu preciso me desligar das barbaridades cometidas diariamente pelos humanos. E aí tenho de ocupar todos os espaços da mente com ficções bem fantasiosas ou histórias de detetives (minha favorita de todos os tempos é Agatha Christie). Enfim, não deixa de ser interessante fazer essa revisão, que também tem uma nota de nostalgia - acho que muitos humanos quando envelhecem passam por essa fase de lembrança de uma época em que eram jovens e acreditavam em coisas abstratas.
Como eu fiz na última leva, vou fazer um texto só, para não me repetir. Deve ser o fechamento do ano de 2025. Nos últimos dias li praticamente um livro por dia, exceto Death Echo, que é mais para o suspense, e aí tenho de modular a ansiedade do texto com a minha em acabar logo ou passar pelas partes de suspense literal (com a idade perdi a paciência e o gosto para coisas que me causem ansiedade, acho que a realidade já é suficiente). É interessante observar a diferença entre os textos de cada época. A própria autora, em algum lugar que esqueci, fala que seu modo de escrever havia se modificado. Ainda bem. Críticas à parte, admiro muito essas autoras que reinaram nesse gênero romântico escapista, pela capacidade de construir uma trama que tem começo, meio e fim, e não contêm erros gramaticais escandalosos. Às vezes acho que os livros de Lowell terminam um tanto abruptamente, e é óbvio que ela tem fórmulas que se repetem. Mesmo sabendo disso e me irritando, não me abalo. Algumas frases ("World without end, amen" e "Life is a bitch and then you die") são praticamente uma marca registrada de alguma séries. O casal em que o homem é um misógino ofensivo às vezes exagera na misoginia, e chega às raias do abuso - é óbvio que são atitudes indefensáveis, mas eu vejo como o uso da fórmula que fez sucesso (homem coitadinho traumatizado não consegue aceitar que possa se apaixonar por uma mulher que, segundo ele, não presta blablabla, até reconhecer o valor dela; e ela, por sua vez, o ama incondicionalmente, porque blablabla não dá pra entender que goste tanto de sofrer). Os suspenses fogem dessa fórmula, claro que há um casal que se apaixona instantaneamente, mas pelo menos não há o abuso. Pode haver bombas, vilões, pancadarias, mas é outro tipo de roteiro. Há também os casos de superação de traumas, que eu acho bem aceitáveis, porque é muito humano se ter uma fobia ou um trauma causado por um acidente ou uma tragédia qualquer. Nem acho que vale a pena dissecar cada livro, porque ou você quer entrar nesse jogo ou não. Se quiser, basta saber que é um mundo à parte e muito irreal. Supera em muito qualquer vontade de ler as notícias sobre como os homens estão tratando as mulheres na vida real.
Além de Night Diver, eu li os seguintes livros em sequência: A Woman Without Lies; Dangerous Refuge; Sweet Wind, Wild Wind; Forget me Not; Death Echo; e Only His.
Apesar de ser de 1987, o "herói" não é misógino. Pode ser um tanto interesseiro, mas não chega a ser suficiente para se revirar os olhos. Às vezes fico pensando se a "heroína" dessas histórias também não exagera no sofrimento ou na incapacidade de entender certas coisas óbvias.
Como eu fiz na última leva, vou fazer um texto só, para não me repetir. Deve ser o fechamento do ano de 2025. Nos últimos dias li praticamente um livro por dia, exceto Death Echo, que é mais para o suspense, e aí tenho de modular a ansiedade do texto com a minha em acabar logo ou passar pelas partes de suspense literal (com a idade perdi a paciência e o gosto para coisas que me causem ansiedade, acho que a realidade já é suficiente). É interessante observar a diferença entre os textos de cada época. A própria autora, em algum lugar que esqueci, fala que seu modo de escrever havia se modificado. Ainda bem. Críticas à parte, admiro muito essas autoras que reinaram nesse gênero romântico escapista, pela capacidade de construir uma trama que tem começo, meio e fim, e não contêm erros gramaticais escandalosos. Às vezes acho que os livros de Lowell terminam um tanto abruptamente, e é óbvio que ela tem fórmulas que se repetem. Mesmo sabendo disso e me irritando, não me abalo. Algumas frases ("World without end, amen" e "Life is a bitch and then you die") são praticamente uma marca registrada de alguma séries. O casal em que o homem é um misógino ofensivo às vezes exagera na misoginia, e chega às raias do abuso - é óbvio que são atitudes indefensáveis, mas eu vejo como o uso da fórmula que fez sucesso (homem coitadinho traumatizado não consegue aceitar que possa se apaixonar por uma mulher que, segundo ele, não presta blablabla, até reconhecer o valor dela; e ela, por sua vez, o ama incondicionalmente, porque blablabla não dá pra entender que goste tanto de sofrer). Os suspenses fogem dessa fórmula, claro que há um casal que se apaixona instantaneamente, mas pelo menos não há o abuso. Pode haver bombas, vilões, pancadarias, mas é outro tipo de roteiro. Há também os casos de superação de traumas, que eu acho bem aceitáveis, porque é muito humano se ter uma fobia ou um trauma causado por um acidente ou uma tragédia qualquer. Nem acho que vale a pena dissecar cada livro, porque ou você quer entrar nesse jogo ou não. Se quiser, basta saber que é um mundo à parte e muito irreal. Supera em muito qualquer vontade de ler as notícias sobre como os homens estão tratando as mulheres na vida real.
