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Under Apache Skies
When a rugged stranger darkens the door of her family ranch, Martha Jean Flynn can tell right away that Ridge Longtree is nothing like the other cowboys who usually show up in search of work. For in the eyes of this raven-haired, half-Indian loner, Martha sees the hint of danger, the depths of sorrow—and the tiniest spark of untold passion.
Indeed, tragedy forced Ridge Longtree to leave the Apache stronghold at a young age. But when Martha's father is murdered, and Apache kidnap her younger sister, he cannot bear to see her distraught. Reluctantly, he agrees to lead her to the stronghold to save her kin. But somewhere along the jagged mountain trail, the two discover a passion that threatens to set their hearts aflame and endanger their mission of rescue.
Indeed, tragedy forced Ridge Longtree to leave the Apache stronghold at a young age. But when Martha's father is murdered, and Apache kidnap her younger sister, he cannot bear to see her distraught. Reluctantly, he agrees to lead her to the stronghold to save her kin. But somewhere along the jagged mountain trail, the two discover a passion that threatens to set their hearts aflame and endanger their mission of rescue.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
65 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Madeline Baker
88 books288 followersMadeline Ruth was born on 1963 in California, where she raised. She married her high school sweetheart and they have three sons, all handsome enough to be cover models. Growing up, her favorite pastimes were going to the movies and going horseback riding on Saturday mornings at Griffith Park. Madeline has always been "horse happy." A horse was the one thing she asked for on every birthday and every Christmas. Many years later, that dream came true when she bought an Appaloosa mare named Candy—because she was so sweet. Madeline loves animals. Over the years, she's had numerous dogs, cats, fish, mice, hamsters, turtles and birds, and her horse, of course. The most exotic pet was a crocodile that belonged to one of her sons. Currently, she has a terribly spoiled Pomeranian named Teddi, six goldfish, a catfish, and a betta. When she's not writing, Madeline enjoys going to movies and the theater. Her favorite plays are The Phantom of the Opera, The Scarlet Pimpernel and her all-time fave, Beauty and the Beast. She also loves reading, going to lunch with her best friend, collecting Star Wars, The Phantom of the Opera and Beauty and the Beast memorabilia, and playing with the most beautiful, adorable, brilliant grandkids in the world.
Madeline started writing when her children were still at home, and she wrote for several years, finding time to write after her children were in bed and her husband was at work. In true cliché fashion, she wrote the books and put them under the bed, never telling anyone what she was doing, until one day she let a friend read one. Encouraged by her friend's comments, and armed with a copy of Writer's Market supplied by said friend, Madeline began sending out query letters. After six years and 31 rejections, Leisure Books bought Reckless Heart, and she's been writing ever since. After writing several Westerns, Madeline decided to try her hand at something else and wrote her first vampire romance. It was a short story titled "Masquerade" for an anthology. She loved writing that so much that she wrote her first full-length vampire romance, Embrace the Night, and thus Amanda Ashley was born. One of her dreams had been to write for Harlequin, and she accomplished that in 2003 with the publication of her Silhouette Romance novel, Dude Ranch Bride. Madeline loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her online at DarkWritr@aol.com or by mail at PO Box 1703, Whittier, CA 90609-1703.
