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Federal #2
Smolder on a Slow Burn
Allison Webster dreams of having an adventure like the characters in the books she loves. But there is no romance in being pursued by a man who wants her dead for educating the children of former slaves. Unlike the heroines she reads about she doesn't have a trusty companion to rescue her...until she literally runs into A.J. Adams, a former Confederate cavalry officer. Now, she just has to convince A.J. he really is the honorable man and hero depicted in the dime novel she is reading.
Branded a "traitor" for more than ten years, scarred by harsh treatment in an inhumane prisoner of war camp, A.J. Adams wants revenge. Allison Webster's arrival into his life provides the bait to destroy the men who murdered his wife and daughters and kidnapped his little brother. The men pursuing Allison are the very same men he has sworn to kill. Falling in love and admitting he might actually be a hero means surrendering his need for vengeance. Surrender is not part of A.J.'s battle strategy.
Branded a "traitor" for more than ten years, scarred by harsh treatment in an inhumane prisoner of war camp, A.J. Adams wants revenge. Allison Webster's arrival into his life provides the bait to destroy the men who murdered his wife and daughters and kidnapped his little brother. The men pursuing Allison are the very same men he has sworn to kill. Falling in love and admitting he might actually be a hero means surrendering his need for vengeance. Surrender is not part of A.J.'s battle strategy.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2014
14 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 24, 2014
I’m a Civil War history buff and reenactor, as well as living near the Elmira prison camp as mentioned in the book. What drew me into this story were the well-written characters, but what kept me hooked was the historical accuracy and attention to detail that the author used throughout the book. The romance was wonderfully believable, and if you enjoy an action packed story, this is the book for you.
From the first scene on the train with AJ and Allison to the nail-biting trial scenes, the story draws the reader in, chapter after chapter. The dialogue and pace were very believable. I didn’t put this book down once, and read it in one sitting to the conclusion.
I’d recommend this book to people who enjoy Civil War era stories, and individuals who enjoy adult romance novels (aka bodice rippers!). The heroine is a tough cookie, so don't expect any shrinking violets in this story (wait until you meet the cook wielding a rolling pin!).
From the first scene on the train with AJ and Allison to the nail-biting trial scenes, the story draws the reader in, chapter after chapter. The dialogue and pace were very believable. I didn’t put this book down once, and read it in one sitting to the conclusion.
I’d recommend this book to people who enjoy Civil War era stories, and individuals who enjoy adult romance novels (aka bodice rippers!). The heroine is a tough cookie, so don't expect any shrinking violets in this story (wait until you meet the cook wielding a rolling pin!).
June 6, 2016
"How do you do it?.....Get me to see things differently, talk to you of things I swore I would never utter a word to a living soul about. You've seen me at my worst. I've told you things I have never told anyone...." This soul-bearing is the essence of the relationship between ex-Confederate officer A.J. Adams and on-the-run Southern schoolmarm Allison Webster. While it starts out with him as a rascally single gentlemen helping a damsel in distress, these two with an unworldly and unlikely connection come around to a deep, abiding love.
Both have skeletons in their closets that take time and trust to divulge. This trust gets built pretty quickly since Allison is being pursued by killers across country on a train. Both also have vulnerabilities that are inadvertently shared, which further entwines their feelings. These scenes are very well done, and set up the aura of an epic love threatened by outside dangers and emotional stress, only some of which is related to deepening feelings. The weightiness is balanced by lustiness and flashes of humor. Sometimes I had to chuckle, and think, "what a typical thing for a man to say" when unexpectedly faced with a woman wearing....a towel.
The time frame is 1878, and the Civil War has left scars on individuals and families. A.J. Adams spent time in a northern prison camp, and it has affected him physically and mentally. His steadfastness in continuing to wear his cavalry overcoat sets up reactions from all kinds of people, sympathetic and not, as he travels west with Allison. Cox has obviously done her homework on the prison camps and the regiments and battles, and the rich historical detail, told in flashbacks, greatly enhances the story.
The plot of this story moves at a very quick pace. The author is also very good at creating tense and dangerous situations - multiple times. There is great adventure wrapped around the love story. I only marked it down to four stars for the unlikely coincidences that abounded.