Além de Night Diver, eu li os seguintes livros em sequência: A Woman Without Lies; Dangerous Refuge; Sweet Wind, Wild Wind; Forget me Not; Death Echo; e Only His.
Apesar de ser de 1987, o "herói" não é misógino. Pode ser um tanto interesseiro, mas não chega a ser suficiente para se revirar os olhos. Às vezes fico pensando se a "heroína" dessas histórias também não exagera no sofrimento ou na incapacidade de entender certas coisas óbvias.
September 6, 2019
Lara Chandler grew up in the middle of the Rocking B Ranch (in WY or MT), granddaughter of the ramrod and illegitimate daughter of the owner. She's come back to write a history of the ranch after her father and grandfather have both died. The new owner is the adopted son of her father - Carson Blackridge. Four years earlier, they nearly had an affair, that adversely affected both of them.
Carson now wants Lara for herself, but his father's will complicates their relationship even more. Eventually the records reveal all to Lara and they make it through. Very sensual.
Carson now wants Lara for herself, but his father's will complicates their relationship even more. Eventually the records reveal all to Lara and they make it through. Very sensual.
April 1, 2018
Éste libro nos demuestra por enésima vez que una mala decisión te puede acarrear consecuencias futuras.
September 22, 2018
Good Story, but all of Elizabethl's are.
October 27, 2019
Its a very slow book, painfully slow. I wanted something angsty and this book looked like it had it. Everybody lives on one ranch and the Heros dad married his mom but she couldnt have kids so they adopted the H. Meanwhile the dad started an affair with the heroines mom that also lived on the land. Everybody knew that she was his bastard child. When the book opens everybody is dead and the H wants to get close to the h. 4 years ago he seduced her only to reject her at the last moment, since then she cant be intimate with any man. So now starts the tedious path of gaining back her trust so he can have her. It really was tedious and painfully boring to read.
The H asks for another chance and to forget the past, she does not question this. She is the only biological daughter of the heroes dad, from a ranch that is big on history and family, but no questions. And the H keeps agonizing about when she finds out what she will do. It was eazy to guess what was going to happen and not worth it to read 250 to find out.
The H asks for another chance and to forget the past, she does not question this. She is the only biological daughter of the heroes dad, from a ranch that is big on history and family, but no questions. And the H keeps agonizing about when she finds out what she will do. It was eazy to guess what was going to happen and not worth it to read 250 to find out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
August 26, 2020Ugh. DNF’d after Carson’s very cocky proclamation that there were plenty of other women interested in him if Lara wasn’t. 🙄 I’m just really over this type of romance novel.
September 22, 2021
Entertaining, yet fairly standard and predictable, western romance.
August 20, 2024
It’s too obvious what the big reveal is going to be and I got too stressed out to finish it. The poor guy had no good options. Might read again when I’m more mentally prepared.
January 29, 2026
At first I couldn’t get into it, it took me a while! But one I got into it was a roll coaster! The ending was worth it! Definitely recommend
June 15, 2019
At the end of this story, I wondered, ‘Is that all there is?’ I did not find this to be a satisfying story; I scan-read through much of this book. Generally, I found most of the characters to be uninteresting; some were downright hateful (even if they were dead).
One of the problems I had with this story centers around Lara and Carson’s ages. At the time Lara fell in love with Carson, she was 18 and he was 27. As a parent, if my daughter came home with a 27-year-old man, I would be horrified. At that pivotal time in their lives, there were just too many years between them. Now, 4 years later, that age difference is not so significant.