Madeline started writing when her children were still at home, and she wrote for several years, finding time to write after her children were in bed and her husband was at work. In true cliché fashion, she wrote the books and put them under the bed, never telling anyone what she was doing, until one day she let a friend read one. Encouraged by her friend's comments, and armed with a copy of Writer's Market supplied by said friend, Madeline began sending out query letters. After six years and 31 rejections, Leisure Books bought Reckless Heart, and she's been writing ever since. After writing several Westerns, Madeline decided to try her hand at something else and wrote her first vampire romance. It was a short story titled "Masquerade" for an anthology. She loved writing that so much that she wrote her first full-length vampire romance, Embrace the Night, and thus Amanda Ashley was born. One of her dreams had been to write for Harlequin, and she accomplished that in 2003 with the publication of her Silhouette Romance novel, Dude Ranch Bride. Madeline loves to hear from her readers. You can reach her online at DarkWritr@aol.com or by mail at PO Box 1703, Whittier, CA 90609-1703.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 28, 2023
Rating: 3.3 / 5
Part of the originality in this story is that it focuses on two romances, of the two Flynn sisters, Dani and Marty. Dani's the "pretty one", but also the one who's useless at any survival stuff, a bit of a crybaby, and just in general a spoiled brat. Marty, on the other hand, it is a bit of a prude, always has a "I'm in charge and I'm manly and can take care of myself" type of attitude, and in general is actually the more difficult of the two when it comes to being forgiving or understanding or showing any weakness whatsoever.
When Ridge Longtree meets up with them, that is where our story begins.
Now, in terms of Madeline Baker reads, this one falls somewhere in the middle in terms of acceptability. On the one hand, there's nothing particularly bad about it like rape scenes or bad writing or anything like that; but, there also isn't anything particularly good, like the goodies I love in Hawk's Woman or Lakota Love Song or Chase the Wind--and yes, I've read a lot of books by this author, so I can make judgements in terms of what I personally like more in terms of her works, versus what I like slightly less.
This falls in the middle.
At the beginning, I could've sworn the author was setting up a love triangle between the two sisters and Ridge, since he literally makes out with both of them and finds things to like about them both--though he seems to prefer Marty just a bit more, what with her being older and all. The only problem is that because he keeps finding things he likes about Dani, it's really touch and go for quite a bit, which makes Ridge kind of an indecisive jerk.
I swear, the Apache kidnapping Dani is a blessing by that point, and starts us off on two sets of proper romances thereafter.
I think part of my problems from then onwards is with Marty as a character, because...well, she's a horrible tease. On the one hand, she obviously wants Ridge and even seems to lead him on quite a few times, but always backtracks before they get to do anything, which, for him at least, I think it kinda unfair. I mean, I get "saving yourself" for marriage and whatnot, but at least then don't encourage him like you have been doing! Seriously, there are LIMITS, I like to think.
Apart from that, the ending is a bit abrupt, but at least the story didn't feel like it was long drawn-out or anything, The resolutions are rather convenient and happy-flaffy, but I kind of expect that from Madeline Baker in terms of reads, so maybe I don't mind it overly much.
All in all, I'd classify this as quite a decent read, just not one that I'm 100% on re-reading necessary. I've read worse, but I've also read better.
Take it just as it is.
Part of the originality in this story is that it focuses on two romances, of the two Flynn sisters, Dani and Marty. Dani's the "pretty one", but also the one who's useless at any survival stuff, a bit of a crybaby, and just in general a spoiled brat. Marty, on the other hand, it is a bit of a prude, always has a "I'm in charge and I'm manly and can take care of myself" type of attitude, and in general is actually the more difficult of the two when it comes to being forgiving or understanding or showing any weakness whatsoever.
When Ridge Longtree meets up with them, that is where our story begins.
Now, in terms of Madeline Baker reads, this one falls somewhere in the middle in terms of acceptability. On the one hand, there's nothing particularly bad about it like rape scenes or bad writing or anything like that; but, there also isn't anything particularly good, like the goodies I love in Hawk's Woman or Lakota Love Song or Chase the Wind--and yes, I've read a lot of books by this author, so I can make judgements in terms of what I personally like more in terms of her works, versus what I like slightly less.
This falls in the middle.
At the beginning, I could've sworn the author was setting up a love triangle between the two sisters and Ridge, since he literally makes out with both of them and finds things to like about them both--though he seems to prefer Marty just a bit more, what with her being older and all. The only problem is that because he keeps finding things he likes about Dani, it's really touch and go for quite a bit, which makes Ridge kind of an indecisive jerk.
I swear, the Apache kidnapping Dani is a blessing by that point, and starts us off on two sets of proper romances thereafter.
I think part of my problems from then onwards is with Marty as a character, because...well, she's a horrible tease. On the one hand, she obviously wants Ridge and even seems to lead him on quite a few times, but always backtracks before they get to do anything, which, for him at least, I think it kinda unfair. I mean, I get "saving yourself" for marriage and whatnot, but at least then don't encourage him like you have been doing! Seriously, there are LIMITS, I like to think.
Apart from that, the ending is a bit abrupt, but at least the story didn't feel like it was long drawn-out or anything, The resolutions are rather convenient and happy-flaffy, but I kind of expect that from Madeline Baker in terms of reads, so maybe I don't mind it overly much.
All in all, I'd classify this as quite a decent read, just not one that I'm 100% on re-reading necessary. I've read worse, but I've also read better.
Take it just as it is.
August 17, 2010
I think this was really a 2.5 star read for me. For one thing, I didn't like how the author harped on the fact that the heroine was not as pretty as the other sister, especially in the beginning of the book. While I'm not always looking for perfect looking characters, I don't need a constant reminder that she was not the beauty in the family. Then the hero kisses the younger sister because he was comforting her. When he goes to comfort the heroine, he kisses her too. I didn't like that. The younger sister got on my nerves b/c she was with Cory but there was a part where she was like Cory's kisses did not feel like the hero's kisses and then fast forwarded a bit she pleaded with her sister to allow her and Cory to marry b/c they were in love. Then when she is kidnapped, she quickly forget about Cory. The sister did not add anything to this story, in fact, she deduction stars off of this. Then after the first sexual experience for both sisters, the men turn to them and asked, "Are you ok?"
They look and say "Better than ok!" I'm sorry but that worked my nerves really bad because they were all seductive too. LOL! I don't know about anybody's first time but the females don't normally say that. The story was good in parts but there was other silly parts to it too.
They look and say "Better than ok!" I'm sorry but that worked my nerves really bad because they were all seductive too. LOL! I don't know about anybody's first time but the females don't normally say that. The story was good in parts but there was other silly parts to it too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2015
I enjoy a good Native American romance but this one did not cut it for me. I didn't particularly care for the author's writing style. I thought the sentences were too short or too long. Due to that I skimmed thru quite a bit of the book and then stopped about 75% thru. I'm not sure how I made it that far.
I didn't like that one sister was made out to be beautiful simply because she was blonde and helpless. The older sister was brunette as well as strong and independent and therefore must be "less attractive." That just gives into the stupid stereotype that women can't be pretty if they're smart and have spunk.
I didn't like that one sister was made out to be beautiful simply because she was blonde and helpless. The older sister was brunette as well as strong and independent and therefore must be "less attractive." That just gives into the stupid stereotype that women can't be pretty if they're smart and have spunk.
June 29, 2016
Really liked Marty's story. Disliked the writing style. Also really really disliked the younger sister she was whiny and immature and makes an extremely stupid decision. The author was really repetitive when describing certain details, it was annoying! I really don't give a damn what the living room looks like especially since you already told me. Did you forget? Still gave it 2 stars because the sex scenes were pretty hot and sexy. Also Marty was awesome.
October 22, 2017
A Quick Read
Enjoyed it considerably, but sadly it went too quickly and probably, because I couldn't put it down. Give it a try.
Enjoyed it considerably, but sadly it went too quickly and probably, because I couldn't put it down. Give it a try.
March 13, 2018
Under Apache Skies
I loved this story. I look forward to reading more of her books. I recommend everyone to read this book. Kattie.
I loved this story. I look forward to reading more of her books. I recommend everyone to read this book. Kattie.
February 3, 2020
Loved it!
Great story line. Loved the two sisters relationship and their men! The story came together beautifully. Highly recommend reading this one!!!
Great story line. Loved the two sisters relationship and their men! The story came together beautifully. Highly recommend reading this one!!!
October 29, 2023
An enjoyable quick read. Yes the story was predictable but it was good.
August 12, 2024
I enjoyed reading the book.
March 21, 2017
Yet another amazing book
About to start another book from her collection. I thoroughly enjoy reading her books. I love the way she writes to, I feel as though I'm there. Highly recommended, Thanks!
About to start another book from her collection. I thoroughly enjoy reading her books. I love the way she writes to, I feel as though I'm there. Highly recommended, Thanks!
March 12, 2011
Wendy's Review
Under Apache Skies was a wonderful book. Its characters' are strong heros and heroines alike. I like how Madeline made two love stories into one.
Martha Jean and Dani lived in the Wild West but they were sisters that were like night and day. Marty wore the pants in the family her father Seamus Flynn expected so much more from her than her sister Dani. Dani took care of the house and made sure meals were on the table she did everything a lady was suppose to. Marty could brand and castrate cattle with the best of them.
Then there was one fateful event where someone killed Seamus and left his daughters to fend for themselves. Marty made sure that she didn't fall apart— she had to be strong for her sister Dani just like she always did even when their mother took off years before and left the girls alone with their father. Of course Marty could have cared less but Dani stilled missed her.
Along came Ridge Longtree, gunslinger and half Apache. When she saw him comforting Dani after her father's death, Marty couldn't understand the emotions bringing them together. What she didn't realize is that Ridge didn't have designs on Dani, he only had eyes on her.
The events of this book had you reading and reading not realizing how engrossed you became in the storyline. Madeline has just the right amount of adventures and mystery to peak the interest of the reader. It is a book that makes you feel good and enriched in history.
Loved the plot and the story!
5 Tea Cups!
Under Apache Skies was a wonderful book. Its characters' are strong heros and heroines alike. I like how Madeline made two love stories into one.
Martha Jean and Dani lived in the Wild West but they were sisters that were like night and day. Marty wore the pants in the family her father Seamus Flynn expected so much more from her than her sister Dani. Dani took care of the house and made sure meals were on the table she did everything a lady was suppose to. Marty could brand and castrate cattle with the best of them.
Then there was one fateful event where someone killed Seamus and left his daughters to fend for themselves. Marty made sure that she didn't fall apart— she had to be strong for her sister Dani just like she always did even when their mother took off years before and left the girls alone with their father. Of course Marty could have cared less but Dani stilled missed her.
Along came Ridge Longtree, gunslinger and half Apache. When she saw him comforting Dani after her father's death, Marty couldn't understand the emotions bringing them together. What she didn't realize is that Ridge didn't have designs on Dani, he only had eyes on her.
The events of this book had you reading and reading not realizing how engrossed you became in the storyline. Madeline has just the right amount of adventures and mystery to peak the interest of the reader. It is a book that makes you feel good and enriched in history.
Loved the plot and the story!
5 Tea Cups!
January 20, 2015
Half breed hired gun Ridge Longtree rides into the Flynn Ranch and right away things begin to happen. The only thing I disagree with I don't think anyone would have named their daughter Danielle at that time.
Sisters Martha Jane and Danielle had been deserted by their mother seven years before. a neighbor wants their ranch whom prickly Marty is having nothing to do with. Their father is murdered. Apaches raid the ranch and both sisters find themselves falling in love.
If you think I'm telling you more about the plot, guess again!!!
Sisters Martha Jane and Danielle had been deserted by their mother seven years before. a neighbor wants their ranch whom prickly Marty is having nothing to do with. Their father is murdered. Apaches raid the ranch and both sisters find themselves falling in love.
If you think I'm telling you more about the plot, guess again!!!
May 9, 2011
I liked this book, but it seemed pretty abrupt to me. It's a good book, though, and I've added Baker's other books to my to-read list.
November 28, 2011
It was a really great book!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews