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Crimson series
Crimson Desire
The rosy fingers of dawn caressed Rebecca's creamy skin as she bathed outside her father's isolated cabin in the Ohio wilderness. It was the first warm day of spring and the restless red-haired beauty exulted in splashing naked by herself. She delighted in the fresh clean water cascading over her body's ripe silken curves and reveled in feeling utterly alone and free.
The scarlet fires of passion raged in the Indian's blood as he drank in the vision of the stunning white woman. Determined to possess her, to have her for his own, he stole the screaming girl from her bath. Though she fought brazenly against his manly strength and power, the savage knew that soon the flame-tempered spitfire would be yearning for the touch of his copper skin, and begging for release from their fierce Crimson Desire.
The scarlet fires of passion raged in the Indian's blood as he drank in the vision of the stunning white woman. Determined to possess her, to have her for his own, he stole the screaming girl from her bath. Though she fought brazenly against his manly strength and power, the savage knew that soon the flame-tempered spitfire would be yearning for the touch of his copper skin, and begging for release from their fierce Crimson Desire.
- GenresNative American
476 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1983
1 person is currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Katharine Kincaid
28 books13 followersKatharine Kincaid is the author of twenty-two historical romance novels and four novellas. Her books have been translated into multiple languages and sold around the world, even in such far-flung locations as Russia and China. A longtime Ohio resident, she now calls Hawaii home and enjoys spending time with children, grandchildren and her first great grandchild. Horses have been a lifelong passion. Katharine currently is owned and managed by a beautiful, much-spoiled Friesian horse who doesn’t yet have his own book but is working on it.
She has recently obtained the rights to all of her out-of-print books and selected titles will soon be released as updated versions with brand new covers in digital format.
The following five books are each set around the history of different breeds of horses and are among her most requested titles. They appeal to both historical romance readers and devotees of any and all fiction involving horses. Recently released as eBooks are:
PAINTED HORSE
“Ms. Kincaid has written a tender romance filled with action, emotions that run the gamut and a cast of remarkable characters. She portrays the plight of the Native American, everlasting love and history with a deft hand.”
Romantic Times Book Review. RT Top Pick and Nominee for Best Historical Western
“Rich with historical details and heroic characters, PAINTED HORSE is truly a page-turner of a Western novel.” Fantastic Fiction Book Review
RIDE THE WIND
“Katharine Kincaid has written a sensitive, moving tale of forbidden love and the challenges the lovers must endure to claim a future together.” Romantic Times Book Review.
RACE THE DAWN
“...Another winner! Katharine Kincaid is a master of sexual tension and characterization. Readers are in for a delicious romance that satisfies right across the finish line.” Romantic Times on RACE THE DAWN
WINDSONG
“In her usual rich, unique style, Ms. Kincaid has written a powerful, sensual romance about forbidden love and its triumphs...” Romantic Times
MASTER OF HORSES
“…an extremely interesting story involving the raising of horses and how the Native Americans obtained them. The romance between Diego and Maria runs a rocky road, until a powerful trust can be forged. With its unusual setting, MASTER OF HORSES fascinates…” Romantic Times
More praise for Katharine's books:
“Ms. Kincaid writes the kind of novels readers can get lost in!” Rendevous
“An original epic masterpiece…and incredible reading experience.” Affaire de Coeur
She has recently obtained the rights to all of her out-of-print books and selected titles will soon be released as updated versions with brand new covers in digital format.
The following five books are each set around the history of different breeds of horses and are among her most requested titles. They appeal to both historical romance readers and devotees of any and all fiction involving horses. Recently released as eBooks are:
PAINTED HORSE
“Ms. Kincaid has written a tender romance filled with action, emotions that run the gamut and a cast of remarkable characters. She portrays the plight of the Native American, everlasting love and history with a deft hand.”
Romantic Times Book Review. RT Top Pick and Nominee for Best Historical Western
“Rich with historical details and heroic characters, PAINTED HORSE is truly a page-turner of a Western novel.” Fantastic Fiction Book Review
RIDE THE WIND
“Katharine Kincaid has written a sensitive, moving tale of forbidden love and the challenges the lovers must endure to claim a future together.” Romantic Times Book Review.
