Customer Reviews

Branded Hearts

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I never read a romance novel before, always thinking that they had no point, but from the moment that I picked this book up at the airport I've been hooked ever since. It was a good thing that the plane ride was a relatively long one, because I'm sure that if we landed I couldn't have put the book down long enough to get my baggage. The plot was enticing, the characters charming, and the surprises around every corner kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the way that Ann could shoot and ride with the best of them, and the chemistry and passion between Ian and Ann was wonderful. I definately recommend reading this book. You won't want to put it down!

Ian and Ann are survivors of an attack when they were young, but they don't know it. Throw in some sexual tension, engaging secondary characters and a villian who wants Ann and her saloon, and you've got one heck of a western. I like Ian and the way Ann tries to "manage" him. Read and find out how.

It has a great feel of the Old West, romance, intrigue, and poignant scenes with a shocking secret that involves the two main characters. It's worth the read!

Why would Ian, an ex-Rebel officer and half Sioux Indian, think Ann McCastle was a virgin when she was running a saloon and bordello on the Colorado frontier? Well, he wouldn't...and she had no intention of informing him he was wrong when he was being so stubborn and thinking he knew it all. But no matter her experience, he was willing to marry her--no demanded she marry him--when he bought the controlling interest in her establishment. Since they both had grievances against a local bad man (though neither would disclose what those grievances were), and the marriage would make the bad guy really unhappy, why not marry? So they do. And then, as they say, we're off to the races.

Ian's a handsome warrior type who is just was McCastle's needs. He cares more deeply for Ann than he wants to admit. Ann runs more than a saloon and bordello out of McCastle's but she isn't willing to tell Ian about that, nor is she willing to confess she has begun to love him.

You'll love the characters in this one, including a noble Pawnee Indian named Cloud Walker, a French chef, a sympathetic bartender, three ladies of the night with hearts of gold who are loyal to Ann, and a piano player who keeps all her secrets! Ah..the great west. I think you'll enjoy this one. There's lots of mystery and great chemistry between the two leads as Graham weaves a wonderful tale. But ignore the picture inside the cover that shows the dark haired Ian with blond hair, and the blond-haired Ann with dark hair. How did they get that so wrong?

I could not finish this book. Shannon Drake does have some good books but I found nothing believable about this book. The hero and heroine are totally cookie cutter characters. Really, the heroine is bar/brothel owner by day and patrols for crime by night. Yet, she is pure and virginal. I just had to laugh.

I am not a big fan of Westerns, preferring my settings to remain in the British Isles, but this one was one really super read.

I mean, with a lead character named Ian McShane (???LOL) how can you go wrong???

Ann is out to find revenge for death of her parents and willing to go to any length to achieve this goal. And that includes marriage to a half-Sioux, former cavalryman, McShane. They both, as children, survived the same Indian attack, though are unaware of this and now find themselves in a marriage of convenience that is not so convenient!!

Graham/Drake give you strong, well developed characters that will stay with you long after you finish the book and put it down.

Shannon Drake was one of the very first romance authors that I have read. I am 16 years old and am beginng my own collection of books and you can be sure that I have Shanon Drake among them. This story was very well written and I read it on during a vacation I had. It is a very good thing that I didn't have school because I don't think anything would have gotten done before I finished it. It has a great plot and it keeps you on the edge all of the time. I love Ann's character and how strong she is despite all that has happened to her. The characters are wonderful, as well as the mix of characters from background to attitude. I definately recommend this book to anyone who has not read it.