What do you think?
Rate this book
Fallen Angels #6
River of Fire
He was known as the Demon Warrior. As rebel, soldier, hero, and spy, Kenneth Wilding has never known defeat, until he returns from the Napoleonic wars to an empty title and a ravaged estate. Then a stranger offers a devil's bargain: financial salvation in return for Kenneth's special subversive skills. Reluctantly, Kenneth enters the household of England's greatest artist to unmask a terrible crime. But he also discovers something infinitely more dangerous: a tantalizing new way of life and an irresistible woman.
After scandal destroys her trust and her reputation, tempestuous Rebecca Seaton withdraws to her attic studio and buries herself in her work. Then Kenneth Wilding sweeps into her life, dazzling her senses with his pirate's face and poet's soul. Warily, they slide into a duel of desire that brings both searing risks and shattering fulfillment, and unleashes a danger that threatens Rebecca's life—even as passion sweeps them into a river of fire that transforms their very souls.
After scandal destroys her trust and her reputation, tempestuous Rebecca Seaton withdraws to her attic studio and buries herself in her work. Then Kenneth Wilding sweeps into her life, dazzling her senses with his pirate's face and poet's soul. Warily, they slide into a duel of desire that brings both searing risks and shattering fulfillment, and unleashes a danger that threatens Rebecca's life—even as passion sweeps them into a river of fire that transforms their very souls.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
239 people are currently reading
1010 people want to read
About the author
Mary Jo Putney
167 books2,261 followersShe writes young adult fiction as M.J. Putney.
Mary Jo Putney was born on 1946 in Upstate New York with a reading addiction, a condition for which there is no known cure. After earning degrees in English Literature and Industrial Design at Syracuse University, she did various forms of design work in California and England before inertia took over in Baltimore, Maryland, where she has lived very comfortably ever since.
While becoming a novelist was her ultimate fantasy, it never occurred to her that writing was an achievable goal until she acquired a computer for other purposes. When the realization hit that a computer was the ultimate writing tool, she charged merrily into her first book with an ignorance that illustrates the adage that fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
Fortune sometimes favors the foolish and her first book sold quickly, thereby changing her life forever, in most ways for the better. (“But why didn't anyone tell me that writing would change the way one reads?”) Like a lemming over a cliff, she gave up her freelance graphic design business to become a full-time writer as soon as possible.
Since 1987, Ms. Putney has published twenty-nine books and counting. Her stories are noted for psychological depth and unusual subject matter such as alcoholism, death and dying, and domestic abuse. She has made all of the national bestseller lists including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USAToday, and Publishers Weekly. Five of her books have been named among the year’s top five romances by The Library Journal. The Spiral Path and Stolen Magic were chosen as one of Top Ten romances of their years by Booklist, published by the American Library Association.
A nine-time finalist for the Romance Writers of America RITA, she has won RITAs for Dancing on the Wind and The Rake and the Reformer and is on the RWA Honor Roll for bestselling authors. She has been awarded two Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards, four NJRW Golden Leaf awards, plus the NJRW career achievement award for historical romance. Though most of her books have been historical, she has also published three contemporary romances. The Marriage Spell will be out in June 2006 in hardcover, and Stolen Magic (written as M. J. Putney) will be released in July 2006.
Ms. Putney says that not least among the blessings of a full-time writing career is that one almost never has to wear pantyhose.
Mary Jo Putney was born on 1946 in Upstate New York with a reading addiction, a condition for which there is no known cure. After earning degrees in English Literature and Industrial Design at Syracuse University, she did various forms of design work in California and England before inertia took over in Baltimore, Maryland, where she has lived very comfortably ever since.
While becoming a novelist was her ultimate fantasy, it never occurred to her that writing was an achievable goal until she acquired a computer for other purposes. When the realization hit that a computer was the ultimate writing tool, she charged merrily into her first book with an ignorance that illustrates the adage that fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
Fortune sometimes favors the foolish and her first book sold quickly, thereby changing her life forever, in most ways for the better. (“But why didn't anyone tell me that writing would change the way one reads?”) Like a lemming over a cliff, she gave up her freelance graphic design business to become a full-time writer as soon as possible.
Since 1987, Ms. Putney has published twenty-nine books and counting. Her stories are noted for psychological depth and unusual subject matter such as alcoholism, death and dying, and domestic abuse. She has made all of the national bestseller lists including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USAToday, and Publishers Weekly. Five of her books have been named among the year’s top five romances by The Library Journal. The Spiral Path and Stolen Magic were chosen as one of Top Ten romances of their years by Booklist, published by the American Library Association.
A nine-time finalist for the Romance Writers of America RITA, she has won RITAs for Dancing on the Wind and The Rake and the Reformer and is on the RWA Honor Roll for bestselling authors. She has been awarded two Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards, four NJRW Golden Leaf awards, plus the NJRW career achievement award for historical romance. Though most of her books have been historical, she has also published three contemporary romances. The Marriage Spell will be out in June 2006 in hardcover, and Stolen Magic (written as M. J. Putney) will be released in July 2006.
Ms. Putney says that not least among the blessings of a full-time writing career is that one almost never has to wear pantyhose.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
August 31, 2009
Although I didn't like the way the last fifty pages tied every storyline up with a shiny bow, I think this is still my 2nd favorite in the series behind Dancing on the Wind. And this is a must-read for any romance reader who has a passion in one of the creative fields (in my case, writing). The things Rebecca tells Kenneth about painting can be applied across the board, and I especially found it very insightful.
Captain Kenneth Wilding aka Viscount Kimball is in debt due to his father's obsession with his young grasping wife. Now that his father has passed, Kenneth is left with very little to support himself, his sister, and his estate of Sutterton. When he is offered a proposition - a little spying for the entire mortgage against Sutterton being forgiven - he sees no other option. So he enters the house of Sir Anthony Seaton, world-renowned painter, and the charade begins. What he doesn't count on, however, is his attraction to Sir Anthony's ruined, spinster daughter Rebecca.
Rebecca is still deeply in mourning for her mother, who died under mysterious circumstances the summer previously. She's been disenchanted by life and has closed herself off with her cat and her easel. But when she sees Kenneth for the first time, she once again feels a spark of interest - for life and for her art. When she discovers that Kenneth is an artist, too, she sets out to help him reach his potential, while trying to decide what kind of a future she wants and what part, if any, Kenneth is willing to play in it.
This was a good book that stopped short of being great due to two factors: (1) the overwhelming description of art, that sometimes drowned out any other plot going on at the time, and (2) the lackluster ending. Call me crazy, but I really get annoyed by a "too perfect" ending, and this one, unfortunately, had one. The villain got his just rewards, and everyone else was destined to live a long and happy life. Plus, MJP lapsed back into a behavior that really ruined fan-favorite The Rake for me: psychoanalyzing dialogue by a character. There's a finesse to understanding the psychological implications and motives behind a character's action/thoughts, and making sure the reader understands them as well, without saying it straight out. There are sometimes that MJP loses all subtletly, and those are the most disappointing parts to me, because I know she can do better.
Overall, this was a solid addition to a good series. B+
Captain Kenneth Wilding aka Viscount Kimball is in debt due to his father's obsession with his young grasping wife. Now that his father has passed, Kenneth is left with very little to support himself, his sister, and his estate of Sutterton. When he is offered a proposition - a little spying for the entire mortgage against Sutterton being forgiven - he sees no other option. So he enters the house of Sir Anthony Seaton, world-renowned painter, and the charade begins. What he doesn't count on, however, is his attraction to Sir Anthony's ruined, spinster daughter Rebecca.
