Customer Reviews

Savage Love (Savage (Leisure Paperback))

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

 

 

In 1843, naturalist Daniel Tolliver dies from a fever at Fort Meyers near the Utah-Wyoming border. Daniel and his daughter Dayanara were searching for the "monster bones" at the request of their former employer the Smithsonian Institute. Partially out of honoring her beloved father and just because she is intrigued, Dayanara continues the quest.

Dayanara rescues Little Fox, a white boy raised by Indians. He takes her to the sacred grounds to show her the dinosaur bones. His father Cree Chief Quick Fox is irate that a white desecrates holy grounds, but recognizes the golden hair woman as the person haunting his dreams and visions. As Dayanara and Quick Fox fall in love, society taboos pressure both to end their relationship before it can truly form.

Though Cassie Edwards has used the underlying theme of star crossed lovers consisting of an Indian and a white about thirty times, the prehistorical remains provide somewhat of a fresh twist to these old bones. The lead couple is a charming pair albeit a bit too perfect in a world that loathes interracial mating. Still, fans of the series will enjoy the latest Cassie Edwards' entry.

Harriet Klausner

I am somewhat of a connoisseur of romance novels, and I have read hundreds of stories from dozens of authors. I normally don't write bad reviews, because romance novels are like pizza: even the bad ones have some good, and it fulfills its purpose and sates you until the next one. The best romances, in my opinion, have beautifully painted, multi-dimensional characters and an intricate plot. This had neither. Instead of characters that were so developed you get a clear picture in your mind and can anticipate what they may do next, see them smile, or cringe when they are mad, Savage Love has 1-dimensional people in it that, in the end, I felt nothing for and didn't care what or who happened to them. The twists were anti-climactic and contrived, and I feel the best plot point, the tension between the two main characters over the monster bones, was left on the back burner as soon as they met and never fully developed, only to be mentioned a few more times throughout the book in passing. They, of course, fell in love right after that initial meeting, so there was no tension or interest there. I felt that the story was undeveloped and amateurish and would sorely press my desire to read from this author again. I have read many great stories that include the "star-crossed" tale between Whites and American Indians, and there has been tension, true romance and desire, and a great narrative on the American Indians' tribal culture and way of life. This had none of that. Another reviewer said that Dayanara was basically accepted into the tribe after just one visit and one speech from the Indian Chief; again, not really realistic and, well, boring. I basically skimmed through the last 200 pages after the Indian Chief processed his love for Dayanara for the third or fourth time, after having only seen her once or twice; that was a great, rolling-of-the-eye moment!

The only real villain introduced in the plot doesn't come around too often, and his turnabout at the end is rather predictable. I never held my breath in the least with the danger from him, instead of not giving a damn. Not much is explored on how Dayanara comes - or doesn't come - to be accepted by the Indian tribe either. Besides a small meeting in the hut with an unhappy woman, conflict here is explored either.

All these plot points could easily be forgiven, of course, if the story simply read better. Instead it suffered from my second reading sin: melodrama. I almost felt like honey was dripping off the pages after a time. From the unrealistic love, mushy declarations and awkward dialogue, to the lack of tension, I couldn't wait to finish this book simply so I wouldn't have to read it any longer. I hate sounding so harsh, but it really didn't suit me. Surprisingly the beginning was better than the rest of the story, which typically doesn't happen, and it did snare me up for awhile.

Character wise, none seemed real enough because of the stereotypical actions and beliefs. Sex-scene wise, there was a relatively hot moment, but without much care for the characters and without the right amount of build-up, it didn't affect me the way it usually would. The pace itself is fine for this type of book, but without any real conflict or crisis the pacing doesn't matter much. Edwards has written quite a few books, this being the sixteenth in this series, and I'm assuming her other works stand out prouder than this one. Her style of writing didn't agree with me here, as the sentences were rather short and simple, without much building up tension (romance, sexual, danger, or otherwise), and to the point with phrases brimming of melodrama. The story premise itself is a good one, I just couldn't agree with its execution.

I love this book. Cassie Edwards has done it again. Keeping the story line very well written, and not disappointing her fans. I truly love how justice was served in this title. I already have it going through my friends and family book circle, and they all agree that this title is great. Way to go, Cassie.

Again have not read this book yet, but sure it will be very good, Lois Robinson