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A Taste of Fire
by
Antonie Ramirez could ride and shoot as well as any man--and better than most. Now, the headstrong beauty had come to Texas to honor her father's last words: find the cattle rancher named Royal Bancroft and repay him for saving their lives long ago.
Royal Bancroft didn't know who was behind the outlaws trying to drive him off his land, but he would fight to the death rather ...more
Royal Bancroft didn't know who was behind the outlaws trying to drive him off his land, but he would fight to the death rather ...more
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Paperback, 448 pages
Published
March 29th 2016
by Zebra
(first published 1988)
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Start your review of A Taste of Fire
Re-Release Date: March 29th 2016
Story Rating ~ 4 Stars
Hero Rating ~ 4 Stars
Heroine Rating ~ 5 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 4.5 Stars
Heat Level ~ 3.5 Stars
Ending ~ 5 Stars
Overall Rating ~ 4.5 Stars
A Taste of Fire is a re-release that was first published back in 1988. It was also Hannah Howell’s first book to be published. When I saw that this book was offered up at Netgalley for review I was excited because it has been YEARS since I have read a Hannah Howell romance. I considered myself very lucky t ...more
Story Rating ~ 4 Stars
Hero Rating ~ 4 Stars
Heroine Rating ~ 5 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 4.5 Stars
Heat Level ~ 3.5 Stars
Ending ~ 5 Stars
Overall Rating ~ 4.5 Stars
A Taste of Fire is a re-release that was first published back in 1988. It was also Hannah Howell’s first book to be published. When I saw that this book was offered up at Netgalley for review I was excited because it has been YEARS since I have read a Hannah Howell romance. I considered myself very lucky t ...more
A Taste of Fire brings those old classic western movies that I grew up on to life.
Antonie’s family was murdered before her eyes by a group of renegade banditos. Juan Ramierz, a wanted outlaw and notorious bandito himself, rescues Antonie and raises her as very own daughter.
Royal, a local rancher, sees a gunman aiming at Juan in a saloon and jumps in to save him. Juan tells Royal he owns him a debt. Years later, on his death bed, Juan sends a now grown Antonie to help Juan with a bandito problem ...more
Antonie’s family was murdered before her eyes by a group of renegade banditos. Juan Ramierz, a wanted outlaw and notorious bandito himself, rescues Antonie and raises her as very own daughter.
Royal, a local rancher, sees a gunman aiming at Juan in a saloon and jumps in to save him. Juan tells Royal he owns him a debt. Years later, on his death bed, Juan sends a now grown Antonie to help Juan with a bandito problem ...more
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
This is a re-release but I missed it the first time around. So I was glad too get the chance to read the book this time and enjoy the new cover too. I really like Hannah Howell's books..she is one of my favorite authors. So I know when I see her name on a book that it is going to be a good one. This book is about 448 pages, so you know that you are getting your monies worth just when having a big book to read ...more
This is a re-release but I missed it the first time around. So I was glad too get the chance to read the book this time and enjoy the new cover too. I really like Hannah Howell's books..she is one of my favorite authors. So I know when I see her name on a book that it is going to be a good one. This book is about 448 pages, so you know that you are getting your monies worth just when having a big book to read ...more
Here’s the very book that put western historical romance on the reading map for this NetGalley reviewer. Yes, it is a re-release from 2001 with a more modern book cover. But, my fellow romance book-loving friends, it is still the same great story featuring a strong, feisty John Wayne type heroine who was raised by a notorious Mexican outlaw. That is not a typo, compadres. I am talking about the heroine, not the leading man. Got your attention now? Yeah, I thought so.
What was my favorite part? Wh ...more
What was my favorite part? Wh ...more
June 2018
2 Stars - It was ok
Audiobook
When I first started this book I was really excited because it started off so well. I recently watched Godless on Netflix and that got me craving western romances. The thing is, it's hard to find a good western romance because all the newer books are too contemporary and don't really have that old western feel and almost every book I looked at, old and new, seemed to have other woman drama. I found In Want of a Wife and that was really good but the next coupl ...more
I like Hannah Howell and have read most of her novels, I thought. This one is a re-issue that I somehow never read. It is probably the new cover that attracted me to this one.
That said, it read like one of her earlier works, which it is. The writing style was not as fluid as her later novels, however the strong characters and the sweeping story were present. The scenery descriptions were vivid and you felt like you were in the story with the characters.
My main criticism with Howell is also prese ...more
That said, it read like one of her earlier works, which it is. The writing style was not as fluid as her later novels, however the strong characters and the sweeping story were present. The scenery descriptions were vivid and you felt like you were in the story with the characters.
My main criticism with Howell is also prese ...more
Mar 06, 2011
Sue
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
romance,
hannah-howell
Antonie and Royal were hard to warm up to at first, but they grew on you. The supporting characters were very interesting and grabbed your interest right away. It was great to have a tough heroine who didn't care (didn't know) about the rules of society. The rescue scene at the end was heart stopping.
This was actually the first Hannah Howell book I'd read and it made me pick up some of her others. I love the Highland settings, but it was refreshing to have a Western. ...more
This was actually the first Hannah Howell book I'd read and it made me pick up some of her others. I love the Highland settings, but it was refreshing to have a Western. ...more
This is my favorite Hannah Howell book. Loved Juan, I cried when he died. Loved Antonie and loved the twins, Oro and Tomas. I will definitely read this again.
Role reversal
I liked this book and it kept my interest however, I had a problem with the heroine sleeping with the hero within 14 percent of the book and being content to be his lover and having everybody know it through out almost the entire book. Also she was forever saving the day. She even saved his life at the end of the book. He was wishy washy and was more of a heroine than hero.
I liked this book and it kept my interest however, I had a problem with the heroine sleeping with the hero within 14 percent of the book and being content to be his lover and having everybody know it through out almost the entire book. Also she was forever saving the day. She even saved his life at the end of the book. He was wishy washy and was more of a heroine than hero.
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
It's always a joy to discover that an author you like has a past.. I am used to Hannah Howell writing about The Murrays or Wherlockes in England but what I didn't know is that Ms. Howell also writes Westerns.. *gasp* Westerns you say? Yep.. And A Taste of Fire was my first foray into the western mind of Ms. Howell and I promise it was a total delight!
Antonie Ramirez was raised by the bandito that found her murdered parents, well a ...more
It's always a joy to discover that an author you like has a past.. I am used to Hannah Howell writing about The Murrays or Wherlockes in England but what I didn't know is that Ms. Howell also writes Westerns.. *gasp* Westerns you say? Yep.. And A Taste of Fire was my first foray into the western mind of Ms. Howell and I promise it was a total delight!
Antonie Ramirez was raised by the bandito that found her murdered parents, well a ...more
Feb 12, 2017
eyes.2c
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
netgalley,
western-romance
Fireworks indeed!
Antonie Ramirez is a heady combination of innocence and insight, wrapped up in a dangerously delectable parcel.
Welcome to deep, wide Texas where men are men and women are more than competent.
Honouring her dead father's wishes to repay Royal Bancroft for saving their lives, Antonie Ramirez enters the world of the Bancroft's like a Texan whirlwind. Royal finds himself in danger from outlaws trying to take his land over and from a young woman who confounds and attracts him in equal ...more
Antonie Ramirez is a heady combination of innocence and insight, wrapped up in a dangerously delectable parcel.
Welcome to deep, wide Texas where men are men and women are more than competent.
Honouring her dead father's wishes to repay Royal Bancroft for saving their lives, Antonie Ramirez enters the world of the Bancroft's like a Texan whirlwind. Royal finds himself in danger from outlaws trying to take his land over and from a young woman who confounds and attracts him in equal ...more
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is a re-release of a book that was originally published in 1988. Wow! It has been that long ago. I wasn't able to read the original release because I was only 4 years old then. Hahaha. But this release of the old book is just what I need. I really enjoyed reading it.
It did feel kind of dated. It wasn't a western historical romance, but I did feel like the things happened a long time ago. It's okay. I still re ...more
This is a re-release of a book that was originally published in 1988. Wow! It has been that long ago. I wasn't able to read the original release because I was only 4 years old then. Hahaha. But this release of the old book is just what I need. I really enjoyed reading it.
It did feel kind of dated. It wasn't a western historical romance, but I did feel like the things happened a long time ago. It's okay. I still re ...more
love this one loved how antonie and royal over come things.. but I Hate tht stupid bitch tht I cant remember wat her name was.. all she wanted was the land and money all to herself.. she got wat she deserves even so she had to hurt others to do tht.. thank God antonie and the baby was safe and royal stayed alive and well.
May 17, 2008
NorthernLightsGirl
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
hannah-howell,
2008
This has been on my TBR list for almost a year. I really enjoyed this book. The other books I have read by Hannah Howell were set in Scotland. This was a Western set in Texas.
I bought this in the 80's when she wrote this under the pseudonym Sarah Dustin. The heroine I thought was unique in that she was the gunslinger out to protect the hero!
...more
This is a re-read. Rippin' good western romance.
...more
I guess this one was ok. I don’t have much to say about books characterizing this period and locations in particular. It is not my most favorite thing, the wild wild west. It was a pretty savage and brutal period in time that people seem to romanticize and yet there was genocide and all kinds of things done in these lawless lands. I know they try to dress it up with men trying to be gentlemen and women being all proper and all but just in the end that was just some nice words to keep the women i
...more
I like Hannah Howell's writing style and she is a good storyteller. Antonie, Oro and Tomas made the story. I would have liked to see Antonie end up with Tomas than Royal. Royal was a poor excuse for a hero. His treatment of Antonie throughout the story was so demeaning to her character. Because of his actions I was having a hard time thinking he had anything but lust for her. Waiting until almost the last page of the last chapter and he tells her he loves, didn't have me, "Oh, WOW! He loves her.
...more
Antonie Ramirez was the adopted daughter of a known Mexican outlaw. Royal Bancroft unknowingly saved this bandit's life. Now on the bandits death bed he send Antonie to Royal. He is having trouble with someone out to take his land. And with her twin bodyguards she is there to help him. She has been brought up as a fighter. Now together they find that there are sparks that ignited and burn. But what about the other woman? Will Antonie be just his bed warmer while he marries someone else? What abo
...more
Jan 05, 2021
Darshanetta
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
western-romance
*** 3.5 stars ***
I like how they acknowledged their lust for each other and didn't try to hide it from nobody. I like how Toni knew that her heart could become broken but accepted the risk. She was strong and knew how to draw a line but could also see if she were wrong. Royal was okay but he lacked a steel backbone letting that woman run things and not telling her no. Then he had prejudice too in the back of his mind. He was so unsure of Toni love and never really did think about marrying her un ...more
I like how they acknowledged their lust for each other and didn't try to hide it from nobody. I like how Toni knew that her heart could become broken but accepted the risk. She was strong and knew how to draw a line but could also see if she were wrong. Royal was okay but he lacked a steel backbone letting that woman run things and not telling her no. Then he had prejudice too in the back of his mind. He was so unsure of Toni love and never really did think about marrying her un ...more
Feb 03, 2019
Sarah
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
westerns,
historical-romance
This was so different in style even though it’s not my first western by far. I definitely felt it could be a bit shorter, and you could tell it wasn’t as polished as it should be- but that said, i enjoyed it and liked the characters a lot. i look forward to trying her wherlocke series in the future :)
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Great read
I loved the book I couldn't put it down I have always loved a good romance I have recommend this book to my friends ...more
I loved the book I couldn't put it down I have always loved a good romance I have recommend this book to my friends ...more
Wow! Action-packed! A true page turner! I found it hard to put down. I would read at night until I couldn't hold my eyes open, literally!
...more
All in all this was an OK read.
The story is set in the late 19th century, and is an American Western, old school romance. The cover had me originally thinking it would be a contemporary (the guy on the cover is wearing Diesel jeans, an Italian brand that started in the late 20th century). But since I like both, I switched gears fast.
The book was originally written in 1988 and is apparently also the first book this author sold. The 430 pages are mostly told from dual third person POV. It’s not a ...more
The story is set in the late 19th century, and is an American Western, old school romance. The cover had me originally thinking it would be a contemporary (the guy on the cover is wearing Diesel jeans, an Italian brand that started in the late 20th century). But since I like both, I switched gears fast.
The book was originally written in 1988 and is apparently also the first book this author sold. The 430 pages are mostly told from dual third person POV. It’s not a ...more
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Royal and his family has one of the nicer spreads of land but someone wants it, enough to try and hurt he and his brothers and sister. He has thought about the fact that it is time he settled down and had a family and has even considered a few women but has not made any commitment yet.
Antonie was raised by a known bandido. When her parents were killed he took her on and raised her. She isn't your typical young lady. She can shoot and fight bett ...more
Royal and his family has one of the nicer spreads of land but someone wants it, enough to try and hurt he and his brothers and sister. He has thought about the fact that it is time he settled down and had a family and has even considered a few women but has not made any commitment yet.
Antonie was raised by a known bandido. When her parents were killed he took her on and raised her. She isn't your typical young lady. She can shoot and fight bett ...more
Story set in the Southwest sometime not long after the Civil War. Antonie is an Anglo Saxon orphan who was raised by a notorious, but honorable Mexican bandit named Juan. Royal is the owner of a ranch and Juan felt he owed a debt to Royal for making him see, when Antonie was younger, that she needed to stay away from the seedier side of a man’s life. He’d also saved their lives. So when Juan dies he makes Antonio promise to help Royal save his ranch, knowing only that one of their neighbors is t
...more
A Taste of Fire by Hannah Howell is a great western romance book. Our heroine Antonie Ramirez’s family was murdered before her eyes and she’s rescued the notorious, but honorable Mexican bandit named Juan Ramierz who raiser her as his daughter. She can ride and shoot as good as any man and when Juan is dying he requests Antonie go find Royal Bancroft to help save his ranch to repay him for saving their lives long ago. Antonie and her two adoptive brothers, Oro and Tomas, head out to help Royal.
...more
A Taste of Fire is a re-release that was first published back in the late 80’s. I realized that I read this book after the second paragraph. However, even though I read the way back in the late 80’s this book was still good even after all those years.
What I like about A Taste of Fire that I probably couldn’t appreciate back in the 80’s was the strong female character. Antonie was raised by a bunch of thugs when they raided and killed her parents the leader of the band of thieves had a conscienc ...more
What I like about A Taste of Fire that I probably couldn’t appreciate back in the 80’s was the strong female character. Antonie was raised by a bunch of thugs when they raided and killed her parents the leader of the band of thieves had a conscienc ...more
I liked Royal he knew how to get his woman to calm down:
His appreciative but amused gaze moved over the frilly camisole she wore. ‘‘ All this lace beneath the men’s clothes.’’
‘‘ I thought it was very pretty. I have never worn such lacy things before .’’ She slowly began to undo his shirt.
I liked that Royal was honest, "you’re not just here to assuage my lust, although,’’ he smiled against her hair and that smile was reflected in his voice, ‘‘ you do give me a pretty powerful case of lust. Ther ...more
His appreciative but amused gaze moved over the frilly camisole she wore. ‘‘ All this lace beneath the men’s clothes.’’
‘‘ I thought it was very pretty. I have never worn such lacy things before .’’ She slowly began to undo his shirt.
I liked that Royal was honest, "you’re not just here to assuage my lust, although,’’ he smiled against her hair and that smile was reflected in his voice, ‘‘ you do give me a pretty powerful case of lust. Ther ...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What's the Name o...: SOLVED. Romance 1800s through 1920s; a deathbed vow sends a feisty young woman to find the Texas cattle rancher she must save from danger...and claim as her beloved. [s] | 16 | 33 | May 23, 2019 01:30PM |
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Hannah Dustin Howell is a best-selling American author of over 40 historical romance novels. Many of her novels are set in medieval Scotland. She also writes under the names Sarah Dustin, Sandra Dustin, and Anna Jennet (see below).
She has also used the following pseudonyms:
Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin ...more
She has also used the following pseudonyms:
Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin ...more
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