Customer Reviews

The Touch of Fire

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Phew! It's been a long time since I read a really, really good romance, and I'm glad to say that my dry spell has finally come to an end in spectacular fashion. The Touch of Fire is a beautiful, spellbinding love story about a decent, tough-as-nails man and a decent, compassionate woman.

The characters are wonderful. Rafe is sexy as hell, protective, and possessive and Annie is lovely, clever and kind hearted. Both have had a hard lot in life - Rafe on the run for crimes he did not commit and Annie the recipient of scorn because of her job as a doctor. When they meet sparks fly, and Rafe's rough `n' tough exterior soon slips to reveal the tenderness underneath that he feels for Annie, and Annie alone. There is no sexism either - Rafe helps with all the chores, does little kind things for Annie to make her life easier, and - get this - washed his own clothes!!! I think I'm right in saying that in 1871 that was really something!

The plot is exciting and takes place over a long period of time so you get to see Annie and Rafe in lots of different situations and see how their love blooms. When Rafe says `I love you' I was absolutely blown away and the final pages had me in tears. Rest assured there are no `big misunderstandings' here or unnecessary cruelty towards the heroine by the hero to keep the story going after 200 pages. Instead we have a simple, exceptionally moving love story about two lonely people who were meant to be together.

Linda Howard, I applaud you.

JoAnne

It would be hard for me to write a bad review of a Linda Howard book, but fortunately I don't have to worry about that with A Touch of Fire. It is simply the best. It is seldom you come across a good western romance that grabs you from the start and pulls you along for the ride. Great characters. Of course we have the typical Linda Howard strong male figure (always to die for). The love story/scenes sizzle (this is a Linda Howard book!), you get plenty of adventure, and a satisfying end. Who could ask for more? You won't be disappointed.

I've read several of Linda's books - "Son of the Morning","Angel Creek", "Lady of the West", etc. She never fails to engage my imagination. Each of her characters is in a struggle with outside and inside forces and she gives them a run for their money. This book is somewhat like the others, but she did rush the story and the characters aren't quite as fleshed out as I believe she would have liked. I think someone at the publishing house rushed her to get this to print.

i've read most of linda howard's books, and i'll have to say that this was the best yet. i liked the way everything was set..and even though Rafe is determined, so is Annie. And they make it a great book all around. Rafe is tough, patient, and on the run. And all Annie ever wanted was to be a docter that was respected. when they get together love will conquer everything.

I really enjoyed "The Touch Of Fire" It was fun, and fast paced and full of romantic tension. READER'S WILL LOVE Rafe and Annie. A lot like "Anything, My Love" by Cynthia Simmons and "New Mexico Sunrise" by T. Peterson. All, Sexy, fun and exciting.

I don't particularly like stories about the frontier, specially if they're set in the past, but being Linda Howard who wrote this book, i decided to try it. Man, was I glad I tried it! This story is full of unconditional love, suspense, and most important of all--the journey to discover that we're all granted more than a chance in life.

"Annie Parker came to Silver Mesa, Arizona, b/c it was the only place she'd found where folks thought a woman doctor was better then no doctor at all. Her lonely life became harder still on the winter night Rafe McCay broke into her office with a bullet in his side and a bounty hunter at his back. With a gun aimed at her heart, he led her deep into the Arizona moutains, and into a world of danger and passion, for Annie doscovered Rafe not only a wounded man, but a soul betrayed...and Rafe, healed by her skill and the magic of her hands, awakened in Annie a woman's tender longing and hungry desire..."

The Touch of Fire is the fifth Linda Howard novel that I read, and my favorite so far. (I've read All The Queen's Men, After the Night, Dream Man, and Heart of Fire.) I was completely enthralled by Heart of Fire, and didn't think this one would top it. When I opened to the first page and saw 1871, Arizona Territory, my heart sank. I am not into westerns or historicals.

But I pushed on, and within a few pages, I was incapable of putting the book down.

Again, LH has created strong, appealing characters, and a compelling plot, full of danger and suspense. The love that develops between Annie and Rafe is so beautiful and unconditional, that in itself, it makes The Touch of Fire one of my favorite romance novels of all times.

Rafe McCay's respect, protectiveness and sensitivity toward Annie, especially in a time and place in which men were men and women their servants, makes him my favorite LH hero to date.

In LH classic style, we are invited on these wonderful characters' journey through hell and sensual discovery, and cheer them on to resolution and their happily ever after.

Thank you, LH, for sharing this wonderful story with us.

Once again L.H. has impressed me with her ability to write a story that held on to me until the end. This was my first historical by this author and of course she didn't let me down. I love how the characters are independent and can handle life on their own, but together they become even stronger and can achieve anything. I HIGHLY recommend this book. Thank You once again Linda!

This book reads like a good, old fashioned western movie. Rafe has been on the run for years accused of a murder he didn't commit. Lawmen and bounty hunters have been on his trail but can never catch him. He makes his way into town one night when he's hit in the side by a lucky shot from a bounty hunter. Annie has just returned very late to her office after delivering a baby. She is surprised by Rafe in the darkness but she cannot refuse to treat his wound. He forces her to go with him until he's recovered but during their time together, he discovers he can't let her go. He needs to find out why whenever she touches him he feels fire from her hands. Is it just his lust or does she have the same effect on others? They learn to trust one another over the weeks they are on the run and Annie discovers just how far she will go to protect Rafe. They come across a small village of Indians sick with black measles and Annie does what she can to help. Because they stayed a little too long, a US Marshall catches up with them and is determined to bring Rafe in to justice. During the trek back, the story of how Rafe was accused of the murder comes out and the Marshall believes it. They confront the real perpetrators and with a little blackmail and influential political help, Rafe is cleared. Annie turns up pregnant and with Rafe's streak of chivalry, they get married immediately. The Marshall becomes their best friend and foreman of the ranch that Rafe buys with the money he received from being unjustly accused of murder.

I love this book so much.well actually i love every one of the Linda Howard books i've ever read. i love Rafe he difines the word rouge. and Annie is so cute. they just make the book perfect. in a way Rafe really sweeps Annie off her feet. but if you haven't read the book not in the way you think