Customer Reviews

Lakota Love Song (Signet Historical Romance)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Courtesy of The Best Reviews

Kaylee Matthews is out riding her family's ranch one day and comes across a Lakota warrior who was wounded and left for dead. She knows she must help him, and does so while hiding him from her family. As she is helping him recover, Kaylee finds herself becoming bound to him, tighter and tighter.

Blue Hawk awakens to find himself in a white man's lodge, with a beautiful vision before him. He is an injured outsider to this world and longs to return to his village and people. All the while though, he is drawn to Kaylee and does not want to leave her. However, his people need him, and he longs for revenge against the white man who broke his word, stealing supplies meant for the Lakota, and shooting Blue hawk, leaving him for dead.

Kaylee promises to help Blue Hawk return home, getting a lot more than she bargained for in the process. Now Kaylee is the outsider among the Lakota, and must learn to live as they do. As she adapts to her new life, the passion between her and Blue Hawk grows...their love becoming stronger every day. Kaylee discovers she loves the Indian way of life, but misses her family all the same, hoping they are well.

However, the Lakota are on the run and Kaylee with them. Custer is tracking them down, to force all Indians on to reservations and free up their land for settlers to develop. The Indians decide to take a stand and defend their sacred land. Will they be successful? Will Kaylee and Blue Hawk overcome the odds to remain together?

Ms. Baker has once again proven why she is one of the reigning queens of Native American romance. Kaylee and Blue Hawk's relationship is so pure and true, each only wanting what is best for the other. The secondary characters are also a rare treat. The interaction between them and the hero and heroine is well done and adds to the story. Their growth as people is as evident as Kaylee and Blue Hawk's, but never overshadows them.

The research that went into this story is unmistakable. One will love all of the historical facts thrown in. It was wonderful to read such detailed scenes, even the violent Battle of Little Big Horn, which is a vital turning point to the story. There is even a little bit of mystery thrown in, though this reviewer had it solved as soon as it was mentioned.

This is a touching story, full of emotion. The reader will laugh, cry, scream, and grieve along with Kaylee and Blue Hawk. Their emotion is so powerful; one will feel how torn they are between their families and their love for each other. Ms. Baker's books are always a pleasure to read. It is known that each story will be unique...a masterpiece...and Lakota Love Song does not disappoint.

Lakota Love Song is the story of the love between white captive Kaylee Matthews and a wounded Lakota warrior Blue Hawk (why are all American Indians in romance novels called Hawk?)

Against the advice of her mother and best friend Randy, naive Kaylee tends to the injured Blue Hawk, and nurses him back to health. In exchange, (surprise) Blue Hawk kidnaps her to fulfill a vision that this "White Woman" Hold's the "Answer" for him and his people.

What follows is, a somewhat predictable romp through the west with romance being the inevitable result.

For me, two things did not click about this novel. First, the author's choice of dialog in several sections was just too stereotypical: Phrases like: "The only one whose gonna get hurt is that murderin' redskin" and the hero's constant stilted pronunciation of the heroine's name as "Kay-Lee" jolted me out of the story at several crucial points.

Secondly, the heroine Kaylee was just too naive and innocent to be enjoyable. I would've much preferred a freethinking and intelligent heroine. Romantic tension was lacking because Blue Hawk was always MUCH wiser and MUCH more knowledgeable about everything.

Overall, a predictable story, with several interesting bits, and some good research and minor characters, but nothing new by any means.

In 1876 Dakota Territory, Kaylee Matthews is playing hide go seek game on horseback with her long time pal Randy Harris when she spots the wounded Indian. Randy prefers the Indian bleed to death from his bullet wounds, but Kaylee feels that they must try to save a fellow human. Randy warns her that her abusive stepfather Shaun Randall will viciously take it out on her if he ever learns that she harbored and nurtured to health an Indian. Though she knows the belief Shaun harbors that all Indians should die, Kaylee hides the wounded warrior.

As Kaylee and Blue Hawk spend time together while he heals, they begin to fall in love. However, Blue Hawk realizes that duty must supersede personal feelings. He takes Kaylee prisoner so he can ransom her and use the money to purchase needs guns and supplies for his people. However, Kaylee takes to the lifestyle of the Lakota, leading to happiness for these star-crossed lovers. However, her people are coming to not only rescue her, but to destroy his.

The warm romance between the stars of LAKOTA LOVE STORY is set amidst a panoramic look at the Lakota nation as only Madeline Baker could so vividly describe the era. The story line is exciting; never slowing down as the action continues non-stop throughout the plot. Though the characters are typical of the sub-genre in terms of extreme prejudice or tolerance, the lead couple is a charming pair. The author bakes a powerful novel that sub-genre fans will appreciate.

Harriet Klausner

In 1876 Dakota territory, Blue Hawk a "Lakota warrior" lies on the ground, close to death. He was wounded by a wasci "White eyes" that shot him and left him to die, after he stole the horses he wanted to sell to buy guns for his people. He did not wanted to die so he pray to mano a god in form of a bear, when the bear appear to him he told Blue Hawk, to fallow the woman that she holds the answer. The bear change shape and he saw a beautiful white woman with hair the color of ripe wheat. Kaylee Mathews found Blue Hawk while playing with her friend Randy Harris, she pleaded Randy to help her carried him to the line shack she and her mother Emma care for Blue Hawk.and resume Blue Hawk and Kaylee fell in love.I could continue an write the whole story but them it would not be fun for the rest of the readers, you have to read it, it is a beautiful story. Madeline Baker has outdone herself in this story I can hardly wait for onother of her stories to come out. I have all all of her books she its the greatest writer ever. keep on writing Madeline because I will keep on buying your books Thank You.

It's not that this novel wasn't romantic or well-written, it just wasn't that enticing or interesting to me. Certain aspects of it I loved, but for the most part it was a sleepy read.

Young Kaylee Marie is a spirited girl. There's nothing overly exceptional about her. In fact, I've read her story before, lots of times. She's from the East originally, but loves the wide open blue sky of the west. Her stepfather is harsh and mean. She doesn't want to get married yet- "maybe never!" She has the creepy, much older neighbor with the aligning ranch that wants to marry her that she finds repulsive. She's a tomboy. She loves to ride her horse. Etc. I love Western romances, but they are full of a lot of cliches. One thing I did love about this novel was the relationship between Kaylee and her mother. It was refreshing to read about a loving bond between mother and daughter.

Blue Hawk is a two dimensional Indian man. Unfortunately, we don't see too far into his mind. We know his people are suffering and starving. In fact, his speech about it reads like a PSA. Beyond his people's suffering, we know that Blue Hawk has recently been tricked by a white man and left for dead, and now his heart is set on vengeance. Further, we know he loves Kaylee. I have to say, I thought it was sweet how much he loved her and constantly expressed it. "For now on, my heart beats only for you," he says to her, putting her hand on his muscular chest. Awe.

Overall, there wasn't much plot. And it just felt "old and tired," like I read this book last week. In fact, it reminded me a lot of that movie... "Stolen Women, Captured Hearts" which was a made for TV movie that came out about 5 years before this novel and maybe that's why I felt like I knew the story already... at least the first 2/3 of it.

I was charmed by the love between the two characters of this novel however, and if you have a passion for Native American romance, then I recommend you give this one a shot and see what you think.

I'm sorry but this book was very disappointing. I tried to like it, kept reading thinking it would get better...it had to. Well, it didn't! I've been reading these types of books since 1980 and have several I keep and read over and over...this was not one I would read again. It had no backbone, no substance! I thought the characters were predictable and weak. The romance part lacked passion and grit. After just reading "Comanche Moon" and "Comanche Heart" by C. Anderson, I'm surprised I was even able to finish this book. I have to say I am disappointed in Madeline Baker because I know she can do so much better. I'll still turn to her books, but I hope they aren't lacking like this one was.

Lakota Love Song is a simple story of love. It is about a young white woman whom is full of compassion and acceptance whom falls in love with an equally compassionate Lakota warrior. It is not a steamy sexy romance but modest and sweet, something pure and innocent that should grab every heart. Kay-Lee ( how Blue Hawk pronounces her name which adds to the believable line) is not a spoiled sassy girl nor does the two fuss and fight. Blue Hawk is not an arrogant warrior that shows his superior by forcing Kay-Lee around. Instead they are compatible lovers stuck in a heartless world full of bitter revenge. Together they fight ignorance and brutality in order to be one.
The author done a wonderful job at describing the hatred the white inflicted upon the Indian race. She is also respectful toward the Lakota race as well as actuate in recreating battles.
I was really shocked as well as disappointed when I read some of the negative reviews from other readers. It seems ignorance and prejudice still prevail. If you are open minded and want to learn more about the Lakota and the history of Crazy Horse (Cheyenne) and enjoy vivid battles then this is the book for you. Again this is not a steamy erotic book which is all some people care to read, but very sweet. Don't get me wrong their love is very strong and the romance is about love not sex. Lakota Love Song will take your mind across the North West into the battle of Little Big Horn and leave your heart enchanted from a love so strong that the power of hate could not diminish.

This book stands out for me because of the incredible scene of the battle against Custer. Very well written and triumphant. Also, Baker makes good use of the Lakota language and stays true to many of their traditions. As a historical story, this book is very enthralling.
The romance is good, because of Blue Hawk's devotion to Kaylee. However, Kaylee gets annoying because she pushes Blue Hawk into dangerous situations, with only her own comfort in mind.
The end is very depressing. It is true to history, but I like leaving a book with a happy glow. This one ends with Blue Hawk in despair over the loss of his friend and leader, Crazy Horse. Also, Blue Hawk's people are all dead or scattered, and Blue Hawk is forced to give in to living in the white world. No happy ending here.

I throughly enjoyed this book. I liked the way the story flowed with the relationship between Kaylee and Blue Hawk. I couldn't put it down, I had to keep reading to find out more. It is a must read!

While playing with a friend, Kaylee Matthews discovers a wounded Indian. She decides to hide him away and tend his injuries. Kaylee never anticipated falling for the handsome brave. Will Kaylee and Blue Hawk's love been given a chance to survive?

Ridge Longtree has made his name as a highly regarded gunfighter. He finds that he is tired of the killing, and having no place to call home. He happens upon the ranch of Martha Jean Flynn and her sister Dani. He recognizes that they are unsure of his intentions, but allows him to stay in their bunkhouse.

Martha knows that Ridge is not your normal ranch hand in search of work. In his eyes she sees an edge you don't normally find in your typical man. His air of mystery heightens her womanly senses.

When Martha's father's horse returns blooded and without a rider, she fears for the worst. She hires Ridge to go in search of her father. Ridge is able to locate Martha's father, but it is too late to save him. He returns to the ranch with the grim news of his death.

Martha believes that her father was murdered, and she wants to seek out the person responsible for his death. Then her world once again goes spinning out of control when her sister is kidnapped by Apache.

Ridge can't stand to see Martha so distraught over her sister's disappearance. He agrees to lead her into Apache territory to rescue her. As the two journey to find her sister, the close quarters results in them falling in love.

Will Ridge and Martha be in time to save Dani? Or will they be shocked to discover her living circumstances?

Fans of Madeline Baker will rejoice at another award winning novel in UNDER APACHE SKIES. You can almost feel yourself being projected back to the Native American culture each time you pick up one of her books. Once again, she proves that she reigns supreme as the Queen of the Historical romance genre.