RACE THE DAWN
“...Another winner! Katharine Kincaid is a master of sexual tension and characterization. Readers are in for a delicious romance that satisfies right across the finish line.” Romantic Times on RACE THE DAWN
WINDSONG
“In her usual rich, unique style, Ms. Kincaid has written a powerful, sensual romance about forbidden love and its triumphs...” Romantic Times
MASTER OF HORSES
“…an extremely interesting story involving the raising of horses and how the Native Americans obtained them. The romance between Diego and Maria runs a rocky road, until a powerful trust can be forged. With its unusual setting, MASTER OF HORSES fascinates…” Romantic Times
More praise for Katharine's books:
“Ms. Kincaid writes the kind of novels readers can get lost in!” Rendevous
“An original epic masterpiece…and incredible reading experience.” Affaire de Coeur
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
April 30, 2024
Crimson Desire by Katherine Kincaid (1983) is one of the very early Bodice Ripper HRs with a Native American hero.
🔹Background: Savage Ecstasy by Janelle Taylor was published the previous year in 1982, and it began the wildly popular genre featuring Native Americans as main characters … it sold millions of copies. I can only assume that Crimson Desire, published by Zebra Books was following in its footsteps as it includes many of the same themes:
🔹🔹A young white heroine who is wrenched away from her family in a violent act, she’s sexually assaulted either by evil men and/or the hero, undergoes great depravation, is rescued by the Native American hero who at times treats her cruelly, and also with tender passion, he’s strong, a leader of his people, the hero and heroine go thru agony together overcoming great obstacles, and then find enduring love, and can’t live without each other. In the HEA the heroine rides off into the sunset with the hero and lives with his people.
🔹Crimson Desire can only be appreciated as an early HR knowing the era in which it was written, and how it conformed to the themes mentioned above. To view it under the lens of today’s HRs is unfair.
🔹It’s 1793 in the Northwest Territories (Ohio, Indiana and Illinois), where 17 year old Rebecca lives an isolated life with her father in a cabin in the woods. She fends off the disgusting advances of his loathsome partner. One day while taking a bath outdoors she’s kidnapped by Kin-di-wa, a young Miami man. He drags her naked thru the forests… he wants her, rapes her. She’s overcome with shock and fear.
🔹Eventually they make their way to his people who along with many other NA tribes are embroiled in a huge conflict with the Americans and British. The story centers around this actual war in American history which culminates in the Battle of Falling Timbers.., really well researched by the author.
🔹The story is told entirely from Rebecca’s point of view which really in my opinion short changes the hero. She does learn that when he kidnapped her he was actually rescuing her from attack by a rival tribe. Through out the story he gives her words of wisdom, and in this way we do come to know him too.
“We never see what is closest to us … until we are about to lose it.”
🔹Although Rebecca wants to return to her aunt in Pennsylvania, she grows to understand that she loves Kin-di-wa .., as she braves the barriers of language and culture. Yes, there are stereotypes in this book which can be uncomfortable to read. However, the author has written a really good story, full of tragedy, adventure, passionate moments, details of the natural environment, and an enduring love story.
🔹 I felt compelled to write such a lengthy review as I think it’s important to acknowledge the background of early HRs and their stories. Sure they’re dated by today’s standards but they still can be a good read.
(I discovered this book at my local used bookstore, and was especially drawn to the lovely cover…. the couple look so young and vulnerable. Artist unknown.)
🔹Background: Savage Ecstasy by Janelle Taylor was published the previous year in 1982, and it began the wildly popular genre featuring Native Americans as main characters … it sold millions of copies. I can only assume that Crimson Desire, published by Zebra Books was following in its footsteps as it includes many of the same themes:
🔹🔹A young white heroine who is wrenched away from her family in a violent act, she’s sexually assaulted either by evil men and/or the hero, undergoes great depravation, is rescued by the Native American hero who at times treats her cruelly, and also with tender passion, he’s strong, a leader of his people, the hero and heroine go thru agony together overcoming great obstacles, and then find enduring love, and can’t live without each other. In the HEA the heroine rides off into the sunset with the hero and lives with his people.
🔹Crimson Desire can only be appreciated as an early HR knowing the era in which it was written, and how it conformed to the themes mentioned above. To view it under the lens of today’s HRs is unfair.
🔹It’s 1793 in the Northwest Territories (Ohio, Indiana and Illinois), where 17 year old Rebecca lives an isolated life with her father in a cabin in the woods. She fends off the disgusting advances of his loathsome partner. One day while taking a bath outdoors she’s kidnapped by Kin-di-wa, a young Miami man. He drags her naked thru the forests… he wants her, rapes her. She’s overcome with shock and fear.
🔹Eventually they make their way to his people who along with many other NA tribes are embroiled in a huge conflict with the Americans and British. The story centers around this actual war in American history which culminates in the Battle of Falling Timbers.., really well researched by the author.
🔹The story is told entirely from Rebecca’s point of view which really in my opinion short changes the hero. She does learn that when he kidnapped her he was actually rescuing her from attack by a rival tribe. Through out the story he gives her words of wisdom, and in this way we do come to know him too.
“We never see what is closest to us … until we are about to lose it.”
🔹Although Rebecca wants to return to her aunt in Pennsylvania, she grows to understand that she loves Kin-di-wa .., as she braves the barriers of language and culture. Yes, there are stereotypes in this book which can be uncomfortable to read. However, the author has written a really good story, full of tragedy, adventure, passionate moments, details of the natural environment, and an enduring love story.
🔹 I felt compelled to write such a lengthy review as I think it’s important to acknowledge the background of early HRs and their stories. Sure they’re dated by today’s standards but they still can be a good read.
(I discovered this book at my local used bookstore, and was especially drawn to the lovely cover…. the couple look so young and vulnerable. Artist unknown.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2018
This review is of “Crimson Desire”, book #1 in the “Crimson” series by Katharine Kincaid.
The story begins in 1793 in Ohio. It is here that Rebecca McDuggan, the heroine of the book, lives with her father. This will turn out to be a bad decision for both of them, as her father is killed and Rebecca is captured by a half-white, half-Miami Indian named Kin-di-wa. Shortly after escaping from a marauding band of Indians, they have sex.
Rebecca is later kidnapped and raped by Will Simpkin, a crude backwoodsman who her father promised her to in marriage. Kin-di-wa rescues Rebecca and takes her to his village, where she learns that he will soon marry his sister-in-law, Two Fires. (Two Fires was married to Kin-di-wa’s late brother, Black Loon, whose killer Kin-di-wa was trying to find when he kidnapped Rebecca). Against this backdrop, the Miami and other Great Lakes Indian tribes are engaging in war against the American and French military as well as the settlers in the area.
The real-history Battle of Fallen Timbers takes place, over 4,000 Indians and killed, and many more wounded, among them Kin-di-wa. He is nursed back to health by Rebecca, among others, and then he sends her away. However, Kin-di-wa comes to realize that he truly loves Rebecca and they have their Happily Ever After...for now, anyway. (there is a sequel to this book, “Crimson Embrace”).
Upside: Rebecca is a strong enough character, as she has to grow up in a hurry due to various life events (losing both parents, being sexually assaulted twice, kidnapped by Kin-di-wa, and witnessing the “Battle of Fallen Timbers”. Ms. Kincaid does a good job weaving actual historical events with her fictional characters.
Downside: There is ZERO character development. “Crimson Desire” is told entirely from Rebecca’s perspective. We never hear from any other character unless they are interacting with her. The “romance” between Kin-di-wa and Rebecca is also non-existent., and very much Stockholm Syndrome romance. I suspect Rebecca only loves Kin-di-wa because he was the first man she had sex with and, frankly, her other choices were worse than he was!. Speaking of that last sentence, there are WAY too many exclamation points in this book! (I didn’t count the number, but it’s probably in the three digits!; most of which are completely unnecessary!) Like those!
Sex: The love scenes between Kin-di-wa and Rebecca are hardly romantic.
Violence: In addition to Rebecca being raped twice, there are fairly graphic descriptions during and the aftermath of the Battle of Fallen Timbers.
Bottom Line: As historical fiction, “Crimson Desire” is fairly good. As a romance? Not so much.
The story begins in 1793 in Ohio. It is here that Rebecca McDuggan, the heroine of the book, lives with her father. This will turn out to be a bad decision for both of them, as her father is killed and Rebecca is captured by a half-white, half-Miami Indian named Kin-di-wa. Shortly after escaping from a marauding band of Indians, they have sex.
Rebecca is later kidnapped and raped by Will Simpkin, a crude backwoodsman who her father promised her to in marriage. Kin-di-wa rescues Rebecca and takes her to his village, where she learns that he will soon marry his sister-in-law, Two Fires. (Two Fires was married to Kin-di-wa’s late brother, Black Loon, whose killer Kin-di-wa was trying to find when he kidnapped Rebecca). Against this backdrop, the Miami and other Great Lakes Indian tribes are engaging in war against the American and French military as well as the settlers in the area.
The real-history Battle of Fallen Timbers takes place, over 4,000 Indians and killed, and many more wounded, among them Kin-di-wa. He is nursed back to health by Rebecca, among others, and then he sends her away. However, Kin-di-wa comes to realize that he truly loves Rebecca and they have their Happily Ever After...for now, anyway. (there is a sequel to this book, “Crimson Embrace”).
Upside: Rebecca is a strong enough character, as she has to grow up in a hurry due to various life events (losing both parents, being sexually assaulted twice, kidnapped by Kin-di-wa, and witnessing the “Battle of Fallen Timbers”. Ms. Kincaid does a good job weaving actual historical events with her fictional characters.
Downside: There is ZERO character development. “Crimson Desire” is told entirely from Rebecca’s perspective. We never hear from any other character unless they are interacting with her. The “romance” between Kin-di-wa and Rebecca is also non-existent., and very much Stockholm Syndrome romance. I suspect Rebecca only loves Kin-di-wa because he was the first man she had sex with and, frankly, her other choices were worse than he was!. Speaking of that last sentence, there are WAY too many exclamation points in this book! (I didn’t count the number, but it’s probably in the three digits!; most of which are completely unnecessary!) Like those!
Sex: The love scenes between Kin-di-wa and Rebecca are hardly romantic.
Violence: In addition to Rebecca being raped twice, there are fairly graphic descriptions during and the aftermath of the Battle of Fallen Timbers.
Bottom Line: As historical fiction, “Crimson Desire” is fairly good. As a romance? Not so much.
avoid
May 1, 2023Self note not safe
The h has to share him with ow. (His dead brothers wife) It’s their culture to marry their dead sibs spouse.
- she’s raped by 2 men.
The h has to share him with ow. (His dead brothers wife) It’s their culture to marry their dead sibs spouse.
- she’s raped by 2 men.
July 15, 2021
This book was honestly well written and the problems I had with it mainly involved personal taste, Such as, Rebecca being raped not one but twice, the entire book being in only 1 POV (Rebeccas), and most of all he sharing the love interest with his first wife (aka dead brothers widow). Even so I could overlook all of those things if not for the fact the book ends with becoming/accepting his second wife. With all that said I would not count that as a happy ending for me, though it may be fine for others it left me very unsatisfied.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2020
I found this book on my bookshelf. I know I've had it for years. I think I must have read it once before but I didn't remember it. I'm sure I only read it once before because it's really boring. Most of the book was concerned with naming forts, military leaders, etc. I don't know if they were real or not but I felt like I was reading a history book with a little extra story added in. It was soooo sloooow. This is the only book I have by this author, which is another big clue. I struggled to finish it.
I'll be selling or donating this book to make room in my bookcase.
I'll be selling or donating this book to make room in my bookcase.
no-fcking-ways
November 17, 2025H has to share wives. Yuck.
July 11, 2011
It was great at first, but slowed way down towards the middle and almost completely stopped before it was over. I have a feeling I'm going to hate the ending. And by that I mean she has to share the Hero with another woman! My God!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews