Apache Lover

by Holly Harte

Capturing landscapes of untamed wilderness was Mariah Corbett's sole purpose for traveling out West, and the feisty, golden-haired photographer would let nothing stand in the way of her life's passion. But suddenly Ethan Nighthawk was arousing images in her mind that rivaled the vast gorges, formidable peaks and lush sunsets of Arizona. One heated look from the onyx eyes of the Apache warrior made her burn with a desire that ran hot and deep. Ethan Nighthawk had agreed to guide and assist the strong-willed photographer on her trek through the dangerous territory, but he hadn't planned on the rising tides of emotions he was feeling for the unusual White Eyes woman who had appeared to him in a vision before he had ever met her in the flesh. He knew their paths were meant to merge. The Spirits had foretold it, and Nighthawk was determined to develop a picture of love more beautiful and lasting than any created by human hands.

320 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2000

About the author

I was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan and have lived in the area for most of my life. In spite of my deep Midwestern roots, I've been in love with the Old West for as long as I can remember. One of my earliest memories is my Saturday morning ritual of ‘saddling up' the kitchen stool so I could ride with the Lone Ranger in his never-ending battle for justice. When I began to write historical romances, selecting the Old West as the setting for my books was an easy choice.

In terms of America's past, I am most excited by the last half of the nineteenth century. I sometimes wish I was born in the 1840's when I could have helped carve out a town on a desert plain or build a ranch where there was once only mesquite or scrub brush. It is hard to think of anyone more admirable than the men and women who braved the unknown to make a life for themselves and their families, who didn't let the harsh elements or countless enemies dampen their spirits or determination. These hardy souls who tamed the West are my heroes and the type of people I love to write about.

In addition to writing, I am an avid hockey fan, love watching western movies and television shows, enjoy doing counted cross-stitch embroidery, reading romance novels, and traveling the Southwest with my husband. I have been married to this wonderful man for more than twenty years and have three stepchildren, four grandchildren, and one stubborn, but lovable, dog.

Reviews

[Riley · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy, rather uneventful read. Mariah is a photographer who hires Nighthawk to assist her for a few weeks while she photographs landscapes. She first sees him when he is arrested after defending a prostitute from a violent man. Mariah ends up in the same jail herself later, after fighting an older racist woman. In typical NA HR fashion, Nighthawk has visions after almost being struck by lightning as a child - in fact, Mariah came to him in a vision before they met. They fall in love, but believe they can’t actually be together due to their differences, so Mariah leaves to go home while Nighthawk spends some time listening to his visions to tell him what to do. He realizes it’s destined for him to be with Mariah, so he goes to her. They get married, have some babies, and live happily ever after.

There’s a bit of a side plot of Mariah’s uncle, Ned, having a broken leg and falling in love with Benita, the woman Mariah hires to care for him while she and Nighthawk are away.