Rebecca is still deeply in mourning for her mother, who died under mysterious circumstances the summer previously. She's been disenchanted by life and has closed herself off with her cat and her easel. But when she sees Kenneth for the first time, she once again feels a spark of interest - for life and for her art. When she discovers that Kenneth is an artist, too, she sets out to help him reach his potential, while trying to decide what kind of a future she wants and what part, if any, Kenneth is willing to play in it.
This was a good book that stopped short of being great due to two factors: (1) the overwhelming description of art, that sometimes drowned out any other plot going on at the time, and (2) the lackluster ending. Call me crazy, but I really get annoyed by a "too perfect" ending, and this one, unfortunately, had one. The villain got his just rewards, and everyone else was destined to live a long and happy life. Plus, MJP lapsed back into a behavior that really ruined fan-favorite The Rake for me: psychoanalyzing dialogue by a character. There's a finesse to understanding the psychological implications and motives behind a character's action/thoughts, and making sure the reader understands them as well, without saying it straight out. There are sometimes that MJP loses all subtletly, and those are the most disappointing parts to me, because I know she can do better.
Overall, this was a solid addition to a good series. B+
November 29, 2024
Barely 3 stars.
Lord Bowman, nursing a serious grudge against his younger brother Anthony for eloping with Bowman’s fiancé 28 years previously, persuades Kenneth Wilding to covertly investigate the death of Anthony’s wife in return for clearing the debts encumbering his estate. Kenneth finds the thought of infiltrating Anthony’s household in the guise of his new secretary morally repugnant, especially after meeting Anthony’s intriguing daughter Rebecca, but cannot save his estate any other way.
Rebecca, like her father, is a brilliant artist, and a virtual recluse in his home, thanks to a youthful mistake she made which earned her a notorious reputation and closed the doors to society to her. She is as drawn to Kenneth as he is to her, and vacillates between want and wariness.
This is competently written, but when descriptions of painting techniques are more interesting than a murder mystery and a budding romance there’s a problem. Kenneth’s investigation into Rebecca’s mother’s death plodded along, going nowhere, and Kenneth and Rebecca alternately gave in to lust and then remembered all the reasons they shouldn’t, and Rebecca occasionally acted like a teenage drama queen and I just never did fully engage in the story or with the characters. So when the murder mystery abruptly reached an improbable conclusion and all the issues between Kenneth and Rebecca magically resolved themselves, I went “meh,” and closed the book on this one.
Lord Bowman, nursing a serious grudge against his younger brother Anthony for eloping with Bowman’s fiancé 28 years previously, persuades Kenneth Wilding to covertly investigate the death of Anthony’s wife in return for clearing the debts encumbering his estate. Kenneth finds the thought of infiltrating Anthony’s household in the guise of his new secretary morally repugnant, especially after meeting Anthony’s intriguing daughter Rebecca, but cannot save his estate any other way.
Rebecca, like her father, is a brilliant artist, and a virtual recluse in his home, thanks to a youthful mistake she made which earned her a notorious reputation and closed the doors to society to her. She is as drawn to Kenneth as he is to her, and vacillates between want and wariness.
This is competently written, but when descriptions of painting techniques are more interesting than a murder mystery and a budding romance there’s a problem. Kenneth’s investigation into Rebecca’s mother’s death plodded along, going nowhere, and Kenneth and Rebecca alternately gave in to lust and then remembered all the reasons they shouldn’t, and Rebecca occasionally acted like a teenage drama queen and I just never did fully engage in the story or with the characters. So when the murder mystery abruptly reached an improbable conclusion and all the issues between Kenneth and Rebecca magically resolved themselves, I went “meh,” and closed the book on this one.
June 23, 2019
Review of audiobook version of outstanding historical romance
Captain Kenneth Wilding, newly Viscount Kimball, has been left with nothing but a mountain of debts after his father’s death. His besotted father mortgaged everything he owned to maintain his young, beautiful, and extremely avaricious second wife in the exalted style she demanded as her due. At age 33, Kenneth has spent the past 15 years in the military, including the entirety of the Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815), a good portion of that war spent as a spy. Though Kenneth is a military hero, he has accumulated very little savings, and it is not in his power to salvage Sutterton, the family estate, from imminent foreclosure. If it were only a problem for himself, Kenneth might not have minded terribly. But his younger sister has been cheated out of her marriage portion, and all of the servants and estate workers will be greatly harmed if he loses the estate.
Then, out of the blue, Kenneth is handed an offer he cannot resist. A wealthy peer has purchased the estate’s mortgage and is willing to forgive a massive 50,000 pounds of debt if Kenneth will act as a spy on his behalf. The peer wants Kenneth to conduct a criminal investigation of the peer’s brother, Sir Anthony Seaton, who is a rich and famous painter. Sir Anthony’s wife died a year ago under suspicious circumstances, and his brother is convinced that Sir Anthony murdered his wife. He wants Kenneth to seek out proof that is solid enough to stand up in court. Though the motivation of the peer for hiring him is murky at best, Kenneth convinces himself that there is nothing morally wrong with attempting to prove Sir Anthony either guilty or innocent of what might have been a terrible crime.
As it turns out, Kenneth is easily able to insert himself into the Seaton household as Sir Anthony’s personal assistant. As far as Sir Anthony is concerned, the number one qualification he prizes in a potential assistant, which Kenneth possesses to a great degree, is that he is highly versed in the field of fine art. Unknown initially to Sir Anthony (but which is revealed in the book just previous to this one in the Fallen Angels series, Shattered Rainbows), Kenneth is a very talented artist who excels both at drawing and watercolor painting. He fits seamlessly into the Seaton household, bringing order out of colorful chaos because he is intelligent, dedicated, and very well organized. He also offers, at Sir Anthony’s request, much appreciated feedback for Sir Anthony’s huge, elaborate series of paintings of the Battle of Waterloo, which Kenneth directly participated in.
Rebecca Seaton is the 27-year-old, spinster daughter of Sir Anthony, who is a brilliant oil painter in her own right. Though, unlike her father, she has yet to exhibit or sell any of her work. Rebecca is afraid to put herself and her work in front of the public because she has been ostracized from polite society since she ran off with a fellow artist 10 years ago when she was only 17. Before going through with the marriage ceremony, she changed her mind and came home to her parents. As an open-minded, unconventional artist and his equally free-spirited wife, rather than shaming and rejecting their errant daughter, they congratulated her for a narrow escape from a potentially disastrous alliance.
Kenneth is intensely attracted to Rebecca, both out of sincere admiration of her artistic talent and because she is a beautiful, fascinating woman. Unfortunately, he cannot legitimately court her. Not only is he in her home under false pretenses, but he cannot afford to support a wife in the first style of elegance. Which is how, under her father’s roof, that Rebecca has been raised and lived all her adult life.
I really enjoyed reading about the multi-faceted, romantic connection between Rebecca and Kenneth, as two people falling in love who are extremely sexually attracted to each other, and as two brilliant artists. I especially appreciated the way that Rebecca offers lessons in oil painting to Kenneth. He accepts her training gratefully, and Rebecca both shares her extensive knowledge and, unlike his stodgy father when Kenneth was young, encourages Kenneth to pursue his calling as an artist.
There is an intriguing, overarching mystery plot in this novel as Kenneth attempts to discover if Rebecca’s mother was murdered and, if so, “whodunnit,” as well as the underlying puzzle as to why the peer who hired Kenneth hates his brother, Sir Anthony, enough to destroy his life. There is also a sweet, secondary romance involving Kenneth’s younger sister, and an important subplot surrounding Kenneth’s viciously greedy stepmother. All of these subplots merge seamlessly into the main romance plot.
Rebecca is an extremely sympathetic heroine. She is simultaneously very confident and very emotionally vulnerable. It was a pleasure to read about her struggles and triumphs as an artist and as a socially reviled woman. I also greatly enjoyed experiencing the wonderful hero, Kenneth, through her eyes as well as directly, via his point of view. He is a unique and very sexy combination of dynamic, alpha warrior and sensitive, compassionate artist.
The sex scenes in this book are simultaneously sensitively written and sensually enthralling. Unlike what occurs in far too many historical romances, the heroine’s engaging in pre-marital sex is well motivated and therefore plausible, as is Kenneth’s being the fantastic lover that a good romance hero must ideally be. In addition, Ms. Putney never writes sex for the sake of sex itself. It is always tenderly carnal, never crude, and it consistently forwards the growth of the romantic relationship.
As is often the case in a MJP novel, there is an important subcharacter in the story in the form of a cat who has an adorably, quirky personality. Sometimes the cat is the hero’s companion in an MJP novel, but most of the time it is the heroine’s companion, as is the case in this book.
As always, the historical details in MJP novels, and this book is no exception, are accurate and woven into the story in just the right amount in order to provide a subtle, deep immersion in another time and place without ever slowing the forward progression of the romance plot.
I have read this book multiple times over the years, but this particular go-round I had the privilege of experiencing it in a newly available, extremely well done, audiobook version. The talented Siobhan Waring, a British voice actor, is the narrator. She does an excellent job portraying characters of all ages, both genders, and many regional accents. She does not merely dryly enunciate the story, but instead acts out all the parts in a delightfully convincing manner. I will definitely revisit this keeper recording many other times in the future, and I recommend it to fellow historical-romance fans without reservation.
I rate this audiobook as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Hero: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Setting: 5 stars
Romance Plot: 5 stars
Mystery Plot: 5 stars
Historical Details: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Audiobook Quality: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
Captain Kenneth Wilding, newly Viscount Kimball, has been left with nothing but a mountain of debts after his father’s death. His besotted father mortgaged everything he owned to maintain his young, beautiful, and extremely avaricious second wife in the exalted style she demanded as her due. At age 33, Kenneth has spent the past 15 years in the military, including the entirety of the Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815), a good portion of that war spent as a spy. Though Kenneth is a military hero, he has accumulated very little savings, and it is not in his power to salvage Sutterton, the family estate, from imminent foreclosure. If it were only a problem for himself, Kenneth might not have minded terribly. But his younger sister has been cheated out of her marriage portion, and all of the servants and estate workers will be greatly harmed if he loses the estate.
Then, out of the blue, Kenneth is handed an offer he cannot resist. A wealthy peer has purchased the estate’s mortgage and is willing to forgive a massive 50,000 pounds of debt if Kenneth will act as a spy on his behalf. The peer wants Kenneth to conduct a criminal investigation of the peer’s brother, Sir Anthony Seaton, who is a rich and famous painter. Sir Anthony’s wife died a year ago under suspicious circumstances, and his brother is convinced that Sir Anthony murdered his wife. He wants Kenneth to seek out proof that is solid enough to stand up in court. Though the motivation of the peer for hiring him is murky at best, Kenneth convinces himself that there is nothing morally wrong with attempting to prove Sir Anthony either guilty or innocent of what might have been a terrible crime.
As it turns out, Kenneth is easily able to insert himself into the Seaton household as Sir Anthony’s personal assistant. As far as Sir Anthony is concerned, the number one qualification he prizes in a potential assistant, which Kenneth possesses to a great degree, is that he is highly versed in the field of fine art. Unknown initially to Sir Anthony (but which is revealed in the book just previous to this one in the Fallen Angels series, Shattered Rainbows), Kenneth is a very talented artist who excels both at drawing and watercolor painting. He fits seamlessly into the Seaton household, bringing order out of colorful chaos because he is intelligent, dedicated, and very well organized. He also offers, at Sir Anthony’s request, much appreciated feedback for Sir Anthony’s huge, elaborate series of paintings of the Battle of Waterloo, which Kenneth directly participated in.
Rebecca Seaton is the 27-year-old, spinster daughter of Sir Anthony, who is a brilliant oil painter in her own right. Though, unlike her father, she has yet to exhibit or sell any of her work. Rebecca is afraid to put herself and her work in front of the public because she has been ostracized from polite society since she ran off with a fellow artist 10 years ago when she was only 17. Before going through with the marriage ceremony, she changed her mind and came home to her parents. As an open-minded, unconventional artist and his equally free-spirited wife, rather than shaming and rejecting their errant daughter, they congratulated her for a narrow escape from a potentially disastrous alliance.
Kenneth is intensely attracted to Rebecca, both out of sincere admiration of her artistic talent and because she is a beautiful, fascinating woman. Unfortunately, he cannot legitimately court her. Not only is he in her home under false pretenses, but he cannot afford to support a wife in the first style of elegance. Which is how, under her father’s roof, that Rebecca has been raised and lived all her adult life.
I really enjoyed reading about the multi-faceted, romantic connection between Rebecca and Kenneth, as two people falling in love who are extremely sexually attracted to each other, and as two brilliant artists. I especially appreciated the way that Rebecca offers lessons in oil painting to Kenneth. He accepts her training gratefully, and Rebecca both shares her extensive knowledge and, unlike his stodgy father when Kenneth was young, encourages Kenneth to pursue his calling as an artist.
There is an intriguing, overarching mystery plot in this novel as Kenneth attempts to discover if Rebecca’s mother was murdered and, if so, “whodunnit,” as well as the underlying puzzle as to why the peer who hired Kenneth hates his brother, Sir Anthony, enough to destroy his life. There is also a sweet, secondary romance involving Kenneth’s younger sister, and an important subplot surrounding Kenneth’s viciously greedy stepmother. All of these subplots merge seamlessly into the main romance plot.
Rebecca is an extremely sympathetic heroine. She is simultaneously very confident and very emotionally vulnerable. It was a pleasure to read about her struggles and triumphs as an artist and as a socially reviled woman. I also greatly enjoyed experiencing the wonderful hero, Kenneth, through her eyes as well as directly, via his point of view. He is a unique and very sexy combination of dynamic, alpha warrior and sensitive, compassionate artist.
The sex scenes in this book are simultaneously sensitively written and sensually enthralling. Unlike what occurs in far too many historical romances, the heroine’s engaging in pre-marital sex is well motivated and therefore plausible, as is Kenneth’s being the fantastic lover that a good romance hero must ideally be. In addition, Ms. Putney never writes sex for the sake of sex itself. It is always tenderly carnal, never crude, and it consistently forwards the growth of the romantic relationship.
As is often the case in a MJP novel, there is an important subcharacter in the story in the form of a cat who has an adorably, quirky personality. Sometimes the cat is the hero’s companion in an MJP novel, but most of the time it is the heroine’s companion, as is the case in this book.
As always, the historical details in MJP novels, and this book is no exception, are accurate and woven into the story in just the right amount in order to provide a subtle, deep immersion in another time and place without ever slowing the forward progression of the romance plot.
I have read this book multiple times over the years, but this particular go-round I had the privilege of experiencing it in a newly available, extremely well done, audiobook version. The talented Siobhan Waring, a British voice actor, is the narrator. She does an excellent job portraying characters of all ages, both genders, and many regional accents. She does not merely dryly enunciate the story, but instead acts out all the parts in a delightfully convincing manner. I will definitely revisit this keeper recording many other times in the future, and I recommend it to fellow historical-romance fans without reservation.
I rate this audiobook as follows:
Heroine: 5 stars
Hero: 5 stars
Subcharacters: 5 stars
Setting: 5 stars
Romance Plot: 5 stars
Mystery Plot: 5 stars
Historical Details: 5 stars
Writing: 5 stars
Audiobook Quality: 5 stars
Overall: 5 stars
November 14, 2017
No me ha convencido, no me han gustado los personajes, me ha aburrido, que es lo peor. Quiza la culpa la tiene Bossman, aun tengo a Chase en la cabeza.
February 8, 2016
How is it that I did not review this book?
I read this book last year but obviously did not shelf it on GR. Here it goes: great writing, impressive characterization, mediocre romance.
Let it be known that I LOVE Mary Jo Putney. I admire her ability as a writer, to build a intricate story with complex characters. This was proven again and again in her older books. She often writes about things that are not "pretty". There is no fluffy read written by Putney. You read her books, at your own peril.
This book is about 2 artists. Painting is a prominent theme which binds Kenneth and Rebecca together. I liked both characters: Kenneth, steady and dependable and Rebecca, mature and talented. They both loved arts and found kindred spirits in each other. The story follows their exploration of each other's artistic talents and their mutual respect and feelings for each other. Overall, a solid love story.
This is however, not a book that I would gush about. It has nothing to do with the book. It is just personal preferences.I did not have a emotional response to the story and would only re-read it if I am on a nostalgic Putney run.
I read this book last year but obviously did not shelf it on GR. Here it goes: great writing, impressive characterization, mediocre romance.
Let it be known that I LOVE Mary Jo Putney. I admire her ability as a writer, to build a intricate story with complex characters. This was proven again and again in her older books. She often writes about things that are not "pretty". There is no fluffy read written by Putney. You read her books, at your own peril.
This book is about 2 artists. Painting is a prominent theme which binds Kenneth and Rebecca together. I liked both characters: Kenneth, steady and dependable and Rebecca, mature and talented. They both loved arts and found kindred spirits in each other. The story follows their exploration of each other's artistic talents and their mutual respect and feelings for each other. Overall, a solid love story.
This is however, not a book that I would gush about. It has nothing to do with the book. It is just personal preferences.I did not have a emotional response to the story and would only re-read it if I am on a nostalgic Putney run.
October 5, 2017
Estuvo bien pero quedé un poco decepcionada porque por la sinopsis me había imaginado otra cosa. Hasta la mitad, más o menos cumple. Luego entra en un bajón que hasta me olvidé de qué se trataba, porque entre el romance, el arte de la pintura y tramas secundarias, el misterio quedó tapado.
Hacia el final retoma y mejora aunque me quedé con las sensación que todo termina en un pif paf, se aclara todo y todos felices en pocas páginas. Un poco inconsistente.
Lo que sí, aprendí un poco a apreciar una pintura.
Hacia el final retoma y mejora aunque me quedé con las sensación que todo termina en un pif paf, se aclara todo y todos felices en pocas páginas. Un poco inconsistente.
Lo que sí, aprendí un poco a apreciar una pintura.
September 8, 2012
I haven't reread this for years but when I rebought the ebooks I remembered best of the series the connecting ones eventually also came up. I like Kenneth better in Michael's book, but he and Rebecca eventually turn out to be (after his deception is finally revealed and the cause for it discussed and Rebecca has forgiven him) very good for each other - Rebecca nurturing his talent and connecting him to a part of his soul he hasn't been able to dedicate himself to since his father beat it out of him (I loved the exploration of drawing and painting as a way of dealing with PTSD).
Rebecca, on the other hand, wakes up as woman and learns to be more outgoing and have confidence in herself - and Michael's connections used on behalf of Kenneth mean that she won't be ostracised for a poor choice as a teenager. The development of her desire and her owning of it and of Kenneth are a hot joy to behold.
This particular novel has a very good crime mystery based in the past on the relationships of Rebecca's parents, and how that pans out and the late romance that blooms from it are a pleasure to read.
The late rescue at the cliff-side and the supernatural help cheapen Kenneth's derring-do somewhat though.
Rebecca, on the other hand, wakes up as woman and learns to be more outgoing and have confidence in herself - and Michael's connections used on behalf of Kenneth mean that she won't be ostracised for a poor choice as a teenager. The development of her desire and her owning of it and of Kenneth are a hot joy to behold.
This particular novel has a very good crime mystery based in the past on the relationships of Rebecca's parents, and how that pans out and the late romance that blooms from it are a pleasure to read.
The late rescue at the cliff-side and the supernatural help cheapen Kenneth's derring-do somewhat though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2020
Loved it. The plotline has several interconnected threads, including a love story, a murder investigation, and a man pretending to be someone else. But underlying it all runs the main theme – what does it mean to be an artist. I like artists. They don’t often appear as protagonists in romantic fiction, so that alone made this novel resonate.
Plus, it is written very well and introduces fascinating, complex, and highly sympathetic characters, most of them artists. Even the villain is artistic in his murderous motivations.
Overall, an enjoyable historical romance.
Plus, it is written very well and introduces fascinating, complex, and highly sympathetic characters, most of them artists. Even the villain is artistic in his murderous motivations.
Overall, an enjoyable historical romance.
May 24, 2016
Really liked this one and thought Kenneth was a stand up guy. Got irritated with the heroine after she found out what Kenneth secret was. He was telling her 6 ways to Sunday not to get involved that he had a secret, then when the big reveal, she gets mad at him. Still a very nice read.
October 21, 2019
River of Fire is the 6th book in the Fallen Angels series by Mary Jo Putney and it is a must read for any historical romance fan who is passionate about art. The title refers to the entranced-like state a painter or artist falls into when they are in the middle of a project and lose all sense of time for hours at a time — skipping meals and even sleep in the process.
The story begins when Captain Kenneth Wilding returns home from war following his father’s death. Now that he is Viscount Kimball and in charge of the Sutterton estate, he is worried about the mountain of debt his father amassed in an attempt to keep his young step-mother in furs and jewels. As he prepares to hand over the estate to his creditors, he is offered the mortgage against Sutterton in exchange for covertly investigating the mysterious death of a world-renowned painter’s wife. Seeing no alternative, Kenneth enters the house of Sir Anthony Seaton under the guise of being his secretary.
It doesn’t take long before Kenneth is intrigued by Sir Anthony's spinster daughter Rebecca, who is an accomplished artist in her own right. For the past several years Rebecca’s been little more than a recluse after being disenchanted by life after a failed elopement. However, Rebecca has an immediate attraction to Kenneth and asks him to pose for a portrait as she paints his likeness as a pirate. After she accidentally discovers that Kenneth is a natural artist himself, she sets him up with his own easel and paints and the results are simply amazing - both on canvass and between the couple.
Meanwhile, as Kenneth’s investigation leads him to conclude that the death of Rebecca’s mother was neither suicide nor an unfortuante accident, too many accidents begin to befall the Seaton household and Kenneth is forced to use all the skills he learned as a soldier to keep Rebecca safe. The rest of the story is basically Rebecca trying to figure out whether she can forgive Kenneth for not telling her his true identity, or live the rest of her life lonely and without him. The ending is pure perfection!
Siobhan Waring did an outstanding job narrating this story, as she did with a few other books in the series. Her style is very natural, providing different voices for all the characters. She has a rhythm to her reading that is simply melodic and enchanting. I highly recommend this audiobook and can’t wait to listen to other Fallen Angels audiobooks!
The story begins when Captain Kenneth Wilding returns home from war following his father’s death. Now that he is Viscount Kimball and in charge of the Sutterton estate, he is worried about the mountain of debt his father amassed in an attempt to keep his young step-mother in furs and jewels. As he prepares to hand over the estate to his creditors, he is offered the mortgage against Sutterton in exchange for covertly investigating the mysterious death of a world-renowned painter’s wife. Seeing no alternative, Kenneth enters the house of Sir Anthony Seaton under the guise of being his secretary.
