Violet Fire

by Jo Goodman

INNOCENCE LOST

Shannon Kilmartin looked up at her handsome rescuer and shrank from the desire in his deep brown eyes. Had he saved her from drowning only to ravish her? After fleeing the advances of her cruel stepfather, Shannon had vowed never to trust a man whose eyes glowed with passion's flame. When this stranger took her in his steely embrace, she feared he was a madman; when he stole her breath away with a searing kiss, she suddenly wished only to share his madness--and his love--all the rest of her days.

ECSTASY FOUND

Brandon Fleming cradled the violet-eyed temptress in his arms and cursed the way shed stormed into his heart. When his wife deserted him, he d sworn no woman would ever again touch his soul. But one look at the beauty he held, one touch of her silken skin, and he was lost. All he wanted to do was ease her fear with tender kisses, promise her forever with gentle caresses, and gaze throughout the night into those eyes that burned with desire's Violet Fire.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, American, Georgian

508 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1987

About the author

To find characters to illustrate my first family saga, I cut out models from the Sears catalogue. I was in fourth grade, but it was a start. In seventh grade I wrote a melodrama about two orphan sisters, one of whom was pregnant. There was also a story about a runaway girl with the unlikely name of Strawberry and one about mistaken identities and an evil blind date. My supportive, but vaguely concerned parents, sighed with relief when I announced I was going to write children's books. They bought me an electric typewriter and crossed their fingers, but somehow PASSION'S BRIDE came out. No one was really surprised.
I graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry and some notion that I would do marine research. Years of competitive swimming didn't help me anticipate seasickness. A career change seemed in order. I began working with adolescents and families, first as a childcare worker and later, after graduating from West Virginia University with a master's degree in counseling, as a therapist. I am currently the executive director of a child caring/mental health agency and find my work and my writing often compliment each other. One grounds me in reality and the other offers a break from it.

Reviews

[Wendy, Lady Evelyn Quince · Rating 2 out of 5]

MILD SPOILER ALERT

The Book
Violet Fire by Jo Goodman started out promising, but like so many Zebra romances, it ran way too long. After the first hundred pages, it stopped being fun.

I loved the George A. Bush cover, though. Such pretty colors and so shiny!

The Plot
Sometime in the 18th century, young Shannon Kilmartin lives alone in England with her cruel, abusive stepfather. She’s a beautiful woman with black hair and violet eyes—hence the title of the book, Violet Fire—and her stepfather can’t keep his pervy hands off of her. Shannon fights him off, which leads to an accidental death. As a result, Shannon is tried, convicted, and sent to the American colonies as an indentured servant.

She arrives at Brandon Fleming’s tobacco plantation in Virginia. Brandon has complex family dynamics, and he lives there with his young niece, Clara.

Brandon is shocked by his new servant’s appearance. Why? She looks exactly like his wife, Aurora, who has disappeared, having run off with another man.

What Shannon and Brandon don’t know is that Aurora and Shannon are long-lost twin sisters, separated at birth. Years before, on the night their mother birthed two daughters, Shannon’s stepfather gave one of the girls to an aristocratic couple whose infant child had died. That child was Aurora, who was raised in the lap of luxury and grew into a pampered, spoiled creature.

Brandon insists that Shannon is his wife, which she denies. Regardless of her identity, she is required to stay on his plantation. Shannon works as a governess for Clara.

Brandon is attracted to Shannon—he would be, wouldn’t he, as he married her twin!—and attempts to seduce her, but Shannon resists his efforts. Would this be due to trauma from her abusive past? Or is it because Brandon is a married man? No, it’s to pad the length of what should be a 350-page book into a 500-page brick! Brandon, being the beta fish he is, bides his time and creates a sense of security between them.

This would have been fine if the pair had shared some engaging interactions with one another. But they don’t.

Fortunately, the story switches to Aurora’s perspective, who is with her lover, scheming to get Brandon’s fortune. Just when it seems that this book will finally pick up, a few unexpected twists occur.

Unfortunately, this twist takes the most interesting character out of the story in order for the two main characters to be able to get together.

Brandon and Shannon fall in love fairly soon in this story. Even though they share several love scenes, as is the case with the “insta-love” trope, it’s all kind of boring.

(Especially when the main obstacle preventing them from getting together is removed.)

Family dynamics and dysfunction play a significant role in the rest of the book’s plot, which should be exciting but stumbles to its eventual predictable conclusion.

My Opinion

Violet Fire started promising but soon took a downturn. Insta-luv and the beta heroes are no fun. Plus, Shannon was too placid and spineless. The best part of the story was her evil twin, Aurora, who was dispatched far too early.

At over 500 pages, this romance just ran too long. But the glossy cover with dazzling colors of violets, blues, and oranges had me hypnotized and kept me turning the pages, even though my interest in the story evaporated. What can I say? I’m a cover slut!

The writing is fine, but the plot isn’t as exciting or intricate as what I’ve previously encountered from Goodman, such as in the much more exciting Sweet Fire.

Goodman did rewrite this colonial romance for the 2018 ebook version, so it’s possible the writing is sharper in the revision as opposed to the original.

Heat Level: Moderately Warm

There are many sex scenes here, but they aren’t very sexy or memorable. So mark this Zebra as having a warm heat level. Certainly not the balmy and sultry heat that would be more fitting with Violet Fire‘s Southern coastal setting.

Final Analysis of Violet Fire

While I will keep my copy of Violet Fire in my personal library (Zebras are hot collectors’ books), it’s not because I enjoyed the story.

Violet Fire is one of Jo Goodman’s earlier books, and as stated, it was re-released as an ebook, where the author did rewrite much of it to “modernize” the plot and language. So maybe the revised version might suit contemporary readers’ tastes.

As it is, the original didn’t suit my retro-loving nature, and I’m not interested enough to investigate further. But if you’re a fan of Goodman’s romances, you might want to take the gamble on it.

2 Flames🔥🔥

For more retro-romance reviews, visit: Sweet Savage Flame

[Jultri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of this author but this book is very different to JG’s other books. This is an early work and it shows. It's very much an old fashioned book with rough , angry hero and helpless, innocent heroine. It's not quite a bodice ripper but there are some very uncomfortable scenes. The first kiss was definite not mutual participation but was invasive and uninvited, occurring right after he declared he that he would not ravish her, since she was in his employment. The heroine had been through a lot of trauma up to this point including sexual abuse by her stepfather and thrown in gaol for his murder, following which she was saved from the gallows by a benevolent lord who organised for her to be shipped off to America instead. Bottom line was that she was physically weak, mentally fragile at the time of the stolen kiss and in no position to consent. Fortunately, he pulled back when he realised it was one-sided and he made sure that their future interactions were within her level of comfort and that between them, she would always have the power to say no.

There were other aspects of this story I did not like. The twin trope (one good, one bad) is not something I normally enjoy. The protagonists' deliberate deception of Aurora's parents were completely unnecessary and definitely did not sit well with me. Furthermore, I could have used more romance and less of the side plot involving their respective villainous siblings. The dialogues and characterisations were not as taut and well-developed as in her other later books and so were not enough to compensate for the above issues.

[Kristiej · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of Jo Goodman’s earlier books, recently re-released as an ebook so try and ignore the rather overblown description of the book. That really is the kind of language they used back in those days to describe books *shudder*. You can tell this book was written a number of years ago and was one of Ms. Goodman’s earlier books. While I enjoyed it as I do just about everything she has written, I don’t think she had hit her stride yet. Violet Fire doesn’t have all the layers that her later books do.

I’d say if you enjoy this author, then give this book a read. It is a good story and it’s fun to compare her change of styles over the years. It’s not that much money for an ebook. Otherwise I would say read one of her more recent offerings. She’s an amazing author who writes complex stories that make for great reading.

ETA:
I read the ebook but was looking at the back of the print book for the outlook. Thankfully they did Ms. Goodman did change it and now it doesn’t sound nearly as – well - purple.
And another bonus to the ebook, the cover is ever so much better than the old Zebra print copy cover.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dramatic historical romance, this story is like a tapestry with shades of light and dark. My heart broke as Shannon had to face an evil that is as prevalent in society today as it was then. It almost seems impossible that she found an open window that brought light and precious freedom into her darkness, only to experience the threat of having it slammed in her face once again. In the midst of evil and manipulation, Shannon does not lose her sweet character, even though she did exhibit some of the symptoms of a traumatised person. Initially, Brandon was a careless hero, one so sure of his destiny and future that he never took it into consideration that his very savoir faire could put someone else at risk. This suspenseful love story stirs one at a deep emotional level, leaving one questioning issues of morality and right versus wrong. It is well written and emotive with well-defined characters and tension to keep one sitting on the edge of one's seat. The novel is a standalone and comes to a bitter-sweet conclusion, leaving one with the feeling that whilst justice is served, it is not without pain and loss. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.

[Laine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Identical twin plots are seldom completely successful. This one starts out great, giving a satisfactory back story as to how they ended up from birth on two different sides of the ocean - one spoiled in luxury, the other living with poverty and abuse. The privileged one Aurora turns into a cold-hearted harridan no one can love, including her disillusioned husband while the ill-fated one Shannon turns into a docile depressive welcoming death by hanging for a crime she didn't commit but had often visualized in her heart. She ends up transported as an indentured slave to the New World where in the grandest coincidence she immediately runs into her sister's husband and child and is hired as a governess to replace the runaway wife.

The husband Brandon is totally disillusioned with his estranged wife but frankly, it's somewhat creepy that he develops the hots for her body double, all on the basis of her sweet personality of course. How could he not be conflicted every time he looks at her let alone beds her? And finding out they're twin sisters should make the situation doubly icky but doesn't perturb him at all. Brandon and Shannon make for a bland couple, her too goody-two-shoes and him just an adoring swain. Both seem rather dense at times figuring out where the danger in their lives lies.

As for Aurora, her sacrifice makes no sense whatsoever with her previous characterization. Without revealing the significance as it's a plot spoiler, she could have just tossed her hat in the bushes riding bare-headed with Shannon rather than handing it to her sister to wear.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shannon Kilmartin was raised by a pious stepfather that abused her in several ways and unfortunately her mother was not alive to help protect her. She eventually fights back and kills her stepfather and believes that since she prayed every night for him to die that she was guilty. She originally lived in England but ends up moving to Virginia. When she lived in England only once did she come across Brandon Flemming in the England when he was visiting a friend who was the Earl where Shannon lived. Brandon is a plantation owner with several half siblings. He has bought most of them out because they did not want to be tobacco farmers. One of those half-brothers though was a problem and thought he should be in charge. She ended up being a governess for his daughter Clara. There is a lot of action and adventure in this book as well as romance.
I cannot say too much because it will give away the story but there is a lot about family dynamics and dysfunction in the book. I loved that it was a long book because that meant that I got more story. I did not want to put it down. The book description does not even give enough excitement that the book holds in it. I know I was rooting for Shannon the whole book because she was a pretty good person despite her upbringing.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review. The opinions in this review are 100% my own

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! I was drawn into this story from the first few pages when the first two little characters emerged and their very different paths in life began. Imagine the differences between nature and nurture of twins and how things might play out if they ever met later in life. The life situations that Shannon had to endure were truly heart wrenching while we learn that Rory led a much more indulgent upbringing. Brandon, Cody and Clara are the epitome of what family should be while Parker remains a dark threat to their happiness as the lives of Shannon and Rory become intertwined with them all. This was an enjoyable historical fiction romance set in colonial times embracing concepts of family, empathy and the value of self reflection to find happiness. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.

[Mariannj]

I am still into the first few chapters of this book, and I already feel so terrible and sick of what the heroine is going through because of her abusive stepfather, molesting and harrassing her. It's written so realistically to the point that I get reminded of my psychiatrist sister's patients who got sexually abused. It's as if I'm being shown their POV and what they're feeling. I feel an immense sympathy for the heroine and loath and disgust toward the stepfather. Most abused women (and even men) do not have the spine to fight back or even report about their situation, because their abusers are manipulating their victims into thinking that they are helpless, weak, etc. -- instilling fear in them. The victims also get blamed by their abusers. Anyway, back to the story, this is a page turner, so far. Let's see how it goes.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the first time she felt Desired, Adored and Loved!! This beautiful woman is Shannon Kilmartin. But, she had an abusive and horrific childhood growing up in the same house with her stepfather. Then she met Brandon Fleming. He was mesmerized by her violet eyes. Shannon feared a lot of things and just about everyone. Fate brought Shannon and Brandon together again under some very unfortunate circumstances. Most important though they were together in Virginia now on Brandon's plantation in the colonies. This was a Great Read! And will have you turning the pages right from the beginning. I received this book for free from Ebook Discovery. I volunteered to review it and this is my honest review.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well worth the read. Kept you turning pages. I like that the chemistry between the H&h was immediate. I like that it addressed two different disfunctional families and the individual way they were dealt with.

My only negative comment is that the vocabulary and thought processes of the three year old child was much too advanced for a child that age. This is a mistake that a lot of authors make. It may not bother most readers but I guess because I am a nurse and mother and grandmother) it does take something away from the story for me.
That said I highly recommend this book. It is a wonderful story.

[Ea_reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

it pains me to give up on this book and to have disliked it. I really enjoyed the other books I've read by this author - which have been US western historicals, but this one really fell flat for me. I made it over half way and I just can't justify spending any more time with it to finish it. the writing style even seems different from the other books I've read by the author - it's more flowery and over the top or something. and the characters/relationship/plot is less real-feeling, more instant love / instant connection. I'm much more a fan of getting more character depth and more of a build up of the relationship between the two characters.

[N.W. Moors · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the author's older books that has been rereleased, and it's a far-ranging story of twins separated at birth. Of course, one grows up wealthy and spoiled, while the other is poor and mistreated. Shannon, the poor one, is sent to Virginia as an indentured servant but is mistakenly identified as her twin and arrives at Brandon Fleming's plantation. The twin, Aurora, has run off with another man, but Brandon doesn't realize at first that Shannon isn't his wife.
There are a lot of complications, as with most mistaken identity stories, and it doesn't help when Aurora returns. Ms. Goodman writes great stories filled with historical details, and I very much enjoyed this one.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This is the rarest of birds a romance novel with an actual plot. Twin daughters are separated at birth, one raised in wealth and luxury but turning out selfish and arrogant. One raised in poverty but turning out lovely and kind. The kind one becomes a governess to the daughter of the selfish one who has left her husband. Obviously a romance occurs but there is also a healthy dose of machinations between the selfish one and her lover before the happily ever after. Good characters and and a interesting plot.

[Joycee · Rating 3 out of 5]

All’s well that ends well.

Despite the updating by the author, it still didn’t give me the same “feels” as her more recent works. I don’t know, it didn’t seem as ... smooth?

Regardless, Ms. Goodman spins a good yarn. The characters are fleshed out and complicated enough to be realistic. (Especially Aurora/Rory, who I didn’t like for much of her appearance in the story, but I came around later after what she did for Shannon.)

Thanks to Kindle Unlimited for giving me access to this novel!

[Taryn Tarantino · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too long + some spoilers

Kinda rapey - the heroine says she was sexually + emotionally abused and beaten; he says he keeps his hands off the help yet the first time he is alone with her even when she says no, he seduces her then is shocked she is a virgin. It was creepy. The child was WAY too mature for her age. The sister added an interesting twist but it was way too late. I finished it but I’m sorry I did. Jo Goodman used to tell much tighter stories. :-(

[Holly Lenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet Fire is an engaging historical romance with a complicated storyline that keeps the reader turning pages. The book has its fair share of tragedy, and its happily ever after comes at a great cost.

Contains lots of sex scenes.

[Carrie Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Lovely Read

I enjoyed this book. I was a bit disappointed it ended so abruptly but didn't bother me to the point I didn't enjoy the book. I liked the fact Rory had a change of heart and saved her sister.

[Lynnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twists and turns

Twins separated at birth, Shannon and Aurora have led very different lives on different continents until they are thrown together and find themselves attracted to the same man. Well done with excellent villains and twists.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A twin she never new

This is a beautiful heart breaking story, the abuse one young woman with stood from her step father, and the young man, who loved her dispite of her past. A chance meeting years before, and the little girl who reunited them in the future.
Thank you ♥️

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a complete story. Twins separated at birth is one of the many twists I didn't see coming. I did get the book through EBook Discovery and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Ellyn (Mrs. Darcy in my Dreams) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was longer than it needed to be but enjoyed the plot.

[Alice freeman]

Great

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

[Alondra Cuevas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I missed historical romances!

[E. H. Hobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

marvelous read

Entertaining, gripping. Could barely put it down. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys romance and mystery entwined together in one book.

[Mihika in lovezone]

Twin sis

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an emotionally charged historical romance that explores themes of love, trauma, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit.

Shannon's character is a poignant representation of someone who has faced unspeakable hardships and abuse but has managed to retain her innate goodness. Her journey is marked by heartbreak and despair, yet she finds a glimmer of hope when she encounters Brandon. Despite the trauma she has endured, Shannon remains a compassionate and resilient character, making her a compelling and relatable protagonist.

On the other hand, Brandon initially comes across as an overly confident. His privileged upbringing has shielded him from the harsh realities of life that Shannon has experienced. However, as the story progresses, he undergoes significant character development, realizing the consequences of his actions and the importance of empathy and protection.

Family dynamics and dysfunction are central to the narrative, shedding light on the impact of upbringing and the choices individuals make in shaping their lives. The story's suspenseful nature keeps readers engaged and emotionally invested in the characters' fates.

This book is a well-written and evocative tale with finely drawn characters and palpable tension. It delves into complex moral questions and the blurred lines between right and wrong. The narrative touches the reader on a deep emotional level, leaving them pondering the enduring human capacity for love and resilience in the face of adversity.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of twin girls separated at birth (in a unique way). Aurora (Rory) was raised by a childless couple in America. Shannon was raised by her vicar-stepfather in England. He beats and sexually abuses Shannon until she winds up in Newgate Prison for murdering him.

Shannon's sentence was commuted to impressment in the American colonies. There, she meets Brandon Fleming. Brandon is married to Aurora and they had a child named Clare. Then Rory ran away with Brandon's brother. But of course, Rory comes back to mete out more misery to all who know her. 3.5 STARS

***SPOILER ALERT *** There were too many coincidences to make this story ring true. Also, Shannon seemed to have no difficulty entering into a physical relationship with Brandon (after the years of abuse by her vicar-stepfather). With her strict church-upbringing, Shannon had no qualms about starting a physical relationship outside marriage. On the other hand, the love scenes were so boring, I skipped them.