Both have skeletons in their closets that take time and trust to divulge. This trust gets built pretty quickly since Allison is being pursued by killers across country on a train. Both also have vulnerabilities that are inadvertently shared, which further entwines their feelings. These scenes are very well done, and set up the aura of an epic love threatened by outside dangers and emotional stress, only some of which is related to deepening feelings. The weightiness is balanced by lustiness and flashes of humor. Sometimes I had to chuckle, and think, "what a typical thing for a man to say" when unexpectedly faced with a woman wearing....a towel.
The time frame is 1878, and the Civil War has left scars on individuals and families. A.J. Adams spent time in a northern prison camp, and it has affected him physically and mentally. His steadfastness in continuing to wear his cavalry overcoat sets up reactions from all kinds of people, sympathetic and not, as he travels west with Allison. Cox has obviously done her homework on the prison camps and the regiments and battles, and the rich historical detail, told in flashbacks, greatly enhances the story.
The plot of this story moves at a very quick pace. The author is also very good at creating tense and dangerous situations - multiple times. There is great adventure wrapped around the love story. I only marked it down to four stars for the unlikely coincidences that abounded.
December 22, 2014
I really enjoyed this book, but I feel it would have been nice to have been given more information on what happened between Drake and Jessie. It just felt wrong having that dropped into the story without explanation. Maybe it was a prelude to their book.
Edit 23/12/14
After a good nights sleep, I've decided to change my rating to five stars. I originally gave it four because I was a little disappointed with what happened to Drake, I had a soft spot for him and what happened without explanation, upset me :-) Now I realise how very clever Ms Cox truly is. She's made me hungry for more and having just visited her website I'm doing a 'happy dance'. I can't wait to read Drake's book!
"Smolder on a Slow Burn" was the first book I'd read by Ms Cox and it won't be the last, in fact as soon as I finished the book I downloaded "The Devil's Own Desperado". From the moment I started the book I was taken on a journey that was full of action, drama and adventure. Allison was a great heroine, strong with nerves of steel...she was one sassy lady. AJ was my perfect hero a strong damaged man who never gave up. I loved the dialogue between these two characters. The development of their relationship from angst to a deep love was beautiful to watch unfold. My emotions were all over the place while reading this book. What AJ went through during the war was horrific. The betrayal of his best friend Harrison and the acts of cruelty against him were hard to read, but necessary for the storyline. The ending was well done (except for my heart breaking for Drake) and finished off Allison and AJ's story perfectly.
I highly recommend this book.
Edit 23/12/14
After a good nights sleep, I've decided to change my rating to five stars. I originally gave it four because I was a little disappointed with what happened to Drake, I had a soft spot for him and what happened without explanation, upset me :-) Now I realise how very clever Ms Cox truly is. She's made me hungry for more and having just visited her website I'm doing a 'happy dance'. I can't wait to read Drake's book!
"Smolder on a Slow Burn" was the first book I'd read by Ms Cox and it won't be the last, in fact as soon as I finished the book I downloaded "The Devil's Own Desperado". From the moment I started the book I was taken on a journey that was full of action, drama and adventure. Allison was a great heroine, strong with nerves of steel...she was one sassy lady. AJ was my perfect hero a strong damaged man who never gave up. I loved the dialogue between these two characters. The development of their relationship from angst to a deep love was beautiful to watch unfold. My emotions were all over the place while reading this book. What AJ went through during the war was horrific. The betrayal of his best friend Harrison and the acts of cruelty against him were hard to read, but necessary for the storyline. The ending was well done (except for my heart breaking for Drake) and finished off Allison and AJ's story perfectly.
I highly recommend this book.
December 16, 2014
Allison is running from a murder charge. When she is helped onto the train by a very Moody man wearing a great coat from the now defeated Confederate army. She is astonished to find out he is the man featured in a book she has been reading.
A.J. is a man tormented by what happened to him and the men under his charge in the war. It turns out that Allison and A.J. have enemies in common. That increases the danger for both of them.
This is an emotional story, of the effect of war on the minds of all those involved. A.J. is a true hero with a very vulnerable heart. Allison has lost everything and can't see her way free. The secondary characters that appear later in the book obviously have their own stories to tell. I will be reading them.
A.J. is a man tormented by what happened to him and the men under his charge in the war. It turns out that Allison and A.J. have enemies in common. That increases the danger for both of them.
This is an emotional story, of the effect of war on the minds of all those involved. A.J. is a true hero with a very vulnerable heart. Allison has lost everything and can't see her way free. The secondary characters that appear later in the book obviously have their own stories to tell. I will be reading them.
January 11, 2015
I give props to this author, amazing story-telling with some truth and facts enhancing the reading experience and truly exceptional writing in general.
This story follows Allison Webster barely missing a train with the aid and assistance of our very own past Confederate official A.J. Adams. Stuck in the end cart with horses and a stranger for company, Allison decides to change that. Little did they know, their past is also bound to catch up to them regardless of the speeding train they are occupying as well as their acknowledging the irony of their not-so-pleasant encounters with an infamous man known as Oakten.
The writing style was just divine; reading about the happenings and past occurrences flowed and traversed smoothly. All the characters were phenomenal. In there own unique, there best attributes and bad antics were brought to light and gave more backing to the to the story being told. The big aspect of the story besides the ever present romance between the two main characters was the history that fueled its raw energy the story gave off with rich facts and statements from long ago.
In the end, I was ecstatic to finally experience the good fortune Allison and A. J. were meant to have.
Overall, this was a very enthralling story that took place several years after the Civil War, it showed, in a way, an aftermath that may or may not have happened to those that are unfortunate to still relive those times in war mentally and physically. I highly recommend this story; What can I say? I love historical fiction.
This story follows Allison Webster barely missing a train with the aid and assistance of our very own past Confederate official A.J. Adams. Stuck in the end cart with horses and a stranger for company, Allison decides to change that. Little did they know, their past is also bound to catch up to them regardless of the speeding train they are occupying as well as their acknowledging the irony of their not-so-pleasant encounters with an infamous man known as Oakten.
The writing style was just divine; reading about the happenings and past occurrences flowed and traversed smoothly. All the characters were phenomenal. In there own unique, there best attributes and bad antics were brought to light and gave more backing to the to the story being told. The big aspect of the story besides the ever present romance between the two main characters was the history that fueled its raw energy the story gave off with rich facts and statements from long ago.
In the end, I was ecstatic to finally experience the good fortune Allison and A. J. were meant to have.
Overall, this was a very enthralling story that took place several years after the Civil War, it showed, in a way, an aftermath that may or may not have happened to those that are unfortunate to still relive those times in war mentally and physically. I highly recommend this story; What can I say? I love historical fiction.
January 10, 2015
A fast-paced western romance that will hook a reader and won’t let go!
Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
January 4, 2018
3.75 stars but rounded up
Check out this review and others at
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Newsletter : http://eepurl.com/brwkPv
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
I love Historical books, but I have never tried a Western Historical and jumped when given the chance. I mean you will never know until you try I right??
This book was interesting in that it interweaves real life history with a made-up hero and heroine. We get to read about the Civil War while also having the author embellish stories to go with the history of the time.
We meet Allison as she is about to miss her train. She is on the run from some bad men when a not so polite gentleman pulls her onto the train she is chasing after. The two spend some tie together in an inappropriate way given she is a single woman without a chaperone.
AJ is stunned by the beauty he pulled in to his cargo railcar, but he can’t look at her. Since his wife Cathy has passed he can’t get over everything especially the guilt that he is why she is gone.
The two ends up running for some bad guys when Allison’s past is spilled. As the two are running they slowly discover the attraction they have plus the few stolen kisses makes it impossible to walk away from the other….especially after the tub scene. That was one of the funniest parts of the book. AJ was pretty determined, and Allison was not about to be tempted. The following meal conversation about his planned seduction was funny too. Allison is no wallflower like she claims and pretty much tells AJ the way it is and isn’t going to be. Gotta love a strong woman!!! When she tells him “It’s not sleeping that gets people into trouble. It’s what happens when they’re awake!” so cracked me up!! But then when AJ offers us his whole heart…. “Allison, I have nothing to offer you other then myself. I am offering you my whole heart, all my love, and my unswerving loyalty.” I did kinda swoon bit. How the heck do you NOT!!!
I liked that both characters had secret and both characters had some of the same enemies and how it all intertwined together.
Check out this review and others at
www.Twinsietalk.com
www.Facebook.com/Twinsietalk
www.Twitter.com/Twinsietalk
www.Tsu.co/Twinsietalk
www.instagram.com/twinsietalk
Newsletter : http://eepurl.com/brwkPv
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
I love Historical books, but I have never tried a Western Historical and jumped when given the chance. I mean you will never know until you try I right??
This book was interesting in that it interweaves real life history with a made-up hero and heroine. We get to read about the Civil War while also having the author embellish stories to go with the history of the time.
We meet Allison as she is about to miss her train. She is on the run from some bad men when a not so polite gentleman pulls her onto the train she is chasing after. The two spend some tie together in an inappropriate way given she is a single woman without a chaperone.
AJ is stunned by the beauty he pulled in to his cargo railcar, but he can’t look at her. Since his wife Cathy has passed he can’t get over everything especially the guilt that he is why she is gone.
The two ends up running for some bad guys when Allison’s past is spilled. As the two are running they slowly discover the attraction they have plus the few stolen kisses makes it impossible to walk away from the other….especially after the tub scene. That was one of the funniest parts of the book. AJ was pretty determined, and Allison was not about to be tempted. The following meal conversation about his planned seduction was funny too. Allison is no wallflower like she claims and pretty much tells AJ the way it is and isn’t going to be. Gotta love a strong woman!!! When she tells him “It’s not sleeping that gets people into trouble. It’s what happens when they’re awake!” so cracked me up!! But then when AJ offers us his whole heart…. “Allison, I have nothing to offer you other then myself. I am offering you my whole heart, all my love, and my unswerving loyalty.” I did kinda swoon bit. How the heck do you NOT!!!
I liked that both characters had secret and both characters had some of the same enemies and how it all intertwined together.
January 2, 2015
I admit, I am not an avid reader of romance novels (although one could possibly argue that Austen & Bronte fall into that genre, in which case I am...) nor am I a Civil War history buff. That said, I have to say this book is one of the better-written (from my weak knowledge of contemporary romance novels--a relative lent me some & I was never impressed: too many clichés, etc) and well-researched novels I have come across. And I'm not just saying this because I know the author ;-)
March 8, 2015
What an amazing story! Lynda I am so glad I got to know you before reading this. Your brought your own sense of humor to the book and I found myself laughing out loud a lot knowing you were likely laughing as you wrote.
AJ is the perfect man, Broken or not you wrote him to be truly wonderful.
I'd like to note I have never read a romance novel EVER. Your's was my very first one and I am so glad I did read it!
AJ is the perfect man, Broken or not you wrote him to be truly wonderful.
I'd like to note I have never read a romance novel EVER. Your's was my very first one and I am so glad I did read it!
March 5, 2019
Be still my heart when it comes to this story! I was hooked from the start and couldn’t put it down. Twisted fate brought them together and helped so many people. They are a couple that from their first meeting you know are they are going to be fun. I loved that Lynda didn’t really sugarcoat when it came to what A.J. went through. I was holding my breath when it came to so many scenes because I didn’t know what was going to happen next.
Allison is a smart and strong woman that sees A.J. for the hero he is. I loved her from the moment she said he wasn’t a gentleman. She may have been scared, but she didn’t back down. I loved that she could pull him out of his thoughts.
A.J. just wants to live his life, but he can’t let her be taken back for a crime she didn’t commit. There is just something about him that makes you love him instantly. He always put other first no matter what.
Lynda does an amazing job writing where you can hear the accents when they talk. The proposal is one of my favorite and unique ones. I laughed at the scene with Allison and Rachael about the guns. I really loved the author’s notes at the end.
Allison is a smart and strong woman that sees A.J. for the hero he is. I loved her from the moment she said he wasn’t a gentleman. She may have been scared, but she didn’t back down. I loved that she could pull him out of his thoughts.
A.J. just wants to live his life, but he can’t let her be taken back for a crime she didn’t commit. There is just something about him that makes you love him instantly. He always put other first no matter what.
Lynda does an amazing job writing where you can hear the accents when they talk. The proposal is one of my favorite and unique ones. I laughed at the scene with Allison and Rachael about the guns. I really loved the author’s notes at the end.
June 16, 2017
Investing time to read a book for relaxation and enjoyment is always problematic for any author. When I read for enjoyment, I stick to the genres that include my favorite authors or multi themes of romance, suspense,and history. Lynda Cox punched those themes in “Smolder on a Slow Burn” when several years after the Civil War a notorious Confederate soldier offers a hand—literally—to a prim schoolteacher running to catch a train. Both, it turns out, are running from false accusations and a common foe. Post traumatic stress bedevils the hero who wins sympathy from a heroine who has her own needs. I particularly enjoyed the historical research behind the story. How it all unfolded to a satisfying HEA ending (happily ever after) is worth the train ride.
March 15, 2019
Fantastic book!
I have this 5 stars because I loved this story! Both the hero and heroine have a horrible past. They will both have to work together to overcome and out wit their mutual enemies. Another great book from ms. Lynda J Cox!
I have this 5 stars because I loved this story! Both the hero and heroine have a horrible past. They will both have to work together to overcome and out wit their mutual enemies. Another great book from ms. Lynda J Cox!
September 30, 2018
Intrigue, action and romance
An excellent storyline and very hard to put down. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for action and excitement with romance thrown in.
An excellent storyline and very hard to put down. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for action and excitement with romance thrown in.
February 10, 2020
This book paints the story of a loving and fiery couple in the post Civil War era. It was exciting and romantic, and kept me on the edge of my seat.
March 31, 2020
Loved it! 💚
June 26, 2023
A beautiful story of survival, of fighting injustice, of strength discovered, of self esteem restored. I loved AJ and Ally. How she brought him back gently to present, every time he had PTSD.
March 19, 2017
AJ Adams & Allison Webster meet when she's trying to catch the train she needs to be on as it's leaving the station when strong arms reach out & pull her onboard. He's not in a mood for company on this trip, she seems to be stuck to him. Both are running from something. AJ was an officer in the Confederate Army, branded as s traitor; Allison is running after bring falsely accused of murder. As their travels take them through some trying moments, Allison is wounded & AJ's focus becomes that of protector. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the adventures of AJ & Ally (as he came to call her). I recommend this book to all readers of romance.
March 13, 2021
We are dealing with life ten years after the Civil War as lives continued to be inhumane. Treatment by law enforcement because of prejudice between north and south; because of loss of life within families; and, because of lands lost to government taxes and the power of rich men who profited from the war. Lost gold shipments that were never found but the rich got richer and somehow land owners seemed to have endless monies. This book is the history using literary license to depict certain events in Wyoming/Montana Territories. Men came home to bury wives and children as bandits took over lands; children were lost to families as friends rescued the young; and, in this story a lost sibling is found after many years. The spoiler alert is: the book ends quickly; a new ranch is established; a baby is born; and, one of the characters near to the heart of many, is gone. This sudden change was unsettling to me and confusing. I wanted to say, “what happened”… and there was The End. Maybe it was for the next book but there are areas of the book that are mind-boggling with details of war and trials.
December 13, 2022
This book gave me all the feels. I cried twice, I cheesy grinned a few times, my heart sank more than once, and the spiciness at times was excellently written. The world is truly a small place and this book proves it. I also love how Lynda did not shy away from what trauma can do. The history involved with the Civil War was awakening for me as well. The romance felt a bit rushed, but when you know you found the right one, the heart will tell you. I can't wait to start my next adventure with Lynda!
June 30, 2016
It was a very good read. I loved all the lovable characters and detested the others. If you want story that takes you out of yourself, this is the one. Kudos Lynda J. Cox!
It was a very good read. I loved all the characters that were lovable and detested the others. If you want a story that takes you out of yourself, this is the book for you. Kudos Lynda J. Cox!
It was a very good read. I loved all the characters that were lovable and detested the others. If you want a story that takes you out of yourself, this is the book for you. Kudos Lynda J. Cox!
April 4, 2017
Magnificent!
I was totally mesmerized by the sizzling chemistry between this tortured southern hero and his equally devastated heroine from the moment A.J. pulled Allison onto the train in the opening pages of this magnificent post Civil War saga beautifully written by Lynda J. Cox. This powerful drama exposes the tragedy, horror and devastating cruelty of the Civil War while it also weaves a breathtakingly beautiful story of love, acceptance and redemption with remarkable characters that will stay with me long after their story ends.
I was totally mesmerized by the sizzling chemistry between this tortured southern hero and his equally devastated heroine from the moment A.J. pulled Allison onto the train in the opening pages of this magnificent post Civil War saga beautifully written by Lynda J. Cox. This powerful drama exposes the tragedy, horror and devastating cruelty of the Civil War while it also weaves a breathtakingly beautiful story of love, acceptance and redemption with remarkable characters that will stay with me long after their story ends.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews