taisie22's review against another edition
fast-paced
4.0
This is one of those historical romances from the '90s where the heroine is feisty, and the hero is an aggressive alpha male. It doesn't feel like a romance because Lucas, the hero, is determined to have the heroine, Dee, and it all happens pretty fast, even though Dee is determined not to succumb. Dee is independent though, and the story is pretty good as she farms her homestead and takes care of her valley, keeping marauders away with her shotgun. Lucas is one of those guys who always knows what's best, but he does save her in the end, and Dee is able to stand up to him too.
There's a secondary couple Olivia and Luis that is a bit sweeter and stands in marked contrast to the first couple's 'romance.' I enjoyed the story as it's a bit different from most other Western historicals.
There's a secondary couple Olivia and Luis that is a bit sweeter and stands in marked contrast to the first couple's 'romance.' I enjoyed the story as it's a bit different from most other Western historicals.
serialromancelibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
*** Book Q & A***
* How did the book make you feel?: I’m an outlier here, but I loved this book.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: I loved the Colorado mountains setting and the characters in the small town. This story revolves around 3 couples with the focus on Dee and Lucas. The parallel stories didn’t annoy me like they sometimes do in other romances. They didn’t distract from the primary romance, but they were sweet.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I loved Dee’s pragmatism and brutal honesty. I’d categorize Lucas as an anti-hero. He seduces Dee with no intentions of marrying her and he does something despicable to her near the end, but most of his actions point to his love of her, so it’s an interesting dichotomy. Their chemistry was hot.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: I loved the way Lucas dropped everything and cared for Dee when she was hurt twice.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: cowboys and mistress-turned-wife, ulterior motives in relationship, using sex as manipulation
* What did you think about the ending?: I enjoyed the HEA with epilogue
* What is your impression of the author?: long-time fan
* How did the book make you feel?: I’m an outlier here, but I loved this book.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: I loved the Colorado mountains setting and the characters in the small town. This story revolves around 3 couples with the focus on Dee and Lucas. The parallel stories didn’t annoy me like they sometimes do in other romances. They didn’t distract from the primary romance, but they were sweet.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I loved Dee’s pragmatism and brutal honesty. I’d categorize Lucas as an anti-hero. He seduces Dee with no intentions of marrying her and he does something despicable to her near the end, but most of his actions point to his love of her, so it’s an interesting dichotomy. Their chemistry was hot.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: I loved the way Lucas dropped everything and cared for Dee when she was hurt twice.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: cowboys and mistress-turned-wife, ulterior motives in relationship, using sex as manipulation
* What did you think about the ending?: I enjoyed the HEA with epilogue
* What is your impression of the author?: long-time fan
whiskeyinthejar's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars
I read this for the Interracial Couple for Romance Bingo and my Series Headway selection.
This book had three couples, with Dee and Lucas having about 50% of the spotlight, Olivia and Luis with 40%, and Tillie and Kyle sneaking away with about 10%.
This story kind of delighted me.
He wasn't a raw kid who felt the need to boast about his women in order to impress others with his masculinity. For another thing, damn if he didn't respect her for what she had accomplished out there. It had taken a lot of hard work, but she hadn't flinched from it, rather had risen to the challenge and gloried in it. The pristine condition of the farm was a true measure of her fierce spirit.
Dee was a strong awesome heroine who probably had a smidgen too much '90s heroine stubbornness to her but trust me, you will love her backbone and will. The way Lucas was attracted to Dee's personality made my face hurt from grinning, but he also had a bit of '90s hero alpha "listen here, little woman." to him. However, when he pulled an alpha-hole move, he learned from it, felt bad, and either corrected it or never made the same mistake again because he saw how it affected Dee and that changed his perspective. Which since this takes place in the mid-1800s I'll give him historical gender role lee-ways.
Desire mingled sharply with anger until she wondered if they weren't the same thing after all.
These two were such cats on a hot tin roof. They bicker and straight up fight but there was also a thread of exasperation that leaned toward humor, teasing, and affection that saved it from feeling mean or hateful.
He felt like banging his head against the wall in frustration, and then suddenly he laughed, because he hoped she would be driving him crazy like that for the rest of his life. Maybe he was already crazy, because he could swear he'd seen a glint of amusement in those witch-green eyes. She loved making him lose control.
Dee and Lucas internally declare love pretty quickly, which I think was forced because of the other couples taking up some room. Olivia, who is Dee's bestfriend, and I'm going to interrupt myself here to give a huge thank-you to the author for portraying not only two women pretty far apart on a societal dictated femininity scale as both kind, passionate, and courageous but also showcased their caring friendship. Anyway, Olivia the rich banker's angel daughter and Luis the Mexican drifter gunman had a swift romance that also managed to make me happy for them. Olivia leaned a bit too heavily on the naive innocent '90s virgin and Luis (I kind of want a novella of Luis' lifestory before he met Olivia) leaned a bit older worldly man sort of being patient and sort of manipulating, not manipulating? her into a sexual relationship. If you hadn't realized this book was published in the '90s,hence the '90s feel but I still think it has aged well. The last couple easily could have been brushed away by cardboard cutout tropism but Howard gives just enough backstory and heart to Tillie the smart and caring prostitute and Kyle the good-looking villain to give them depth and have you caring about them.
This older published book was a wonderful surprise. This started a little slow but all the couples added to the story in their own way and even though the romances felt rushed, I still enjoyed them. Dee and Lucas' feisty, passionate, teasing, snappy, and strong relationship was fun to read.
"God, you're stubborn."
"I know," she said placidly, the words muffled because her face was against his chest. "As stubborn as you."
I read this for the Interracial Couple for Romance Bingo and my Series Headway selection.
This book had three couples, with Dee and Lucas having about 50% of the spotlight, Olivia and Luis with 40%, and Tillie and Kyle sneaking away with about 10%.
This story kind of delighted me.
He wasn't a raw kid who felt the need to boast about his women in order to impress others with his masculinity. For another thing, damn if he didn't respect her for what she had accomplished out there. It had taken a lot of hard work, but she hadn't flinched from it, rather had risen to the challenge and gloried in it. The pristine condition of the farm was a true measure of her fierce spirit.
Dee was a strong awesome heroine who probably had a smidgen too much '90s heroine stubbornness to her but trust me, you will love her backbone and will. The way Lucas was attracted to Dee's personality made my face hurt from grinning, but he also had a bit of '90s hero alpha "listen here, little woman." to him. However, when he pulled an alpha-hole move, he learned from it, felt bad, and either corrected it or never made the same mistake again because he saw how it affected Dee and that changed his perspective. Which since this takes place in the mid-1800s I'll give him historical gender role lee-ways.
Desire mingled sharply with anger until she wondered if they weren't the same thing after all.
These two were such cats on a hot tin roof. They bicker and straight up fight but there was also a thread of exasperation that leaned toward humor, teasing, and affection that saved it from feeling mean or hateful.
He felt like banging his head against the wall in frustration, and then suddenly he laughed, because he hoped she would be driving him crazy like that for the rest of his life. Maybe he was already crazy, because he could swear he'd seen a glint of amusement in those witch-green eyes. She loved making him lose control.
Dee and Lucas internally declare love pretty quickly, which I think was forced because of the other couples taking up some room. Olivia, who is Dee's bestfriend, and I'm going to interrupt myself here to give a huge thank-you to the author for portraying not only two women pretty far apart on a societal dictated femininity scale as both kind, passionate, and courageous but also showcased their caring friendship. Anyway, Olivia the rich banker's angel daughter and Luis the Mexican drifter gunman had a swift romance that also managed to make me happy for them. Olivia leaned a bit too heavily on the naive innocent '90s virgin and Luis (I kind of want a novella of Luis' lifestory before he met Olivia) leaned a bit older worldly man sort of being patient and sort of manipulating, not manipulating? her into a sexual relationship. If you hadn't realized this book was published in the '90s,hence the '90s feel but I still think it has aged well. The last couple easily could have been brushed away by cardboard cutout tropism but Howard gives just enough backstory and heart to Tillie the smart and caring prostitute and Kyle the good-looking villain to give them depth and have you caring about them.
This older published book was a wonderful surprise. This started a little slow but all the couples added to the story in their own way and even though the romances felt rushed, I still enjoyed them. Dee and Lucas' feisty, passionate, teasing, snappy, and strong relationship was fun to read.
"God, you're stubborn."
"I know," she said placidly, the words muffled because her face was against his chest. "As stubborn as you."
dhs4au's review against another edition
1.0
There were some problems with this book and I don't even know if it's because it was published in 1991.
I didn't understand Lucas kissing Tillie after he had already been with Dee. It felt unnecessary and like a betrayal.
What he did to Angels Creek is pretty unforgivable. Her suddenly forgiving him for that didn't ring true for me.
That being said- I really liked Dee. Her character was strong and willful. She was bold and I really enjoyed getting to know her.
That being said I really wish she had told Lucas to go to hell.
(I've included two highlights that I thought were just bad.)
I didn't understand Lucas kissing Tillie after he had already been with Dee. It felt unnecessary and like a betrayal.
What he did to Angels Creek is pretty unforgivable. Her suddenly forgiving him for that didn't ring true for me.
That being said- I really liked Dee. Her character was strong and willful. She was bold and I really enjoyed getting to know her.
That being said I really wish she had told Lucas to go to hell.
(I've included two highlights that I thought were just bad.)
nononanette's review
3.0
I like the relationships LH creates. The 2 main MCs are uniquely suited for each other. Yes, he’s incredibly arrogant and some might find the Inherent chauvinism of the period objectionable but it felt authentic. And they both evolve and shift from futures they thought they wanted. The 2 secondary relationships were satisfying also, especially Luis after suffering heartbreaking loss in the previous book.
celx's review against another edition
5.0
Angel Creek was a breathtaking romance novel with just the right amount of thrilling action to keep the reader interested. The dynamic between Lucas and Dee as they struggle to choose between their undeniable connection and their love for their ranches keeps the reader doubting the choice they will make. This novel without a doubt had me questioning if Dee and Lucas' love would be enough down to the last few pages! With not one but TWO love stories that inevitably intertwine, this novel is worth a read for anyone looking for a romance novel filled with not only lust and desire but drama and controversy.
thenia's review
4.0
Another story set in the wild west, where life is hard, especially if you live it alone, as Dee knows full well.
