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The Wildest Heart

3.76 of 5 stars 3.76 · rating details · 410 ratings · 22 reviews

No man can own Rowena Dangerfield--a sensuous, strong-willed lady with a fiery, unchained spirit--though many desire her. She had come to claim her birthright, following her destiny to the sprawling New Mexican frontier...and to the only man who can tame her restless heart.

A handsome half-Apache branded an outlaw--a rebel and renegade feared throughout the territories--Luc...more

Mass Market Paperback, 608 pages

Published April 28th 1995 by Avon Books (first published 1974)

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Nov 09, 2009 Bridget rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Rowena is an independent woman. When her grandfather passes away, she finds herself being handed the duties of her grandfather. She reads a diary that belonged to her father and figures out that she is supposed to smooth things over with her family's rivals. Rowena is hot tempered, especially when conversing with the opposite sex. Will she be able to do what she is destined to or will her pride stand in her way?

I loved the dialogue in this book! Rowena reminds me a lot of myself and I was able t...more

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Mar 13, 2011 Wisteria Leigh added it

Jan 30, 2012 Rowena rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review

When I first started this book, I didn't quite know what to expect. The ARC that we received from Sourcebooks was pretty thick and I knew it wasn't going to be an easy read but that was mainly because of the thickness of the book. I wasn't fully prepared for what I found instead. Instead of the book being a trial to read because it was so lengthy, it wasn't the length of the book that was the trial. It was the story itself.

There was so much going on throughout the story and it was sometimes very...more When I first started this book, I didn't quite know what to expect. The ARC that we received from Sourcebooks was pretty thick and I knew it wasn't going to be an easy read but that was mainly because of the thickness of the book. I wasn't fully prepared for what I found instead. Instead of the book being a trial to read because it was so lengthy, it wasn't the length of the book that was the trial. It was the story itself.

There was so much going on throughout the story and it was sometimes very hard to get through. Ugly things happened in this story and though it's not my usual cup of tea, I couldn't stop reading this book. It reminded me of one of those train crashes that you see off the side of the freeway, it's a very ugly sight and yet you can't stop looking. It was exactly like that.

This story follows Lady Rowena Dangerfield as she goes from her life in India after her grandfather dies to live with her mother in England and then off to America where she claims her inheritance from her father which was half of the SD Ranch. In order to claim her inheritance, she had to meet all of these demands set forth by her father. While I understood a lot of Rowena's frustration at having half answers from just about everyone, I still couldn't bring myself to really care for her because she was so judgmental. Of everyone. Lucas Cord (the hero) summarized my feelings for Rowena splendidly when he said,

"...Ever since the first time we met, you've been judging me, judging everyone else. It's time you did some figuring out for yourself, Ro. An' while you're doing that, better take a good look at yourself too. There aint a human being in this world who's perfect, an' at least I never asked that or expected it from you. But you set yourself above everybody else, make your own conclusions...what gives you that right?"
Far too many times in this book, I kept saying this about Rowena. What gives her the right to jump to the conclusions she did? Because she was always pissed off at Lucas for something or other and she was always pissed off at him for something that someone else told her. Mark and Todd tells her that he's bad news so it must be true, Todd hates his guts so he must be this terrible person and yet, her FATHER believed in him. Her father didn't think he was a bad person and yet she breezed over that bit of news and hated Lucas all the same. I guess in some ways, it was understandable considering what she went through but out of all the guys who did her dirty, Lucas was the only person that didn't and she hated him. It bugged me.

This book was quite exhausting emotionally because there was so much ugly in it. So many things happen to Rowena and seriously, all of this forced seduction just wasn't my cup of tea. Did Rowena really need to go through all of that to get to her happy ending? I don't think so, she was put through the wringer and this book could have been chopped in half (Outlander, anyone?) and I still think the story could have been told to completion.

As far as Lucas goes, when we first meet him, we're told that he's a rapist and a really terrible person. It was all heresay so I didn't put too much stock in it but then I read that he was sleeping with his mother and I'm appalled. But like a train wreck on the side of the road, I couldn't stop from looking again. I had to keep reading to find out what that whole deal was about and even though it ended up not being as gross as I thought it was (even though it was still pretty gross), I didn't hate Lucas. He was such an ass and he did things that should have made me hate him but I didn't. I can't really explain why I didn't hate him, I just ...didn't.

The back and forth between Lucas and Rowena at times was frustrating because I wanted them to quit it already. They took biting each others heads off every single time they saw each other to a whole new level of SHUT THE HELL UP ALREADY and there were times in the book that it drove me up the effing wall. And then to top things off, at the end of the book, Rowena and Lucas are finally together and they have a baby together and they named the baby boy, Guy Ramon. Guy for Rowena's father and Lucas' mentor and Ramon...for Lucas' brother? I was really pissed off that they named the baby after Ramon after what he did to Rowena. I just couldn't fathom it and it bugged me.

This book isn't a book that I would recommend to all romance readers because of all of the stuff that's in it. There's rape, there's men hitting women, there's just a whole lot of ugly (I know this is like the third time I said that but it's true) and though I couldn't stop reading it, I still wouldn't think it's an enjoyable read. After finishing it, my thoughts were along the lines of, "I'm so glad that's over" and that pretty much sums up my thoughts on the entire book.(less)

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Oct 23, 2011 Tonya rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: bodice ripper lovers

Recommended to Tonya by: Aunt Char

Shelves: romance, bodice-ripper, why-do-i-do-this-to-myself

Well I had to walk away from this one before I wrote anything about it other than my status updates while reading.

I read this book because while talking to my Aunt she mentioned her favorite author and recommended I read her book(s). I picked this one since it was one of few currently in print on the book store shelf. I'm not sure if it was such a good idea. I do have to admit that when I was in my teens I was guilty of stealing my Mom's bodice ripper romances from the '70's & '80's but I g...more Well I had to walk away from this one before I wrote anything about it other than my status updates while reading.

I read this book because while talking to my Aunt she mentioned her favorite author and recommended I read her book(s). I picked this one since it was one of few currently in print on the book store shelf. I'm not sure if it was such a good idea. I do have to admit that when I was in my teens I was guilty of stealing my Mom's bodice ripper romances from the '70's & '80's but I guess that was a guilty pleasure that ran out when I hit adulthood.

The heroine constantly told us she was unemotional, cold, and pragmatic when I as a reader found her to be naive and selfish. I could see the resolution of this book coming a mile away and was annoyed that it took so long to get there.

I won't even get into how very, very pissed off i got at Rowena. She had only a couple things to do that her father asked of her in his will and she did not do them, ever. Read his journals? How would one ever find the time between eating, sleeping, and horseback riding to read journals about a father she says she wanted to know but never got to. Everyone & I mean EVERYONE kept asking her if she read them and she says 'um, no, I didn't have time.' URGH!!

What is it with romance novels of this time that every female gets raped? Then never carries a gun or knife to defend herself? I really think if you are being grabbed and kissed against your will by a business partner and he has told you he doesn't care if you say no why oh why would you not carry a knife and pull it on him the next time he's near?

The whole premise of Lucas Cord and his romance with his step-mother is icky but what's worse is Rowena's belief her lust for Lucas will over come the hold step-mother has on him is laughable. I have met many 'mommy's boys' over the years and never will a man chose his girlfriend/wife over mommy.

All in all when read with the time this romance novel was written in then this was a good book. Looked at today I have to say it's ok bordering on bad. I only give it ok because I did find the twist with Mark Shannon kind of good, it was somewhat predictable but still a decent effort. (less)

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Mar 24, 2010 Shell Schroth rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A tomb of Historical Romance, compulsively readable!

This was an amazing story, though not for the the faint at heart.
I was drawn to this massive book, by it's size, and genre.

This novel surprised me in so many ways. It was not what I was expecting, it surprised, and horrifed me, both in equal measures. The pages kept turning, almost on their own accord, as my blood pressure raised, and my fingernails suffered.

Rowena Dangerfield, the unwanted only daughter, of a selfish opportunist mother, and...more

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Jul 19, 2011 Judith rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I regret buying this book. There is nothing but constant misunderstandings, arguing, and deceptions. The end wasn't even rewarding enough to have put up with all of that.

I never once felt the love the two leading characters had for each other. More like lust. There is more description of the infatuation and love the hero has for his stepmother than for the heroine. That in itself was disturbing. It wasn't as though it was for a fleeting moment either. No, the stepmother was basically "the other...more

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Nov 23, 2009 Bookworm rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Miss Rowena Dangerfield is raised in India by her grandfather. Her father Guy, brought her to India when she was just a baby. Rowena's mother, Fanny, divorces Guy and leaves to London. When she is 18, Rowena is sent to live in London with her mother, whom she is not close to and her stepfather. Once in London, Rowena's stepfather, Sir Edgar, takes advantage of Rowena and she winds up being his mistress. Rowena winds up going to the New Mexico to claim the inheritance her father left for her. Whi...more

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Jun 08, 2010 Jill Dunlop rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Wildest Heart is a sweeping, epic historical written by the famous romance author Rosemary Rogers. She is probably best known for Sweet Savage Love, one of the first romance books that gets talked about time and again.

The Wildest Heart is narrated by Lady Rowena Dangerfield. She grew up in India with her grandfather the Earl of Melchester, an unconventional man who believed Rowena should be given the same education as a man. To say Rowena is an unusual young woman is an understatement. The...more The Wildest Heart is a sweeping, epic historical written by the famous romance author Rosemary Rogers. She is probably best known for Sweet Savage Love, one of the first romance books that gets talked about time and again.

The Wildest Heart is narrated by Lady Rowena Dangerfield. She grew up in India with her grandfather the Earl of Melchester, an unconventional man who believed Rowena should be given the same education as a man. To say Rowena is an unusual young woman is an understatement. The Earl dies and she is sent to London to live with her mother and Stepfather. Her mother resents her presence and her stepfather lusts after her. It is quite an awful situation for Rowena. Eventually good news comes and she learns her father has sent for her to come to America. He is co-owner of a rance in New Mexico. So, Rowena sets off to the New World.

Things aren't what Rowena quite expected when she arrives. She learns her father has died, but he left her his journals where he chronicled his life. It seems there is a feud between the co-owner of the SD ranch, Todd Shannon and the Mexican family who claimed the land before, the Kordes. Rowena finds herself swept into the drama and intrigue.

I found myself swept into the drama and intrigue too! Rosemary Rogers excels at creating a stunning masterpiece with very intricate details that all tie into and explosive conclusion. This story was all over the map! On the one hand, it is incredibly well written. The plot is very detailed and thoroughly well thought out. On the other hand some of the subject matter is hard to swallow.

Since the story is narrated in first person, everything is discovered through Rowena's eyes. Rowena is a strong, prideful woman who is often described as cold or unfeeling as marble. She has build up this persona to shield the more vulnerable part of herself from the world. The reader understands this based on how Rowena grew up and the events that shaped her. I can't say I ever really warmed up to Rowena, but I understood her motivations very well. I also I can't say I agree with how she handled everything, but again I understand why. Rowena's personality so strongly leaps off the pages the reader will have no trouble understanding her.

What I think a lot of readers will struggle with in this story is the actual romance. Rowena eventually falls for Lucas Cord who is half Apache warrior. He is an outlaw and has an incestuous relationship with his mother. Yep, you read that right. Now, how in the world is this hero material? This was the main factor on what I struggled with and even though I did get past it (which is a testament to Roger's writing) I know it will be very bothersome to many readers. Also, it's not until the last half of the book that Rowena and Lucas begin their relationship and it is fraught with many obstacles. Of a 748 page book, I like my hero and heroine to spend more time together.

While I did enjoy this book, it is not one I would recommend to many romance readers. I think fans of historical fiction might be more intrigued by this story and then only those who enjoy more an anti-hero as opposed to a hero.(less)

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Nov 08, 2009 Jaime Huff rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Lovers of historical romance

Recommended to Jaime by: Sourcebooks

A sweeping, beautiful epic romance, "The Wildest Heart" by Rosemary Rogers kept me entranced throughout 739 pages. Yes, 739 pages. Beginning in 1872 with Rowena in India, onto 1873 when upon her grandfather's death she is sent to her mother's (whom she has never met) in London, and off to America upon her finding out her father is dying and has left her his ranch in New Mexico and a very wealthy woman. These pages take you through her life to 1878 without disappointing and no obnoxious down time...more

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Nov 18, 2009 Nicola O. rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book! It's a re-release of the 1974 original, and it's just a wonderful reminder of all the things that hooked me on the romance genre years ago.

It's not for everyone -- it's very long (which I love) and can be a bit of a slow read. If you like Gabaldon and "epic" scoped historicals, you should definitely give it a try.

See my full review at Alpha Heroes.

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Mar 28, 2013 Blaze King rated it 3 of 5 stars

These 3 stars is for the writing power of Rosemary Rogers. In spite of absolutely hating the hero and the circumtances surrounding the heroine, i couldn't put down the book !
The truth about a woman's status during those times are abhorable - especially one without a male to protect her.

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Aug 13, 2010 Regan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Since I'm not a fan of first person writing I was prepared not to enjoy this book. Boy am I wrong! There is something about Ms. Rogers' heroes that have them linger in your mind and thoughts for days after the final page is read. This book, written in 1974 was new to me and I wondered how I managed to miss it until now.

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Aug 15, 2010 Monique rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book ended up being really good, but, it was soooo looonnggg...It took me forever to finish it...

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Dec 20, 2010 Linda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Steamy bodice-ripper. At the time they were like potato chips - couldn't read just one.

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Nov 08, 2011 Mary added it · review of another edition

Shelves: gave-to-edna-jackson

This book has the same book cover, ect.
But a different isbn 0-380-39461-8

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Aug 24, 2012 Brandy *Ahviel* rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, cowboy, historical-romance, historical-romance-western, library-shelf, ebooks

I am having a hard time putting into words I how felt about this book

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Aug 25, 2010 Marilyn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: bodice-rippers

My favorite of all of her books. Written in the 70's.

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Apr 24, 2011 Eggletina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: re-read

This was one of the first epic romances I ever read. In spite of its flaws, it is still a guilty pleasure and a page turner after all these years. I suppose I've always loved the rough and rugged western setting and the themes from Greek tragedy.

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Feb 22, 2013 Hazel rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: danl-ebooks, re-read, fantasy-shape-shifters-vampires

The date is approximate. I read this books and the rest of her books when they first came out and loved them all. I am totally excited to see them in eBook form.

Can't wait to re-read it.

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Nov 11, 2009 Jennifer rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, western, romance

An extremely well written book that unfortunately was not one I cared for. If one likes a good historical estern romance novel, this may be the book for you.

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Sep 29, 2008 Reader17 Der rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-read

Loved this book. I enjoyed reading it!

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Jul 15, 2012 Dawn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved this book will read it again

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May 18, 2013 22530304 rated it 2 of 5 stars

May 12, 2013 Melissa Shriver rated it 3 of 5 stars

May 10, 2013 Susan Colleen Crawford rated it 4 of 5 stars

May 07, 2013 Despina rated it 3 of 5 stars

May 05, 2013 Lynn marked it as to-read · review of another edition

May 05, 2013 Jen marked it as to-read

Shelves: romance-historical

May 03, 2013 Carolyn rated it 3 of 5 stars

May 03, 2013 Nicole marked it as to-read

Shelves: ebook

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About Rosemary Rogers

There is more than one author with this name

Rosemary Jansz Navaratnam Rogers Kadison

Rosemary Jansz was born on 7 December 1932 in Panadura, Ceylon (now known as Sri Lanka), she was the oldest child of Dutch-Portuguese settlers, Barbara "Allan" and Cyril Jansz. Her father was a wealthy educator who owned three posh private schools. She was raised in colonial splendor: dozens of servants, no work, s...more There is more than one author with this name

Rosemary Jansz Navaratnam Rogers Kadison

Rosemary Jansz was born on 7 December 1932 in Panadura, Ceylon (now known as Sri Lanka), she was the oldest child of Dutch-Portuguese settlers, Barbara "Allan" and Cyril Jansz. Her father was a wealthy educator who owned three posh private schools. She was raised in colonial splendor: dozens of servants, no work, summers at European spas, a chaperone everywhere she went. A dreamy child, she wrote her first novel at eight, and all through her teens scribbled madly romantic epics in imitation of her favorite writers: Sir Walter Scott, Alexandre Dumas and Rafael Sabatini.

At 17, Rosemary rebelled against a feudal upbringing and went to the University of Ceylon, where she studied three years. She horrified her family by taking a job as a reporter, and two years later marrying with Summa Navaratnam, a Ceylonese track star known as "the fastest man in Asia." The marriage had two daughters. Unhappily, he often sprinted after other women. Disappointed with her husband, in 1960, she moved with her two daughters and took off for London.

In Europe she met her future second husband, Leroy Rogers, an african-american. "He was the first man," she recalls, "who made me feel like a real woman." After getting a divorce from her first husband, she married Rogers in his home town, St. Louis, Missouri. They moved with her family to California, where she had two sons. Six years later, when that marriage broke up, Rosemary was left with four chindren to support on her $4,200 salary as a typist for the Solano County Parks Department. In 1969, in the face of a socialist takeover of Ceylon, her parents fled the island with only ?100, giving Rosemary two more dependents. At 37, the rich girl from Ceylon was on her uppers in Fairfield.

Every night for a year, Rogers worked to perfect a manuscript that she had written as a child, rewriting it 24 times. When she was satisfied with her work, she sent the manuscript to Avon, which quickly purchased the novel. That novel, ''Sweet Savage Love'', skyrocketed to the top of bestseller lists, and became one of the most popular historical romances of all time. Her second novel, ''Dark Fires'', sold two million copies in its first three months of release. Her first three novels sold a combined 10 million copies. The fourth, ''Wicked Loving Lies'' sold 3 million copies in its first month of publication. Rosemary Rogers became one of the legendaries "Avon Queens of Historical Romance". The difference between she and most of others romance writers is not the violence of her stories, it is the intensity. She says: "My heroines are me", and certainly her life could be one of her novels.

In September of 1984, Rosemary married a third time with Christopher Kadison, but it was a very brief marriage and they soon began to live apart. "I'd like to live with a man," she admits, "but I find men in real life don't come up to my fantasies. I want culture, spirit and sex all rolled up together."

Today single, Rosemary lives quietly in a small dramatic villa perched on a crag above the Pacific near Carmel. Her four children are now away from home and she continues to write.(less)

More about Rosemary Rogers...

Books by Rosemary Rogers

Sweet Savage Love (Morgan-Challenger, #1)

Wicked Loving Lies (Morgan-Challenger, #3)

Lost Love, Last Love (Morgan-Challenger, #4)

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