Customer Reviews

Heart of Fire

5 star:		(45)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Heart of Fire is the first book by Linda Howard that I have read and it will be the first of many, if this book is any indication of her talent. From the beginning, the legend of the Empress diamond and the lore of the Amazons grabs your attention and you are hooked. I found I could not read fast enough, to find out what would happen next. I think it is proof of Howard's writing abilities that she makes this story believable... it's an adventure, plain and simple, but it also has an amazing love story, that of Jillian and Ben. To me, Ben seems the ultimate in masculinity: strength, confidence, a surprising sense of caring, everything you could want in a male lead character and then some. His determination to win Jillian begins as a plot to bed her but slowly he realizes he's attracted to her mind and strong sense of purpose as well as her body. Jillian is also a great character. She has brains, strength, and a wonderfully saracastic sense of humor. Her love for her father and desire to prove his professional credibility, even though he has been dead for years, are what drives her to seek out the Anzars and the Empress diamond... and this trip in the jungle is what draws she and Ben together. The sexual tension between them can only be described as electric. And when this tension finally becomes something more... all I can say is that you'll need a fan to cool yourself down! Linda Howard has written a great story, and if you are a reader of romance, you should read Heart of Fire. You will not be disappointed.

In an effort to reestablish her deceased father's reputation, archeologist Jillian Sherwood and her half-brother get financial backing from a shady character to search for a lost civilization buried deep in the Amazon and falls for her American ex-pat river guide, Ben Lewis. Of course, it's hate at first sight for both of them. Overly macho Ben doesn't want to take a woman into unchartered territory, but on the other hand, he doesn't trust the locals to not harm her either, so he reluctantly agrees, and makes several attempts at wooing her. Jillian is no shrinking violet, and she can more than hold her own on the expedition, especially since she is the only one who can read the map.

Jillian and Ben has so much chemistry oozing off the pages, and their romance really sizzles. This is one of Linda Howard's better pairings, as the hero and the heroine are definitely equals (and can banter better than most duos). It's a great adventure ride with lots of twists and turns and plenty of romance.

Full of humor, adventure, and sizzling passion, "Heart of Fire" is one of Linda Howard's best (and that's saying a lot!). Gillian Sherwood is an archeologist on a quest for a legendary red diamond and proof of the Amazons' exsistence. Ben Lewis is a ruffian, scoundral, and the best river guide in Brazil. When they team up to lead an expedition deep into the heart of the Amazon's rainforest, they must face the perils of the jungle, out-manuver murderous thugs, and then find their way back to civilization again.

Wonderful characters, snappy dialogue, exotic locations, this book has it all. This is a multi-read, pass-along book, a definite keeper. Enjoy.

Nina M.

If ever there was a solid five star romance then this is it. Heart of Fire is a passionate, sexy, funny and exciting novel that thrills from beginning to end. The plot is racy and pacy with plenty of interesting plot twists and the main characters have so much chemistry between them that the book is practically on fire.

From a physical perspective Ben Lewes is pretty much the ideal male hero; tall, dark, muscular, rough `n' ready...[I could go on all day... :-)]. He has the perfect blend of sex appeal and confident masculinity. He is the ultimate alpha - tough, strong and brave and a real bad ass when he wants to be (but never to Jillian). Often such men are paired off with some spineless little moaner with less personality than a lettuce leaf - you know the type, don't you? - the kind of heroine that forgets to eat all the time and spends her days pouting and fainting if anyone speaks above a whisper. Therefore it is definitely worth celebrating that Ben's true love is Jillian Sherwood, a kind-hearted, clever, feisty woman. Ben might be the super-alpha male but Jillian is more than able to match him. It was hilarious to read the passages where Ben was desperately trying to work out whether Jillian was into him or not.

My other favourite things are that there are plenty of chances in the book for Ben to defend Jillian or to do some charming protective gesture. The dialogue between them is snappy and fun. The other characters add a lot to the story and the ending is great too. I guess I should admit that a few things bothered me - Ben was a little too free and easy about sex before he met Jillian, and there's a scene near the end where Ben tracks Jillian down in her bedroom after a brief seperation which I find a bit cringe worthy.

Overall Heart of Fire is a lovely, sizzling romance that I highly recommend. In addition to this book, Dream Man by Linda Howard is also one of my personal favourites. Dane, the hero in that book, has certain similarities to Ben. And that, fellow readers, is a wonderful thing!

JoAnne

What I like about Linda Howard's books are that they just grab you in and never let you go. Her books are so real and in touch. The plot: A treasure hunt with everyone on the expedition having their own ulterior motives. This is one of my favorite books of Linda Howard. Why? Who wouldn't pay good money to see an arrogant, conceited, alpha male knocked down a peg or two. And Jillian is the perfect heroine to do that. Very intelligent and witty. But I couldn't hate Ben Lewis. He is the ultimate "black sheep bad for you guy" and it is so endearing that he finally finds his soul mate and loves her with all of his being. There is something so sexy about a guy who exudes masculinity but also has a soft spot. I love the scenes where he shows how protective and caring he is to Jillian. Way to go Jillian for not letting him get it too easy.
As far as Dutra being added to the expedition, eh... you give a little to get a little. I thought the idea was that Ben wasn't supposed to know what they were up to. One person had the map and the other funded the expedition. I would imagine the person who funded the expedition wouldn't go without his trusted thug. But without Dutra being there, there wouldn't be half as many exciting near death scenes.

this is an older Howard and if you are a fan and missed during first release grab it now. It is stunning!! Jillian Sherwood is a proper lady with a sensible background. But that proper lady is suddenly out of her norm when she ventures into the jungles of Brazil looking for the Heart of a Fire a rare red diamond. But she is not tea-sipping Miss, she is an archaeologist and willing to stake everything that the myth of the red diamond is real. Ben is the all man, river guide that think the myth a bunk but is getting paid for the trip. As someone in their party betrays them Ben and Jillian must band together to survive.

I LOVED these character, and it is Howard at her best!!

I have long been a Linda Howard fan, but Heart of Fire is my favorite. The dialogue between Ben and Jillian keeps the book moving at a quick pace. The comment that Ben makes at the end of page 136 was witty and funny, sounds just like a man. Give me some chuckles. I would love to hear how Ben and Lillian have fared by hearing about them in some future book, and was relutant to have the book end. This is a "keeper" and one to take out and re-read time and again.

I truly enjoy Linda Howard's work. This book is no exception. I read it at least 4 times already. The characters are strong, witty, intelligent & sensual. "Ben" reminds me of Indiana Jones & Mel Gibson wrapped in one sexy character --yum! Its a must read.

Jillian Sherwood is determined to find a lost Amazon city and prove to the archeological world that her father, (known as Crackpot Sherwood) was a legitimate scientist/archeologist. He died while searching for the "Stone City" somewhere in South America. Jillian has come to Brazil, backed by her skeptical stepbrother and some of his henchmen friends.

Jillian hooks up with Amazon river/jungle guide - Ben Lewis, and starts her personal quest. Ben is definitely the "alpha male" in every definition. He's aggressive, sometimes abrasive, and obnoxious at times. But he is shocked by & grows to admire Jillian's intelligence, her physical stamina for the 50 mile jungle hike, her compassion, and her duty to father's quest.

The plot is extremely interesting and unique. Ben is not what I would call a "sensitive male" but he does grow on you as the book progresses. There are some extremely steamy sex scenes; lots of passion and sexual tension. The dialogue between Jillian and Ben is quite funny - lots of bantering & barbs.

It's a good, fast read. I've kept my book for several years and have read it several times.

Heart of Fire is going to leave you wanting more. Its mystery, adventure and romance all rolled into one. But what I appreciated most, was the honest character developement in this story. Most romance novels simply throw their main characters together whether they realistically belong together or not. And the romance between them feels forced. Not so with Ben and Jilian of Heart of Fire. Between their personalities, actions and most importantly, their diologue, it is easy to believe why they would come together. LH's diologue is both fresh and fun and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story a SECOND time. This is a must read for all Linda Howard fans and romance fans alike!

Even though I don't read romance books that often, i have to admit this one was kewl. I used to belief romantic books were about some barbaric men using women, and calling it love,while the heroes are empty headed females who cry at the slightest thing. But this one had a very strong female character who had her own mind. I loved both of the characters and laughed at the struggle Ben had to go through to get Jillian.This the third book by Linda Howard I have read, and I enjoyed them all with the exception of A Game of Chance.