After the deaths of her parents, she was left all alone at 18 and to everyone's surprise decided to stay and take care of Angel Creek valley instead of going to live with her relatives. She's made a fine job of it too, earning something precious for a woman of her time - her independence.
Lucas, who has recently returned to the area and needs the water from her creek to ensure that his ranch won't have any trouble in case of drought, heads to Angel Creek to make an offer to buy it. He is surprised to find that she is its owner and has managed pretty well for herself, and although he decides to back down from his original goal, has found her quite intriguing and starts pursuing her.
They start a relationship, but they don't think what they have will be long term, with Lucas considering a wife that will help with his political ambitions while Dee does not want to relinquish her independence to any man. The two are very strong willed and challenge each other constantly, making for a pretty explosive pairing.
A very enjoyable story in a world I'm not particularly familiar with that holds its own appeal. The series ends with [b:The Touch of Fire|411700|The Touch of Fire (Western Ladies, #3)|Linda Howard|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1349061877s/411700.jpg|7977058].
Previous book review:
✦ A Lady of the West (Western Ladies #1)
After the deaths of her parents, she was left all alone at 18 and to everyone's surprise decided to stay and take care of Angel Creek valley instead of going to live with her relatives. She's made a fine job of it too, earning something precious for a woman of her time - her independence.
Lucas, who has recently returned to the area and needs the water from her creek to ensure that his ranch won't have any trouble in case of drought, heads to Angel Creek to make an offer to buy it. He is surprised to find that she is its owner and has managed pretty well for herself, and although he decides to back down from his original goal, has found her quite intriguing and starts pursuing her.
They start a relationship, but they don't think what they have will be long term, with Lucas considering a wife that will help with his political ambitions while Dee does not want to relinquish her independence to any man. The two are very strong willed and challenge each other constantly, making for a pretty explosive pairing.
A very enjoyable story in a world I'm not particularly familiar with that holds its own appeal. The series ends with [b:The Touch of Fire|411700|The Touch of Fire (Western Ladies, #3)|Linda Howard|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1349061877s/411700.jpg|7977058].
Previous book review:
✦ A Lady of the West (Western Ladies #1)
thenia's review against another edition
4.0
Another story set in the wild west, where life is hard, especially if you live it alone, as Dee knows full well.
After the deaths of her parents, she was left all alone at 18 and to everyone's surprise decided to stay and take care of Angel Creek valley instead of going to live with her relatives. She's made a fine job of it too, earning something precious for a woman of her time - her independence.
Lucas, who has recently returned to the area and needs the water from her creek to ensure that his ranch won't have any trouble in case of drought, heads to Angel Creek to make an offer to buy it. He is surprised to find that she is its owner and has managed pretty well for herself, and although he decides to back down from his original goal, has found her quite intriguing and starts pursuing her.
They start a relationship, but they don't think what they have will be long term, with Lucas considering a wife that will help with his political ambitions while Dee does not want to relinquish her independence to any man. The two are very strong willed and challenge each other constantly, making for a pretty explosive pairing.
A very enjoyable story in a world I'm not particularly familiar with that holds its own appeal. The series ends with [b:The Touch of Fire|411700|The Touch of Fire (Western Ladies, #3)|Linda Howard|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1349061877s/411700.jpg|7977058].
Previous book review:
✦ A Lady of the West (Western Ladies #1)
After the deaths of her parents, she was left all alone at 18 and to everyone's surprise decided to stay and take care of Angel Creek valley instead of going to live with her relatives. She's made a fine job of it too, earning something precious for a woman of her time - her independence.
Lucas, who has recently returned to the area and needs the water from her creek to ensure that his ranch won't have any trouble in case of drought, heads to Angel Creek to make an offer to buy it. He is surprised to find that she is its owner and has managed pretty well for herself, and although he decides to back down from his original goal, has found her quite intriguing and starts pursuing her.
They start a relationship, but they don't think what they have will be long term, with Lucas considering a wife that will help with his political ambitions while Dee does not want to relinquish her independence to any man. The two are very strong willed and challenge each other constantly, making for a pretty explosive pairing.
A very enjoyable story in a world I'm not particularly familiar with that holds its own appeal. The series ends with [b:The Touch of Fire|411700|The Touch of Fire (Western Ladies, #3)|Linda Howard|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1349061877s/411700.jpg|7977058].
Previous book review:
✦ A Lady of the West (Western Ladies #1)
stephisbranded's review against another edition
1.0
I will not be recommending Linda Howard to anyone looking for a good romance. The men in the book were demanding, petty, chauvinistic, and controlling. The main character, Dee, who I actually really liked at first, ended up with the dude, even though dude was awful. By the end of the book, I was hoping Dee would just take her shotgun to Lucas and ride off in the sunset with the town prostitute.
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