Customer Reviews

Blaze

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Because of the average star rating and the generally glowing reviews I decided that for my first foray into Susan Johnson's novels I'd choose Blaze (and Outlaw). A mistake of blazing proportions (pun intended). This book has gone straight into the charity sack. Why? Well, usually I wish a book could go on forever, not this one - it was too long and I think a lot of it could have been cut out to improve the rambling and convoluted plot; I found myself skim reading it, which is something I very rarely do. As for the hero (Hazard) and heroine (Blaze) - I disliked both intensely up until the very end, only slightly redemying themselves in my eyes. But what about the sexual tension and the sex? Very mundane. It's hard to see why Hazard was thought to be such a great lover. As for Blaze, she came across as desperate, and not in an attractive 'romantic' way. Love, you ask? I reply that until the very end of the book I was not sure if they loved each other; their relationship was not 'loving'. Moreover, Hazard doubted Blaze until very near the end; in my opinion in order to love you also need to trust them.

As I got Outlaw at the same time and read them within days of each other it was hard not to compare them and find the similar in a lot of ways. I don't know if this is Susan Johnson's formula, but this is what I noticed: hero has a lot of sex with lots of different women before meeting heroine, meets and has sex/sexual encounter with heroine very quickly after meeting, stops having sex/sexual encounter with the heroine (and not uncommon for the hero to then have sex with someone else), hero has sex with the heroine, hero *suddenly* realises he loves heroine and vice versa, more sex, a misunderstanding or separation occurs, hero and heroine reunite. All pretty standard historical fare, which is not a bad thing. I suppose the problem I have with Blaze is that I found the relationship between the heroine and heroine unconvincing, added to the fact I found both unattractive. However, Outlaw is a lot better. I believed that Outlaw's hero and heroine (both attractive characters, although the hero was a bit annoying) did love each other by half way through, and they did have a loving relationship for about half the book; I still was not keen on the first half.

I'd recommend Outlaw over Blaze, and in any case I'll be very careful about which, if any, Susan Johnson books I chose in future.

This was a fabulous story, but it did have its faults. First of all, this was my first Susan Johnson book and I had heard she was similar to Robin Schone in regards to hot sex scenes. Well, I was VERY disappointed in that regard. The sex scenes were typical of a romance novel and there was nothing hot or particularly sexy about them. There is a part in the story where Blaze and Hazard have been apart and a terrible misunderstanding has occurred between them. They finally end up in bed together and the sex just falls flat. It could have been an incredibly moving, sensual experience, but it really fizzled instead.

Another problem I had was the failure of the main characters to resolve misunderstandings. They have a HUGE one where Hazard actually thinks Blaze betrayed him and tried to have him killed. Instead of talking it through, they ignore it. Hazard finally realizes (I'm assuming) that Blaze was innocent, but there is no verbal communication about it. I mean, if I thought somone was trying to kill me, I would want some clarification from them before I had sex with them and built a life with them! :)

Despite this shortcomings, this was a great book. It was great writing and an interesting story. I am looking forward to reading the next in this series, "The Silver Flame."

Having read thousands of book, only 3 authors have had an the effect of a bomb going off inside my head. Susan Johnson would be one. Blaze was the first S Johnson novel I read, and without a doubt the best. It took about a minute and half to realize there was something 'different' about her style of writing. She is definitely an author who breaks all of the standard 'formula' rules.

I wouldn't recommend Ms Johnson's books if you are looking for the 'traditional' soft/romantic moonlight, poetry and candles - 'don't come near me with that big thing', done-to-death type of story. Personlly, I expect, and like more for my money and reading pleasure. As they say; comedy is not pretty, and her books are not for the weak at heart. On the other hand, if you are looking for depth, historical relevence, with characters you can almost see and feel, S Johnson is the author for you. As any experienced reader will tell you, the difference between her books and the thousands of others is very simple. Ms Johnson's books, in a nutshell, just plain *kicks ass*..

With of course, 'Blaze' kicking the biggest one of all.. :>

Having read Silver Flame and Forbidden before this I was very interested in the infamous couple that came before the children - and while I enjoyed Blaze and Hazard I felt the stories of Trey & Daisy much more erotic and compelling. For Johnson this was pretty tame. And the reviewer that mentioned unresolved issues-I agree, what made Hazard all of a sudden forgive Blaze that night in bed - and really why did he not have more faith in her to begin with - it is not like Hazzard had as so many men issues of trust. Still in order to complete the series this is a good compliment book and a good solid 4 star romance.

Blaze was the 5th Susan Johnson novel I read. (I have them all) I started it at 7pm and finished at 9am. I couldn't put it down. Hazard is one of her best leading men(next to Andre in Taboo). I laughed out loud and cried while reading it.

I don't look for "reality" in romance novels, just a chance to be transported to another place and time. My thanks to Mrs. Johnson for sharing her gift and talent.

This is my first Susan Johnson book and it definitely won't be my last.

I am a great fan of books where the heroine is not some faint hearted girl who allows the hero to drag her through life and this book delivers that.

Susan Johnson's words are so powerful and evocative you feel as if you are standing there watching as the story unfolds. I cannot wait to read more of her novels.

I tend to read romance novels with a critical eye, but with "Blaze," I lost all objectivity. I remember in the beginning thinking, "I'll just read a few more pages." Before I knew it, it was midnight, and I was completely absorbed in the middle of the book.

Immediately, the book tantalizes you with a steamy love scene. If you like your romance novels on the hot side, "Blaze" will not disappoint you. The book is also enriched with various settings, from wealthy Boston society, to decadent gold mining towns, to an earthy village of a Plains Native American tribe.

I do admit, however, that there are some flaws. The characters throw themselves at each other as if they are animals in heat. It's hard to believe that anyone, much less a "well-bred" virgin, would be so unable to control their sexual desires. Also, upon a second reading, I wondered what the heroine really had to offer the hero. The only thing that really sets her apart from her rivals is her stubbornness. Also, the author, Susan Johnson, has sometimes been described as a bit wordy. I, however, found the eloquent prose really added an extra level of depth to the story.

By the middle of the book, I was enamored once again, with the spoiled little rich girl and the magnificent Native American chief. I was feeling the heroine's pain. I was seeing Jon Hazard Black through the eyes of Blaze, not only as a beautiful man, but as a beautiful person, who would fight to the death to save his tribe and for the woman he loved.

This book has action, romance, teepees, ballrooms, and lots of great sex! What more could you want?

I have always enjoyed Susan Johnson's work. I love all of the Braddock-Black series. I feel it is one of the best collections of her work. I enjoy reading a book when it has a series, because you get a chance to see how the prior books characters life turned out along with there children or friends, which ever the next book is about. The only thing that I did not like about this book is that they never resolved the BIG issue that separated Blaze and Hazard. I find that disturbing. It was just dropped like it never happened. They never discussed it and he never learned the real reason behind her going back with her mother and why he found her at that place.
If you haven't read it I don't want to give the ending away. I also wish that one thing would change that seems to be very common in all her books. The men seem to have all the power in her sex scenes. The women are helpless to there need for the man and have to do what the men say or they are punished and made to wait to receive the men's "GIFT". When is someone going to write a book empowering a women. Can i just get one sex scene where a man threathens not to give the women her "GIFT" if she doesn't behave, where the women can tell him to keep his "GIFT" and leaves the man panting for more and rinning after the woman!

This is one of the most romantic books that I have ever read! I read BRAZEN first, not realizing that it was a series. I loved BRAZEN and had to find out more about this stimulating family. I love the way S. Johnson explains all the historical things and it makes you wish you could be exported back in time to experience first hand.

I read these stories for the wonderful fantasy not for real life. I was always under the impression that these stories are to help you escape your life for a time and dream of living in the story yourself. Give in to the delicious fantasy and don't analyze. This is a wonderful story and I know anyone with a wisp of romance in there heart will love it, too. (Along with all the other S.Johnson stories)

I always enjoy Ms. Johnson's books, but " Blaze " for me is the best. I have read it a number of times, but never tired of the story. Ms. Johnson has successfully described the characters of the hero and the heroine so beautifully, you can feel the depth of their love for each other. I love the book so much, it is a book worth to be kept and treasured.