Anyway, I thought the story was boring and I just didn’t care about the characters.
One of the problems I had with this story centers around Lara and Carson’s ages. At the time Lara fell in love with Carson, she was 18 and he was 27. As a parent, if my daughter came home with a 27-year-old man, I would be horrified. At that pivotal time in their lives, there were just too many years between them. Now, 4 years later, that age difference is not so significant.
Anyway, I thought the story was boring and I just didn’t care about the characters.
April 9, 2014
This story was out back in the 80's but this is my first time to read it. I really liked it. It reminds me of Diana Palmer but with a bit more sexy. I'm now checking into more of Ms. Lowell's other books.
Here is a write up from Amazon:
As an innocent, Lara Chandler had once offered herself in love to Carson Blackridge. He had turned away from her in a rejection that had frozen her sensuality. Now the only thing that could touch her passion was the history of the Rocking B, the ranch that both Carson and Lara had grown up on.
Carson had been adopted as a baby by the owner of the Rocking B. But he had never been loved. The bitter history between his adoptive parents had taught him that the past could only destroy the present. Yet that past kept reaching forward, destroying Carson’s hope of saving the Rocking B. He needed Lara to keep the ranch, yet she fled whenever he approached. Time was running out.
Only together could Carson and Lara keep the ranch. Only together could they learn that love would bridge the bitterness of the past and create a better future for children of the Rocking B.
Here is a write up from Amazon:
As an innocent, Lara Chandler had once offered herself in love to Carson Blackridge. He had turned away from her in a rejection that had frozen her sensuality. Now the only thing that could touch her passion was the history of the Rocking B, the ranch that both Carson and Lara had grown up on.
Carson had been adopted as a baby by the owner of the Rocking B. But he had never been loved. The bitter history between his adoptive parents had taught him that the past could only destroy the present. Yet that past kept reaching forward, destroying Carson’s hope of saving the Rocking B. He needed Lara to keep the ranch, yet she fled whenever he approached. Time was running out.
Only together could Carson and Lara keep the ranch. Only together could they learn that love would bridge the bitterness of the past and create a better future for children of the Rocking B.
September 17, 2010
Sweet Wind, Wild Wind is the story of Lara Chandler and Carson Blackridge. Lara loved Carson in her innocence and he betrayed her. Now she has come back to chronicle the history of the Rocking B Ranch, the land both she and Carson called home in their youth. Carson is determined to win Lara back, but as Lara begins to trust him, she finds herself wondering if she's about to make the same mistake again. All in all the plot is pretty basic and the sex is pretty good, so it's an above average romance novel in my opinion. If you are looking for a quick, brainless, steamy read, go for it.
May 10, 2010
I read this once before, but it was good enough to read again.
Lara Chandler has come home to the Rocking B Ranch--but not for the man she loved and now hates. Carson Blackridge is waiting, though, determined to win Lara back for all the right reasons--and one wrong one. But even as Lara begins to trust the love she has denied for so long, she is faced with the growing fear that history is repeating itself. And that she'll make the same mistakes.
Lara Chandler has come home to the Rocking B Ranch--but not for the man she loved and now hates. Carson Blackridge is waiting, though, determined to win Lara back for all the right reasons--and one wrong one. But even as Lara begins to trust the love she has denied for so long, she is faced with the growing fear that history is repeating itself. And that she'll make the same mistakes.
October 23, 2011
Reread
I like this book and that stayed the same even after quite a few yrs.Carson and Lara live on the same ranch and fall for each other,just when they are going to make love he dumps her.She leaves for collage and becomes a historian,then comes back 4 yrs later to do the history of the two families that share the ranch.They get together again but keep the secrets to them themselves even while working out the trouble it got them into in the first place...
I like this book and that stayed the same even after quite a few yrs.Carson and Lara live on the same ranch and fall for each other,just when they are going to make love he dumps her.She leaves for collage and becomes a historian,then comes back 4 yrs later to do the history of the two families that share the ranch.They get together again but keep the secrets to them themselves even while working out the trouble it got them into in the first place...
February 4, 2017
Top 5
Very good reading. I like this story as well as I like almost all of the books of Elizabeth Lowell. Her Medieval stories ( "Untamed", "Forbidden", "Enchanted" ) are until now the greatest for me.
Very good reading. I like this story as well as I like almost all of the books of Elizabeth Lowell. Her Medieval stories ( "Untamed", "Forbidden", "Enchanted" ) are until now the greatest for me.
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