Customer Reviews

Hidden Fires

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Set in the territory of Texas during the 1800's, Lauren Holbrook accepts the position of the family secretary offered by Mr. Lockett to escape her life of confinement as the preacher's daughter. When she arrives, she discovers that her dreams are no more. Mr. Lockett has died of a heart attack and his widow is hostile towards Lauren, thinking Lauren is a former mistress of Lockett's. To keep from being dismissed and sent home, Lauren accepts the proposal of an arranged marriage (purely a business arrangement only) to their son and heir, Jared Lockett. Jared is rebellious and wild- not ready to settle down, but will follow through to please his demanding mother. Lauren stumbles upon family secrets- and things start to crumble and be revealed to Jared. It's a good read... the marriage is to be in name only, but Jared and Lauren find passion and truth.

This book is just wonderful, and keeps its emotional brilliance time after time of re-reading.

There was magic in the story of naive, sweet Lauren and playboy Jared. This book was set in the 1800s in a vilgalante style Texas, adding to the romantic aspect, but still left the reader completely feeling for and identifying with the believable characters.

Character development was wonderfully done, not only for the personalities and background of the lovers, but the suporting characters were so important. They were believable, and real. They played a part in the story's plots: each character's individual story, the romantic plot of Lauren and Jared, and the business-oriented plot of a railroad and the surprising turns that plot took.

All in all, I can't think of a single complaint for this book. It is suspenseful, sexually electric, believable, well developed, and leaves you with a good feeling afterwards, and a desire to reread and relive the tale all over again.

This is my first American Historical Romance book & my first of Sandra Brown's as well. I am happy to say that I am not disappointed at all! This book kept me up most of the night. The story is so exciting, each page makes me squirm in wonder to read what's next. In the beginning, I was frustrated in Jared's attitude towards the sweet, beautiful & innocent Lauren. Eventually, as I read along, I understood his indifference towards her, yet I still feel sorry for Lauren. I was relieved to see improvements in their relationship as the story progressed... this is also when the love story twist becomes heart warming. This book doesn't only concentrate on the hero/heroine alone. It contains many unique characters that surrounds the couple. Each character is described realistically & it makes you understand the hero more... In my opinion, the additional interesting characters makes the book more appealing. I can't wait to read more of SB's book. This one is definitely one of my best books to reread many times in the future.

I have read other Sandra Brown novels, but this was the first of her "classic romance" novels that I have read, and my first historical romance. This novel did a great job of taking me back in time, and I really felt like I got to know the characters well. This book really elicited emotion from me...I hated Olivia and Kurt, I rooted for Lauren and Jared to work out, etc... I read this book in one day because I could not put it down. The plot of this book was not as predictable as other romance novels (like a lot of NOra Roberts books, etc), and there were some elements of suspense near the end. I will definitely be reading other Sandra Brown romance novels based on this book.

After she runs from a possible scandal and religious foster parents who don't believe her Lauren goes to seek out a long time family friend, Ben. He recently had visited the family and extended an invitation to young Lauren to see Texas, a land only seen in her dreams. It's beautiful, and rough. It's the perfect place to start over. The only thing that isn't perfect is that her host,Ben...

What is Lauren to do now? The son of the family doesn't want her there, but he needs her. Jared, slowly discovers that his contempt for Lauren is unfounded and turns into..LOVE? LUST? It couldn't be..he knows what this tempest is all about..getting ahead and taking advantage. He's been around Texas for a while, he knows what women want, what they're like, what they're after. All Texas women want the same thing...but Lauren isn't from Texas!

This was my first Sandra Brown book and although there were some confusing parts and parts that seemed to happen out of no where it was truly a good read. Pick it up if you are interested in historical romances and want a nice mindless read for the weekend.

In "Hidden Fires", Sandra Brown bastes her readers with sweeping strokes of romance and action set in the days when Railroads were king.

We meet Lauren Holbrook as she makes a devilish deal to enter a wealthy Texas family. Her relationship with Jared Lockett begins as raw as uncooked veal.

As the plot continues, enter Jared's tyrannical mother, Olivia Lockett. Despite her attempts to char chaos in all the characters lives, we find ourselves pulling deeply for Lauren & Jared.

Although I prefer Ms. Browns more recent novels, I did enjoy this romp of a romantic read.

You might also enjoy: "Exclusive" by Sandra Brown and "The Last Valentine" by James Pratt

Thanks for your interest--CDS

I have only recently started reading romance novels. I stumbled upon S. Brown and found several of her books "typical". This one is no exception. Yet, I was absolutely engrossed in it. I really felt the pain Jared heaped on Lauren, and in return, himself. I enjoyed the dialogue, the tension, and the sweet gestures between the main characters. All scenes were tasteful and erotic. I will definately recommend this particular novel to anyone with a romantic heart.

Poor Lauren, she was like a lamb led to slaughter. Shame on Ben for asking a sweet, innocent girl into the midst of his badly disfunctional family. I can't think of a worse scenario. What was going on in Jared's head to treat unknowing Lauren in such a manner. And Olivia she took the cake. How Jared let her pull his strings was mind boggling. Someone wrote that they just loved all the characters. About the only lovable ones were Elena, Rosa, Maria and Gloria. Rudy wasn't bad either, but Jared needed his tail whipped.

At least all the bad guys got it in the end. What a bunch of ruthless scum.

I read this book many years ago, and it is worn out from reading it over and over. I was so glad to find this on Amazon! You will not be disappointed if you purchase this book. I am now on my way to buy all of Sandra's books! Sandra, if you are reading this, thank you!!!

I have recently begun to read books by Sandra Brown. I have read Best Kept Secrets and Slow Heat in Heaven but this book is by far the best one I have read. I started the book on Friday and by the next Thursday I had read it 3 times! I feel the plot was great and I really enjoyed the surprises around every corner. I really think the reason I liked it so much is because of the innocence of the heroine, Lauren and the ruggedness of the hero, Jared. I also liked the time setting of the book. For anyone who likes to read Sanda Brown I suggest you get this book!