It doesn’t take long before Kenneth is intrigued by Sir Anthony's spinster daughter Rebecca, who is an accomplished artist in her own right. For the past several years Rebecca’s been little more than a recluse after being disenchanted by life after a failed elopement. However, Rebecca has an immediate attraction to Kenneth and asks him to pose for a portrait as she paints his likeness as a pirate. After she accidentally discovers that Kenneth is a natural artist himself, she sets him up with his own easel and paints and the results are simply amazing - both on canvass and between the couple.
Meanwhile, as Kenneth’s investigation leads him to conclude that the death of Rebecca’s mother was neither suicide nor an unfortuante accident, too many accidents begin to befall the Seaton household and Kenneth is forced to use all the skills he learned as a soldier to keep Rebecca safe. The rest of the story is basically Rebecca trying to figure out whether she can forgive Kenneth for not telling her his true identity, or live the rest of her life lonely and without him. The ending is pure perfection!
Siobhan Waring did an outstanding job narrating this story, as she did with a few other books in the series. Her style is very natural, providing different voices for all the characters. She has a rhythm to her reading that is simply melodic and enchanting. I highly recommend this audiobook and can’t wait to listen to other Fallen Angels audiobooks!
January 6, 2011
After waiting for two years to collect the Fallen Angels books (so that I could read them all in a row), I've been very dissapointed in the series so far, with the exception of THUNDER AND ROSES. Now, after reading RIVER OF FIRE, my faith in Putney's writing ability is restored.
My main complaints with a lot of the other books in the Fallen Angels series was that the love story would get shoved onto the back burner while the mystery/intrigue took centre stage. This really annoyed me, as I want the romance to be the central theme in the story. That's why I read romance, and not historical fiction, because I want a story that is primarily a love story. RIVER OF FIRE delivers on that front. However, if you want a mystery where the villian is less obvious, then you might be a bit dissapointed. Yet, even though I had a pretty good idea who the villian was, Putney still kept me turning pages. The final showdown with the villian was well-executed. When I reached the last few chapters of the book I just couldn't put it down.
The characters were both well-drawn, and ones that I cared about. I cheered for them to get together. They were both flawed in human ways, but not overly flawed as to be unlikeable. That's a difficult balance for an author to strike, and I applaud Putney for a job well done. I also liked the peek into the art world. As someone who has studied music, much of what she said about painting (like how the desire to create art is like a fire in the blood) made sense to me. The way Putney used a shared love of art to draw the characters together reminded me a lot of the way she used nature to to do the same thing in THE WILD CHILD.
It should be noted that while this book is part of a series (book six), RIVER OF FIRE also works as a stand-alone. Though characters from previous books do make appearances, the reader won't be left feeling confused at all. And there are no loose threads to be tied up in the next book. I wasn't left with any questions at the end.
Not the best work Putney has ever done, but RIVER OF FIRE is a very enjoyable read, and I do recommend it. Other worthy works by this author include THE WILD CHILD, THE RAKE, and SILK AND SHADOWS.
My main complaints with a lot of the other books in the Fallen Angels series was that the love story would get shoved onto the back burner while the mystery/intrigue took centre stage. This really annoyed me, as I want the romance to be the central theme in the story. That's why I read romance, and not historical fiction, because I want a story that is primarily a love story. RIVER OF FIRE delivers on that front. However, if you want a mystery where the villian is less obvious, then you might be a bit dissapointed. Yet, even though I had a pretty good idea who the villian was, Putney still kept me turning pages. The final showdown with the villian was well-executed. When I reached the last few chapters of the book I just couldn't put it down.
The characters were both well-drawn, and ones that I cared about. I cheered for them to get together. They were both flawed in human ways, but not overly flawed as to be unlikeable. That's a difficult balance for an author to strike, and I applaud Putney for a job well done. I also liked the peek into the art world. As someone who has studied music, much of what she said about painting (like how the desire to create art is like a fire in the blood) made sense to me. The way Putney used a shared love of art to draw the characters together reminded me a lot of the way she used nature to to do the same thing in THE WILD CHILD.
It should be noted that while this book is part of a series (book six), RIVER OF FIRE also works as a stand-alone. Though characters from previous books do make appearances, the reader won't be left feeling confused at all. And there are no loose threads to be tied up in the next book. I wasn't left with any questions at the end.
Not the best work Putney has ever done, but RIVER OF FIRE is a very enjoyable read, and I do recommend it. Other worthy works by this author include THE WILD CHILD, THE RAKE, and SILK AND SHADOWS.
August 12, 2012
About midway through the book, the main female character, Rebecca compares the fire of creativity to a river of fire in your blood. The compulsion above all others to create art and express your internal vision. Although Putney is a writer and not a painter, she is clearly speaking through the voice of her character.
There is a wonderful sense of unfolding to the world as the hero, Captain Wilding, a man who has spent his entire adult life at war, opens up to the power of artistic creation and (well this is a romance novel) love. And yet, because he is in the middle of a covert murder investigation in which his prime suspect is his ladylove's father, well let's just say there is a lot of angst and romantic tension.
Rebecca is his match. She's feminine without being a wuss. She's creative. Opinionated. Just a bit prickly because she's been hurt in the past, but willing to love.
The mystery is decent, if not that complex. Well, I mean there aren't that many characters. There is a small amount of action. Mysterious attacks in the middle of the night, that sort of thing. The real suspense comes from watching these two damaged people learn to open up both artistically and emotionally to each other.
Putney's descriptions of painting and the London art world in Regency England are obviously well researched and make a nice back drop to the story's main action. There are a number of repeat characters from other Putney books, however there is enough explanation that a first time reader shouldn't have any problems.
This is a wonderful book to curl up with on the couch with a glass of wine, a bit of rain outside, and just while away the day.
There is a wonderful sense of unfolding to the world as the hero, Captain Wilding, a man who has spent his entire adult life at war, opens up to the power of artistic creation and (well this is a romance novel) love. And yet, because he is in the middle of a covert murder investigation in which his prime suspect is his ladylove's father, well let's just say there is a lot of angst and romantic tension.
Rebecca is his match. She's feminine without being a wuss. She's creative. Opinionated. Just a bit prickly because she's been hurt in the past, but willing to love.
The mystery is decent, if not that complex. Well, I mean there aren't that many characters. There is a small amount of action. Mysterious attacks in the middle of the night, that sort of thing. The real suspense comes from watching these two damaged people learn to open up both artistically and emotionally to each other.
Putney's descriptions of painting and the London art world in Regency England are obviously well researched and make a nice back drop to the story's main action. There are a number of repeat characters from other Putney books, however there is enough explanation that a first time reader shouldn't have any problems.
This is a wonderful book to curl up with on the couch with a glass of wine, a bit of rain outside, and just while away the day.
September 9, 2011
Very good addition to MJ Putney's Fallen Angel series. Kenneth Wilding is an officer who bears scars from the Napoleonic Wars, both physical and mental. He meets Rebecca Seaton when he is hired to pose as a secretary to Rebecca's father in order to delve into family secrets and prove that Rebecca's mother was murdered by her father. Rebecca is a socially ruined woman (due to a teenage elopement) and an artist.
Rebecca had given up on the idea of marriage and family, had in fact convinced herself that she didn't want it. But she finds herself falling for Kenneth.
Of course the truth comes out about why he is in her household--AFTER she has slept with him, and she is extremely angry.
Kenneth is an admirable hero. Even though he lied about his reasons for being in the Seaton household, he did it out of desperation to save his family estate. And not really for himself, but so that his sister can have a decent life.
We get to revisit many of the Angels and their wives in this book and there is an evil stepmother in the mix, as well as a reformed mistress.
Reading about the art world of London during this time period was an added interest.
Liked it a lot.
Rebecca had given up on the idea of marriage and family, had in fact convinced herself that she didn't want it. But she finds herself falling for Kenneth.
Of course the truth comes out about why he is in her household--AFTER she has slept with him, and she is extremely angry.
Kenneth is an admirable hero. Even though he lied about his reasons for being in the Seaton household, he did it out of desperation to save his family estate. And not really for himself, but so that his sister can have a decent life.
We get to revisit many of the Angels and their wives in this book and there is an evil stepmother in the mix, as well as a reformed mistress.
Reading about the art world of London during this time period was an added interest.
Liked it a lot.
August 7, 2019
What an utterly gorgeous book River Of Fire has been, and how beautifully narrated! Author Mary Jo Putney has created marvellously rich characters in Kenneth and Rebecca, while the setting in regency London is described so well I felt as though I were standing in Rebecca’s studio watching the two of them.
While the plot is utterly engrossing, for me the star of this show was narrator Siobhan Waring, who brought the characters to life. It was like listening to a play, one which I was very reluctant to leave whenever real life got in the way.
While the plot is utterly engrossing, for me the star of this show was narrator Siobhan Waring, who brought the characters to life. It was like listening to a play, one which I was very reluctant to leave whenever real life got in the way.
April 22, 2011
hmmm....3.5?
I liked this. Liked the plot, liked the characters ok. I just didn't feel much chemistry going on.
The book was a bit flat. It was way too easy to put down and walk away.
I'll still read the next in the series and I still love Mary Jo Putney!
I liked this. Liked the plot, liked the characters ok. I just didn't feel much chemistry going on.
The book was a bit flat. It was way too easy to put down and walk away.
I'll still read the next in the series and I still love Mary Jo Putney!
August 4, 2018
No debí posponer este libro tanto!! Me ha encantado el salseo de la tensión sexual, el arte que se menciona y el misterio que ronda en el libro. Como me encantan esos tiros y afloja porque al final van a ceder igual
August 30, 2020
Bueno, pues volvemos a la sonrisa pletórica del primer libro y os digo muy sinceramente que me ha encantado este libro. De principio a fin, con misterio y problemas incluidos. He adorado a Kenneth y su mundo, a Rebecca, a su padre y a la historia de la familia, y lo bien que se junta todo con la pintura y con las partes históricas que le dan el colofón, que lo convierte en un libro precioso y que DEBE ser leído.
“—He estado dándole vueltas a la idea de cómo hacer tu retrato y acaba de venirme la inspiración —le explicó—. Hace tres años lord Byron escribió un poema titulado «El corsario, que tuvo un enorme éxito; trataba de un pirata oriental muy gallardo y tremendamente romántico. La forma perfecta de pintarte.
—Estás de broma, ¿verdad? No soy ni atractivo ni romántico, y ciertamente no soy oriental. —De pronto sonrió—. Si fuera un verdadero pirata, haría esto. —Le puso una mano en la nuca y la atrajo hacia él para besarla.
Lo dijo en tono de broma, pero el encuentro de sus labios fue mortalmente serio. Ella sintió una conmoción física al sentir la boca de él contra la suya; la llamarada de energía creativa que había estado experimentando se convirtió en un deseo feroz. Sus manos seguían apoyadas en su pecho y le hormiguearon los dedos al sentir el acelerado latir de su corazón. Deseó montarse en sus rodillas y abrirle la camisa; deseó explorar centímetro a centímetro todo su cuerpo masculino. Deseó... deseó...”
A ver, aquí tenemos a un ex militar de cuna que llega a casa de el mayor pintor inglés de la época para descubrir si ha matado a su mujer por orden del hermano mayor. Resulta que Anthony y Marcus eran hermanos, se enamoraron de Helen, y ella que se iba a casar con Marcus, el mayor, se terminó fugando con Anthony y ahí empezó el gran problema. Entonces tras la muerte de ésta, Marcus se obsesiona con que su hermano ha tenido que ver en ello y contrata a Kenneth para que lo averigüe, a cambio de perdonarle las deudas y la hipoteca y devolverle las escrituras de su casa.
Ese es el inicio. Entonces resulta que Anthony es una maravilla y tiene una hija de 27 años, supuestamente deshonrada, que es una delicia en sí misma. No porque sea esbelta y deslumbrante, sino porque es inteligente y divertida, y es igual de talentosa que su padre. Kenneth se ve envuelto en un amor que no puede controlar hacia Rebecca y un cariño y admiración hacia Anthony, por lo que sigue con la investigación, más para demostrar que es inocente que no al contrario. Entonces aquí la autora nos regala un relato precioso de amor, confianza, sinceridad y familia, con los entresijos de un asesinato y lo que hace la envidia; personajes secundarios maravillosos y una trama hiper bien hilada que se une a la pintura y la historia de un modo fantástico.
“—No puedo prometerte que no me voy a morir, pero siempre estaré contigo, Rebecca, si no en cuerpo, en espíritu. Te lo juro. -Bajó la cabeza y la besó en los labios susurrando-: Siempre.
Su beso fue como un néctar; la llenó de una fuerza dulce que sanó milagrosamente los escabrosos agujeros de su espíritu. Después de la dulzura se encendió el fuego. Se reclinó en las almohadas y lo atrajo más hacia ella.”
No tengo nada más que decir más allá de que me ha parecido una lectura fantástica. Sencilla, amena, divertida, con unos personajes increíbles, unos secundarios maravillosos, una trama sublime y que te atrapa completamente. Hacía mucho que no encontraba un libro que me embriagara así. Aunque sea una saga, podéis leerlo independientemente, no os afectará, y realmente: lo merece.
“—He estado dándole vueltas a la idea de cómo hacer tu retrato y acaba de venirme la inspiración —le explicó—. Hace tres años lord Byron escribió un poema titulado «El corsario, que tuvo un enorme éxito; trataba de un pirata oriental muy gallardo y tremendamente romántico. La forma perfecta de pintarte.
—Estás de broma, ¿verdad? No soy ni atractivo ni romántico, y ciertamente no soy oriental. —De pronto sonrió—. Si fuera un verdadero pirata, haría esto. —Le puso una mano en la nuca y la atrajo hacia él para besarla.
Lo dijo en tono de broma, pero el encuentro de sus labios fue mortalmente serio. Ella sintió una conmoción física al sentir la boca de él contra la suya; la llamarada de energía creativa que había estado experimentando se convirtió en un deseo feroz. Sus manos seguían apoyadas en su pecho y le hormiguearon los dedos al sentir el acelerado latir de su corazón. Deseó montarse en sus rodillas y abrirle la camisa; deseó explorar centímetro a centímetro todo su cuerpo masculino. Deseó... deseó...”
A ver, aquí tenemos a un ex militar de cuna que llega a casa de el mayor pintor inglés de la época para descubrir si ha matado a su mujer por orden del hermano mayor. Resulta que Anthony y Marcus eran hermanos, se enamoraron de Helen, y ella que se iba a casar con Marcus, el mayor, se terminó fugando con Anthony y ahí empezó el gran problema. Entonces tras la muerte de ésta, Marcus se obsesiona con que su hermano ha tenido que ver en ello y contrata a Kenneth para que lo averigüe, a cambio de perdonarle las deudas y la hipoteca y devolverle las escrituras de su casa.
Ese es el inicio. Entonces resulta que Anthony es una maravilla y tiene una hija de 27 años, supuestamente deshonrada, que es una delicia en sí misma. No porque sea esbelta y deslumbrante, sino porque es inteligente y divertida, y es igual de talentosa que su padre. Kenneth se ve envuelto en un amor que no puede controlar hacia Rebecca y un cariño y admiración hacia Anthony, por lo que sigue con la investigación, más para demostrar que es inocente que no al contrario. Entonces aquí la autora nos regala un relato precioso de amor, confianza, sinceridad y familia, con los entresijos de un asesinato y lo que hace la envidia; personajes secundarios maravillosos y una trama hiper bien hilada que se une a la pintura y la historia de un modo fantástico.
“—No puedo prometerte que no me voy a morir, pero siempre estaré contigo, Rebecca, si no en cuerpo, en espíritu. Te lo juro. -Bajó la cabeza y la besó en los labios susurrando-: Siempre.
Su beso fue como un néctar; la llenó de una fuerza dulce que sanó milagrosamente los escabrosos agujeros de su espíritu. Después de la dulzura se encendió el fuego. Se reclinó en las almohadas y lo atrajo más hacia ella.”
No tengo nada más que decir más allá de que me ha parecido una lectura fantástica. Sencilla, amena, divertida, con unos personajes increíbles, unos secundarios maravillosos, una trama sublime y que te atrapa completamente. Hacía mucho que no encontraba un libro que me embriagara así. Aunque sea una saga, podéis leerlo independientemente, no os afectará, y realmente: lo merece.
May 16, 2012
I love art so it’s not a surprise that I enjoyed River of Fire so much. This is probably the best portrayal of artists I’ve seen in romance and I give kudos to Ms. Putney for taking the time and effort to do a thorough research about art in this time period.
The hero, the heroine AND her father are all artists with very distinctive styles. It was clear from the beginning that the author modeled them after real artists of the time so their themes and struggles were real and in synch with the evolution of painting at the beginning of the 19th century. I really enjoyed their conversations about art - which weren’t boring, technical, or maudlin - but helped them to share their emotions and deal with painful situations in their lives.
Kenneth, our hero, was the most interesting character with his dichotomy of competent soldier and insecure artist. As Rebecca stated he had lived with privilege, and with harsh repression. With brutality and danger, and with a deep appreciation of beauty. Such contrasts might make him a great artist. I’m glad the author used Kenneth’s art to help him cope with the ravages of war but I wished this hadn’t been accomplished so easily. Every artist is not a tormented soul, but it would probably take more than a few paintings for a sensitive person to deal with the horror of war.
The outrageous prices offered for Kenneth’s & Rebecca’s paintings bothered me somewhat because I know for a fact that paintings by famous artists like Gainsborough and Velazquez sold for £150 during the period, so it’s unlikely that two unknowns would be getting double that. But this is a minor detail who would only bother somebody who knows about these things. :)
The romance and the investigation that brought Kenneth to Seaton House didn’t interest me as much but I think they were well done enough that they didn’t jar with the other parts of the book. The investigation and Kenneth’s monetary problems were solved too easily at the end but I guess they were necessary to have a real HEA. Nobody likes to think of their heroes having money problems, especially in historical romance where life could be soo difficult.
Overall, a really good book that will stay top of mind because of the effect it’s had on me. Ever since I read it, I’m itching to visit the Met to see some of my favorite paintings. When a book transcends the story in its pages to touch something within me, it reinforces why reading is one of my favorite things to do in the whole world.
The hero, the heroine AND her father are all artists with very distinctive styles. It was clear from the beginning that the author modeled them after real artists of the time so their themes and struggles were real and in synch with the evolution of painting at the beginning of the 19th century. I really enjoyed their conversations about art - which weren’t boring, technical, or maudlin - but helped them to share their emotions and deal with painful situations in their lives.
Kenneth, our hero, was the most interesting character with his dichotomy of competent soldier and insecure artist. As Rebecca stated he had lived with privilege, and with harsh repression. With brutality and danger, and with a deep appreciation of beauty. Such contrasts might make him a great artist. I’m glad the author used Kenneth’s art to help him cope with the ravages of war but I wished this hadn’t been accomplished so easily. Every artist is not a tormented soul, but it would probably take more than a few paintings for a sensitive person to deal with the horror of war.
The outrageous prices offered for Kenneth’s & Rebecca’s paintings bothered me somewhat because I know for a fact that paintings by famous artists like Gainsborough and Velazquez sold for £150 during the period, so it’s unlikely that two unknowns would be getting double that. But this is a minor detail who would only bother somebody who knows about these things. :)
The romance and the investigation that brought Kenneth to Seaton House didn’t interest me as much but I think they were well done enough that they didn’t jar with the other parts of the book. The investigation and Kenneth’s monetary problems were solved too easily at the end but I guess they were necessary to have a real HEA. Nobody likes to think of their heroes having money problems, especially in historical romance where life could be soo difficult.
Overall, a really good book that will stay top of mind because of the effect it’s had on me. Ever since I read it, I’m itching to visit the Met to see some of my favorite paintings. When a book transcends the story in its pages to touch something within me, it reinforces why reading is one of my favorite things to do in the whole world.
June 8, 2013
This is Kenneth Wilding and Rebecca Seaton's story. We met Captain Lord Wilding in SHATTERED RAINBOWS. He was Micheal Kenyon's friend. Kenneth lived in the same house as Michael, Catherine's family and Moxbry's. Kenneth also helped to find Michael after the battle at Waterloo and in doing so helped save his life. This story is also about redemption, love, betrayal and artist passion. There is a great deal going on in this story. Kenneth is trying to save his family estate and give his sister the life that he thinks that she deserves. There is an investigation into the death of Rebecca's mother. A reconciliation between brothers after thirty years. Kenneth finding love when he least expected it and finding that he can learn to paint with oils. I like Kenneth a great deal. He is the tortured hero that I love so much. His younger life was very difficult because his father didn't think that men should be artists. So he has hidden his talent all his life. He enlisted in the army as private not letting anyone know that he would one day be a Viscount. He fought in the Napoleonic Wars. His spirit has been forge in the fires of hell and he survived. He is also intelligent, loving and compassionate.
Rebecca has also had a miserable past. She has lived with the infidelities of her father and mother. When she runs off to marry a young poet she realizes that it is a mistake but she is ruin. When her mother dies she complete retreats into herself. Her only companion is her art. She is an intelligent, loving and compassionate woman. When Kenneth starts to work for her father he is determined to get Rebecca out in society again and helps her to make friends. Rebecca also helps in getting her father and his brother to reconcile their differences after 30 years. I liked Rebecca for the most part. There are times that she is a real bitch but those times are not often and the author always shows the reason for the bitchiness.
This story is a little different from the others since Kenneth was only involved with Micheal from the Fallen Angels. I am glad that Ms. Putney wrote Kenneth's story and included it with this series. I fell in love with Kenneth in SHATTERED RAINBOWS and hoped that he would get his own HEA. We get more glimpses of what life must have been like in the army during the regency period. It wasn't a pretty sight and probably very cruel for the men that enlisted. I am sure that it was wonderful even for the officers that purchased their commissions. I liked this story very much and for those that like historical romance I think you will like this story.
Rebecca has also had a miserable past. She has lived with the infidelities of her father and mother. When she runs off to marry a young poet she realizes that it is a mistake but she is ruin. When her mother dies she complete retreats into herself. Her only companion is her art. She is an intelligent, loving and compassionate woman. When Kenneth starts to work for her father he is determined to get Rebecca out in society again and helps her to make friends. Rebecca also helps in getting her father and his brother to reconcile their differences after 30 years. I liked Rebecca for the most part. There are times that she is a real bitch but those times are not often and the author always shows the reason for the bitchiness.
This story is a little different from the others since Kenneth was only involved with Micheal from the Fallen Angels. I am glad that Ms. Putney wrote Kenneth's story and included it with this series. I fell in love with Kenneth in SHATTERED RAINBOWS and hoped that he would get his own HEA. We get more glimpses of what life must have been like in the army during the regency period. It wasn't a pretty sight and probably very cruel for the men that enlisted. I am sure that it was wonderful even for the officers that purchased their commissions. I liked this story very much and for those that like historical romance I think you will like this story.
August 1, 2017
Kenneth Wilding’s love of art diminished him in the eyes of his father, and he left home to become a soldier. When his father was widowed, he married a much younger, acquisitive woman and neglected his daughter and the family estates. When Kenneth inherited, the family lands were mortgaged, the wealth of ancestral jewels were in the hands of Hermione, and Kenneth and his sister were within a couple of months of losing everything.
Lord Bowden acquires the mortgages and offers Kenneth a bargain: in exchange for the deeds, take a position in Lord Bowden’s brother’s establishment and find the killer of his sister-in-law. Lord Bowden’s brother, Sir Anthony Seaton, is a highly acclaimed portraitist. ‘Fortuitously,’ his secretary has just left to take another position. Kenneth is hired, brings organization out of chaos, feels dishonest about his place in the household and his growing affection for Seaton’s daughter Rebecca, and begins to discover the truth about his own artistic abilities.
River of Fire has traditional romance elements plus a strong sense of life in the art world. Each character has depth and interest and is truly developed. Recommended for readers who enjoy historical detail, a good romance, a strong sense of place, and a cast of characters that come alive.
Pace: fast
Characters: surprising depth; large cast of characters
Story: character-driven; intricately plotted
Language: engaging; richly detailed
Tone: Steamy; strong sense of time & place; suspenseful
Frame: London 1817
Readalikes:
Jo Beverley’s ‘Company of Rogues’; Amanda Quick – With this Ring; Jo Goodman – Beyond a Wicked Kiss; Nicola Cornick – Forbidden; Caroline Linden – The Way to a Duke’s Heart; Julia Quinn’s Bridgertons; Stephanie Laurens – The Truth about Love; Julie Garwood – The Lion’s Lady; Judith McNaught – Once and Always
Lord Bowden acquires the mortgages and offers Kenneth a bargain: in exchange for the deeds, take a position in Lord Bowden’s brother’s establishment and find the killer of his sister-in-law. Lord Bowden’s brother, Sir Anthony Seaton, is a highly acclaimed portraitist. ‘Fortuitously,’ his secretary has just left to take another position. Kenneth is hired, brings organization out of chaos, feels dishonest about his place in the household and his growing affection for Seaton’s daughter Rebecca, and begins to discover the truth about his own artistic abilities.
River of Fire has traditional romance elements plus a strong sense of life in the art world. Each character has depth and interest and is truly developed. Recommended for readers who enjoy historical detail, a good romance, a strong sense of place, and a cast of characters that come alive.
Pace: fast
Characters: surprising depth; large cast of characters
Story: character-driven; intricately plotted
Language: engaging; richly detailed
Tone: Steamy; strong sense of time & place; suspenseful
Frame: London 1817
Readalikes:
Jo Beverley’s ‘Company of Rogues’; Amanda Quick – With this Ring; Jo Goodman – Beyond a Wicked Kiss; Nicola Cornick – Forbidden; Caroline Linden – The Way to a Duke’s Heart; Julia Quinn’s Bridgertons; Stephanie Laurens – The Truth about Love; Julie Garwood – The Lion’s Lady; Judith McNaught – Once and Always
February 17, 2014
Mary Jo Putney describes River of Fire as her "creative process historical." The novel wonderfully portrays the styles of art admired in Regency England, the rivalries of the artists, and the artistic institutions of the day. It also closely explores the creatives impulses that drive the artist hero, heroine, and secondary characters. The characters are interesting and likable, and it was enjoyable to revisit characters from earlier books in the Fallen Angel series. However, although intellectually engaging, I never felt a strong emotional connection between the characters. As a romance it fell a bit short for me!
Read
March 15, 2017Darn it! I was liking this book. Then the hero and heroine get caught in a compromising position. The hero assures her that she does not have to marry him and she responds with a toddler tantrum about him planning this because she was an heiress and he would know that being her father's secretary. This after she was the one who had previously realized she could solve his financial woes because of her financial status. Sorry but now a romance is impossible. He's been honorable and will not feel emotionally safe with her. Even though she's apologizing, he won't be able to forget the betrayal. I won't be able to forget the betrayal.
September 12, 2020
This delves into the turbulent and perfectionist creative soul of most craftsmen and artists. The author has created very credible characters ~ giving insight as to why portrait painters sometimes have affairs with their models and the "river of fire" inside the artist that every "perfect" brush stroke of color with all the layers and nuances attributed to a work in progress that attains perfection upon completion. A well~thought of piece that does not disappoint. Every book of hers is always an adventure of thoughts and emotions.
June 4, 2018
I was ready to give this book a five star rating until I had my first lesson in painting with oils. Too much of this story was spent on teaching me how oil paint. I know the painters were an integral part of this story; however, I didn't need to know how to mix the paint and prepare the canvas. I loved the H/H and the happily every after ending. Recommend the series-Start with the first book "Thunder & Roses".
November 9, 2018
Intrigue, a spy within?
Kenneth Wilding finds that the Viscountcy that came to him had been looted by his father and his much younger second wife.
Finding that he must do something or the estate would fall into bankruptcy and his sister left with nothing, he agrees to investigate a year old death of Lady Helen Seaton at the request of her brother in law, Lord Bowden.
What transpires is a who done it and romance all in one.
Kenneth Wilding finds that the Viscountcy that came to him had been looted by his father and his much younger second wife.
Finding that he must do something or the estate would fall into bankruptcy and his sister left with nothing, he agrees to investigate a year old death of Lady Helen Seaton at the request of her brother in law, Lord Bowden.
What transpires is a who done it and romance all in one.
May 22, 2018
Loved this book (and the whole series)
Part romance, part murder mystery. These lovers are terrific. Rebecca/Ginger lives in a hippy-type artist's home, long before there were hippies. She is a funny, smartass redhead, who is also a world-class artist. Kenneth is a friend of Michael and Catherine from the last book,tall dark,confident and handsome.
Part romance, part murder mystery. These lovers are terrific. Rebecca/Ginger lives in a hippy-type artist's home, long before there were hippies. She is a funny, smartass redhead, who is also a world-class artist. Kenneth is a friend of Michael and Catherine from the last book,tall dark,confident and handsome.
September 10, 2019
A wonderfully enjoyable read. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Regency romance. Not only does it detail a satisfying romance between two very believable characters, but it is rich with historically accurate information, well researched and excitingly dramatic. Mary Jo Putney is a truly great author, and her books are always worth 5 stars or more.
July 12, 2017
Fantastic story. I love all the artistic details and I love envisioning the types of paintings that all three artists create, especially with the author's note at the end that explains the inspirations.
May 7, 2019
In which tumbling
in more than one form is a central motif. The reader will also experience the throes of the developing artist and learn who executed lashing in the British Army, as well as hanging in the Royal Academy. And then there’s always the sex.
in more than one form is a central motif. The reader will also experience the throes of the developing artist and learn who executed lashing in the British Army, as well as hanging in the Royal Academy. And then there’s always the sex.
October 19, 2019
Liked
I liked this book it was easy to read with a interesting story line which flowed well and the characters within were believable.The continuing lives portrayed gives it a real sense of events happening😊
I liked this book it was easy to read with a interesting story line which flowed well and the characters within were believable.The continuing lives portrayed gives it a real sense of events happening😊
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews