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Hawk #2
Heart of the Hawk
After he kills her abusive husband, Kate Dixon lies to the authorities to protect the life of gunslinger Joshua Hawk, a man haunted by a prophecy of immortality, in the second western romance in the Hawk trilogy. Original.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 1996
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July 15, 2015
So this is the second book I have picked up recently that turned out to be a reissue from back in the day. It’s not that I’m a snob about things like that, but there is definitely a discernible difference between the romances books of today and one from 20 years ago. It’s not exactly that the book felt antiquated, but it did feel a little like “your mother’s romance novel,” which makes sense because, technically, it could have been.
It was the blurb that drew me in to the book and it delivered on its promise. Joshua Hawk is a gunslinger who never wanted to be a killer, but circumstances have forced him to kill more than a dozen times. As the story begins, he is about to hang for it. But the widow of the latest man to die at his hand turns out to be his savior. She comes forward to attest that he pulled the trigger in self defense, allowing him to be set free.
Hawk feels some responsibility toward Kate, now that she is having to survive in the Wyoming territory on her own. So he offers to help her out at the mercantile that her husband once ran. He learns quickly that the man he killed more than deserved it. Kate was abused throughout the four years of her marriage: verbally, physically and sexually. Now, for the first time, she is living with the kind of freedom she has only dreamed of.
Through Kate’s eyes we see the dichotomy of her husband, who was outwardly respectably, yet cruel behind closed doors –and Joshua, who carries around a terrifying reputation, while treating her with nothing but kindness and respect. She never thought she could feel such tenderness for a man as she does toward Josh, and certainly not desire. But she does…. and he feels them in equal measure for her.
I think I would have liked the book a bit more without the additional element of a magic book that follows Hawk’s family. It writes itself and leads its owners to the women who will help them continue the family line. The story didn’t need this prop. It would have been more effective if Hawk and Kate could reach each other without the need of the book to help get them there. It was convenient that Kate could use it to see his history and for them to plan their future: but it was too convenient. It interfered with a more organic growth.
With their horrible pasts, these characters had miles worth of angst to mine, but I felt like we barely scratched the surface. I wanted my emotional involvement with them to go deeper, and it never really did. It was ok for me, but nothing like the “best book I’ve ever read” reviews I saw on Goodreads. I definitely loved Luke, though, the orphan Kate sort-of adopted. To me, he brought more heart to the story than any other character. I just wish I felt as strongly about Kate and Hawk.
I liked it. But I didn’t love it.
Rating: B-
*ARC provided by Bell Bridge Books
It was the blurb that drew me in to the book and it delivered on its promise. Joshua Hawk is a gunslinger who never wanted to be a killer, but circumstances have forced him to kill more than a dozen times. As the story begins, he is about to hang for it. But the widow of the latest man to die at his hand turns out to be his savior. She comes forward to attest that he pulled the trigger in self defense, allowing him to be set free.
Hawk feels some responsibility toward Kate, now that she is having to survive in the Wyoming territory on her own. So he offers to help her out at the mercantile that her husband once ran. He learns quickly that the man he killed more than deserved it. Kate was abused throughout the four years of her marriage: verbally, physically and sexually. Now, for the first time, she is living with the kind of freedom she has only dreamed of.
Through Kate’s eyes we see the dichotomy of her husband, who was outwardly respectably, yet cruel behind closed doors –and Joshua, who carries around a terrifying reputation, while treating her with nothing but kindness and respect. She never thought she could feel such tenderness for a man as she does toward Josh, and certainly not desire. But she does…. and he feels them in equal measure for her.
I think I would have liked the book a bit more without the additional element of a magic book that follows Hawk’s family. It writes itself and leads its owners to the women who will help them continue the family line. The story didn’t need this prop. It would have been more effective if Hawk and Kate could reach each other without the need of the book to help get them there. It was convenient that Kate could use it to see his history and for them to plan their future: but it was too convenient. It interfered with a more organic growth.
With their horrible pasts, these characters had miles worth of angst to mine, but I felt like we barely scratched the surface. I wanted my emotional involvement with them to go deeper, and it never really did. It was ok for me, but nothing like the “best book I’ve ever read” reviews I saw on Goodreads. I definitely loved Luke, though, the orphan Kate sort-of adopted. To me, he brought more heart to the story than any other character. I just wish I felt as strongly about Kate and Hawk.
I liked it. But I didn’t love it.
Rating: B-
*ARC provided by Bell Bridge Books
November 26, 2010
My first try of Justine Dare, and I know it won't be my last.
Where to begin? First off, the writing style was excellent. It was flowing and easy to read. It was descriptive without being long-winded.
The characters were wonderful. Joshua was a tortured gunslinger who's grown weary of his profession. Yet there was more to him than that. I could see the heart of gold behind the rough exterior. Even though he'd made his living killing for hire, somehow there was something honorable in him that made me cheer for him. Kate was a great match for him. She was feminine, yet strong. Both characters were quick to capture my heart. I felt that I really knew them, and I genuinely wanted them to be happy.
Also, don't judge this book by its cover. Though it's a steretypical "half-naked clutch" cover, this book is not just a lust-fest. The sexual tension was slow-burning and a long time before it was satisfied. That's just the way I like it. While Joshua and Kate were definitely sexually attracted to each other, I felt that there was more than just lust between them. Sure, they wanted one another, but they also truly cared about each other. And as another bonus, there was no petty bickering, stupid misunderstandings, or nonsense with the characters pretending to hate one another.
I really enjoyed the paranormal aspect of this novel. The legend of the Hawks is that their bloodline will last forever. Whenever there is only one Hawk left, a magical book will appear to him, helping him to find his way and carry on the legacy. It added an interesting element to the novel without taking up too much focus. The main focus of the story was on the relationship between the hero and heroine. While very well written, the other subplots didn't steal too much time away from the romance.
While I won't give anything away, I will say that the plot twist towards the end was marvelous. I never saw it coming.
I was up until 3am finishing this novel. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books by this author.
Where to begin? First off, the writing style was excellent. It was flowing and easy to read. It was descriptive without being long-winded.
The characters were wonderful. Joshua was a tortured gunslinger who's grown weary of his profession. Yet there was more to him than that. I could see the heart of gold behind the rough exterior. Even though he'd made his living killing for hire, somehow there was something honorable in him that made me cheer for him. Kate was a great match for him. She was feminine, yet strong. Both characters were quick to capture my heart. I felt that I really knew them, and I genuinely wanted them to be happy.
Also, don't judge this book by its cover. Though it's a steretypical "half-naked clutch" cover, this book is not just a lust-fest. The sexual tension was slow-burning and a long time before it was satisfied. That's just the way I like it. While Joshua and Kate were definitely sexually attracted to each other, I felt that there was more than just lust between them. Sure, they wanted one another, but they also truly cared about each other. And as another bonus, there was no petty bickering, stupid misunderstandings, or nonsense with the characters pretending to hate one another.
I really enjoyed the paranormal aspect of this novel. The legend of the Hawks is that their bloodline will last forever. Whenever there is only one Hawk left, a magical book will appear to him, helping him to find his way and carry on the legacy. It added an interesting element to the novel without taking up too much focus. The main focus of the story was on the relationship between the hero and heroine. While very well written, the other subplots didn't steal too much time away from the romance.
While I won't give anything away, I will say that the plot twist towards the end was marvelous. I never saw it coming.
I was up until 3am finishing this novel. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books by this author.
September 5, 2015
Básicamente, y por ir al grano, lo que no ha funcionado en esta historia para mí han sido 3 cosas:
Tantísimo dialogo interior (los protagonistas se llevan toda la historia repitiendo los mismos pensamientos una y otra vez, he echado de menos más conversaciones entre ellos)
La “presencia” del difunto marido durante las escenas más íntimas de la pareja, bueno, en realidad durante toooda la historia. Llega a ser abrumador la cantidad de veces que (en su mente) Kate compara a Josh con su difunto esposo, abrumador y un jarro de agua fría, porque cada vez que eso sucedía era como intentar empezar de nuevo a pensar sólo en los protagonistas…yo no lo conseguía. Creo que ha sido la escena de amor más fría que he leído en toda mi vida…que horror!
Y por último, pero no menos importante, la brutalidad (y por supuesto, la repetición cansina, por si acaso se nos pudiese olvidar) que tuvo que soportar Kate en su matrimonio. La autora no escatima en detalles bestiales de los abusos o en “plantar” esas imágenes en tu cabeza…realmente me ha costado creer que alguien pueda sobrevivir a esa brutalidad y sobre todo que vuelva a confiar en un desconocido…no he conseguido creérmelo. Y esto también se repite cansinamente hasta prácticamente el final... madre mía…ha sido desconcertante, o eso o me estoy convirtiendo en una mojigata…vete tú a saber…
Basically, and getting to the point, what has not worked for me in this story have been 3 things:
So very much inner dialogue (the MC´s repeat the same thoughts over and over again, I have missed more conversations between them)
The "presence" of the deceased husband during the most intimate scenes of the couple, so actually during the entire story. It becomes overwhelming the number of times that (in her mind, of course) Kate compare Josh with her husband, overwhelming and a jug of cold water, because once that happened it was like trying to start again to think only about the MC´s... I couldn't. I think that it has been the coldest love scene I've read in my life... what a mistake!
And finally, but not less important, the brutality (and of course, its tiresome repetition, as if we could forget about it) Kate had to endure in her marriage. The author doesn't skimp on bestial details of the abuse or "planting" those images in your head... it really has cost me to believe that someone can survive this brutality and mostly, that she can again trust a stranger no more!... I cannot believe it. And this also is repeated tiresome until practically the end of the story... Good grief!..It has been disconcerting, or maybe I'm becoming a prude... who knows...
Tantísimo dialogo interior (los protagonistas se llevan toda la historia repitiendo los mismos pensamientos una y otra vez, he echado de menos más conversaciones entre ellos)
La “presencia” del difunto marido durante las escenas más íntimas de la pareja, bueno, en realidad durante toooda la historia. Llega a ser abrumador la cantidad de veces que (en su mente) Kate compara a Josh con su difunto esposo, abrumador y un jarro de agua fría, porque cada vez que eso sucedía era como intentar empezar de nuevo a pensar sólo en los protagonistas…yo no lo conseguía. Creo que ha sido la escena de amor más fría que he leído en toda mi vida…que horror!
Y por último, pero no menos importante, la brutalidad (y por supuesto, la repetición cansina, por si acaso se nos pudiese olvidar) que tuvo que soportar Kate en su matrimonio. La autora no escatima en detalles bestiales de los abusos o en “plantar” esas imágenes en tu cabeza…realmente me ha costado creer que alguien pueda sobrevivir a esa brutalidad y sobre todo que vuelva a confiar en un desconocido…no he conseguido creérmelo. Y esto también se repite cansinamente hasta prácticamente el final... madre mía…ha sido desconcertante, o eso o me estoy convirtiendo en una mojigata…vete tú a saber…
Basically, and getting to the point, what has not worked for me in this story have been 3 things:
So very much inner dialogue (the MC´s repeat the same thoughts over and over again, I have missed more conversations between them)
The "presence" of the deceased husband during the most intimate scenes of the couple, so actually during the entire story. It becomes overwhelming the number of times that (in her mind, of course) Kate compare Josh with her husband, overwhelming and a jug of cold water, because once that happened it was like trying to start again to think only about the MC´s... I couldn't. I think that it has been the coldest love scene I've read in my life... what a mistake!
And finally, but not less important, the brutality (and of course, its tiresome repetition, as if we could forget about it) Kate had to endure in her marriage. The author doesn't skimp on bestial details of the abuse or "planting" those images in your head... it really has cost me to believe that someone can survive this brutality and mostly, that she can again trust a stranger no more!... I cannot believe it. And this also is repeated tiresome until practically the end of the story... Good grief!..It has been disconcerting, or maybe I'm becoming a prude... who knows...
May 22, 2015
This is a wonderful story that grabbed me from the very beginning. I love historicals and this one does not disappoint. I thought the magic book was a nice touch that really added to it. This is the first of Justine Davis' books I have read.
I loved the town and the people in it. We find Joshua Hawk waiting for the hangman to come for him after making a widow out of a woman one dark night. Choices and circumstances have shaped Joshua Hawk into the man he is. Kate Dixon has had a hard life but she keeps going the best she can. With no family, other than her abusive husband, she feels trapped. She's not sure how much more she can take until one dark night 'The Hawk' sets her free. The story does not end here, so this is a must read to find out more.
*I was given a copy from Net Galley for an honest review.
I loved the town and the people in it. We find Joshua Hawk waiting for the hangman to come for him after making a widow out of a woman one dark night. Choices and circumstances have shaped Joshua Hawk into the man he is. Kate Dixon has had a hard life but she keeps going the best she can. With no family, other than her abusive husband, she feels trapped. She's not sure how much more she can take until one dark night 'The Hawk' sets her free. The story does not end here, so this is a must read to find out more.
*I was given a copy from Net Galley for an honest review.
September 29, 2011
This would have to be my all time favorite book. Its the one I reach for when I have nothing else new to read.
If you like reading historic romance's then I highly recommend this book!
If you like reading historic romance's then I highly recommend this book!
March 30, 2020
4.5 out of 5
I first read this book many years ago and it was one I picked up when it came out as an EBook. It’s the second book of the Hawk trilogy and this is the second book in the series.
It opens with Joshua Hawk about to be hanged for shooting the local general store owner. He’s resigned to his fate and in fact doesn’t even really care. He’s just tired of living the life of a gunslinger and he just feels he’s a failure and his grandfather who raised him would be very disappointed in him. But he gets a reprieve when the widow of the man he shot and killed comes forward to say her husband had been carrying a gun so it would have been self-defense and then a gun is found proving what that the widow said was true because why would she like about something like that.
It turns out the death of her husband was a good thing for Kate Dixon. He was a mean and brutal man who made her life a living hell. His death was a blessing. Nevertheless, Joshua feels guilty for making Kate a widow and decided to stay for a while and help her with the mercantile.
It’s around about this time that something happens that freaks Joshua out. A mysterious book appears which tells the complete history of the Hawk dynasty. Joshua grew up hearing stories about this book and how it appears to the last Hawk left and foretells his future and how the line continues. He fights against the thought of this book at every turn. He burns it, he throws it in water, he leaves it behinds but it keeps reappearing. And every time it does it starts telling more of his story and the story of the woman he falls in love with.
I loved this book back when I first read it decades ago and I loved when I just finished it. Kate isn’t the most beautiful of women but as Joshua comes to know her and respect her and care for her and finally love her, she becomes more and more beautiful to him. Despite the hell she’s been through, she has a certain innocence about her and I love her strength.
And Joshua Hawk has really been through hell too. His father and uncle were both killed in the civil war, fighting on opposite sides and he was there when his mother and sisters were killed after terrible things were done to them. He just kind of fell into being a gunslinger and feels life isn’t worth living until he meets Kate and starts making friends among the townspeople. He’s a hero we can really route for.
This book gets a strong rec from me if you are looking for a good western with a bit of mythical thrown in.
I first read this book many years ago and it was one I picked up when it came out as an EBook. It’s the second book of the Hawk trilogy and this is the second book in the series.
It opens with Joshua Hawk about to be hanged for shooting the local general store owner. He’s resigned to his fate and in fact doesn’t even really care. He’s just tired of living the life of a gunslinger and he just feels he’s a failure and his grandfather who raised him would be very disappointed in him. But he gets a reprieve when the widow of the man he shot and killed comes forward to say her husband had been carrying a gun so it would have been self-defense and then a gun is found proving what that the widow said was true because why would she like about something like that.
It turns out the death of her husband was a good thing for Kate Dixon. He was a mean and brutal man who made her life a living hell. His death was a blessing. Nevertheless, Joshua feels guilty for making Kate a widow and decided to stay for a while and help her with the mercantile.
It’s around about this time that something happens that freaks Joshua out. A mysterious book appears which tells the complete history of the Hawk dynasty. Joshua grew up hearing stories about this book and how it appears to the last Hawk left and foretells his future and how the line continues. He fights against the thought of this book at every turn. He burns it, he throws it in water, he leaves it behinds but it keeps reappearing. And every time it does it starts telling more of his story and the story of the woman he falls in love with.
I loved this book back when I first read it decades ago and I loved when I just finished it. Kate isn’t the most beautiful of women but as Joshua comes to know her and respect her and care for her and finally love her, she becomes more and more beautiful to him. Despite the hell she’s been through, she has a certain innocence about her and I love her strength.
And Joshua Hawk has really been through hell too. His father and uncle were both killed in the civil war, fighting on opposite sides and he was there when his mother and sisters were killed after terrible things were done to them. He just kind of fell into being a gunslinger and feels life isn’t worth living until he meets Kate and starts making friends among the townspeople. He’s a hero we can really route for.
This book gets a strong rec from me if you are looking for a good western with a bit of mythical thrown in.
April 28, 2019
First, I hate paranormal in any form. Second, paranormal in a historical western? Please. I got this from a booklist of exceptionally good works of lesser-known authors. The only thing I can say about this book is that I was able to finish it.
Kate Dixon was living in hell in Gambler's Notch, Wyoming Territory. Her husband was a brute who used her horribly until one day when he went out to kill a stranger who had been nice to his wife. Instead, he was killed by The Hawk.
Josh Hawk soon realizes that he has put Mrs. Dixon into a bad situation; wholesalers refused to sell supplies to her. Josh offered to work for Mrs. Dixon for room and board. He went to the suppliers and convinced them to sell the supplies to Hawk.
This was an interesting story without the paranormal. It was slow and draggy at times. The main characters were flawed, which made them interesting. This is book two of 3 novels. I don't plan to read the other two.
Hawk
1. Wild Hawk (1996)
** 2. Heart of the Hawk (1996)
3. Fire Hawk (1997)
Kate Dixon was living in hell in Gambler's Notch, Wyoming Territory. Her husband was a brute who used her horribly until one day when he went out to kill a stranger who had been nice to his wife. Instead, he was killed by The Hawk.
Josh Hawk soon realizes that he has put Mrs. Dixon into a bad situation; wholesalers refused to sell supplies to her. Josh offered to work for Mrs. Dixon for room and board. He went to the suppliers and convinced them to sell the supplies to Hawk.
This was an interesting story without the paranormal. It was slow and draggy at times. The main characters were flawed, which made them interesting. This is book two of 3 novels. I don't plan to read the other two.
Hawk
1. Wild Hawk (1996)
** 2. Heart of the Hawk (1996)
3. Fire Hawk (1997)
March 26, 2017
A truly lovely book with great characters and a story that touches your heart. Love should be gambled not horded, as the story says is one of the truer things ever said.
June 4, 2015
I really liked this book, the romance was sweet and I enjoyed the little bit of magic mixed in with the Old West romance. Josh Hawk, a gunfighter known as the Hawk, shot and killed Kate Dixon’s husband. He is waiting in the jail to hang and knows that after the life he has led he deserves the hanging. Josh has a surprise waiting for him though, he made Kate a widow but she is the one who saves him. Kate told the sheriff that she realized her husband was armed when Josh shot him, so in the sheriff’s eyes that is a fair fight and not a hanging offense.
Josh is shocked, why would this man’s widow help him? He really wants to thank her for saving his life and find out a little more about her. Josh offers to work for her in the mercantile to save up a little money to get out of town, sweep floors, and fix the roof, whatever she needs help with after he took her husband away from her.
Kate isn’t missing her husband, he was cruel and he beat her often, and he said horrible things to her. She is scared of men and Josh is no exception; Kate doesn’t want him in her store so she calls his bluff, never believing that he will actually do honest work for her.
Josh and Kate are both attracted to each other and both scared of this attraction and what it could lead to. Josh believes a good woman like Kate couldn’t love a gunslinger like him and Kate believes an attractive man would never love a plain woman like her. Josh has a book that is the history of the Hawk family, he doesn’t want it and the book magically updates itself and adds his story and Kate’s.
This book was good, I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys sweeter romances, there were love scenes but they were pretty tame, and for anyone who likes Old West romances.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Josh is shocked, why would this man’s widow help him? He really wants to thank her for saving his life and find out a little more about her. Josh offers to work for her in the mercantile to save up a little money to get out of town, sweep floors, and fix the roof, whatever she needs help with after he took her husband away from her.
Kate isn’t missing her husband, he was cruel and he beat her often, and he said horrible things to her. She is scared of men and Josh is no exception; Kate doesn’t want him in her store so she calls his bluff, never believing that he will actually do honest work for her.
Josh and Kate are both attracted to each other and both scared of this attraction and what it could lead to. Josh believes a good woman like Kate couldn’t love a gunslinger like him and Kate believes an attractive man would never love a plain woman like her. Josh has a book that is the history of the Hawk family, he doesn’t want it and the book magically updates itself and adds his story and Kate’s.
This book was good, I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys sweeter romances, there were love scenes but they were pretty tame, and for anyone who likes Old West romances.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
May 21, 2015
The best characters are those who are rich in experience. They are the survivors who understand what really matters. Joshua Hawk survived the devastation of his family during the war and has built the reputation as a killer. Kate Dixon is the the unwanted child who became the abused wife who most chose to ignore.
They are thrust together by circumstances when he shoots and kills her husband. He had accepted his death as a consequence of his actions and questions why she chooses to save him. There is a great deal of discussion among the characters in the book about what truly defines you and I really enjoyed experiencing characters who were complex and thoughtful in their discussions.
The author does a fabulous job balancing all the elements in the story. There is also an orphaned boy who captures the heart of both Josh and Kate. Kate has a best friend who serves her well with great advice and support. Other townspeople in the story are interesting characters as well who add to the narrative. There is certainly darkness in their pasts but there is also hope for their future.
I have never read a western historical romance before that featured supernatural elements. I was impressed that the author found a creative way to add that element to the story and it enhanced the storyline rather than overwhelming it. I am a big fan of supernatural/sci-fi stories as well as the romance genre and it was really entertaining to have those elements combined.
I highly recommend the story to those looking for a great romance with some interesting twists and a touch of the supernatural. It is a wonderful blend of the genres. I received a copy from the publisher in return for a honest review
They are thrust together by circumstances when he shoots and kills her husband. He had accepted his death as a consequence of his actions and questions why she chooses to save him. There is a great deal of discussion among the characters in the book about what truly defines you and I really enjoyed experiencing characters who were complex and thoughtful in their discussions.
The author does a fabulous job balancing all the elements in the story. There is also an orphaned boy who captures the heart of both Josh and Kate. Kate has a best friend who serves her well with great advice and support. Other townspeople in the story are interesting characters as well who add to the narrative. There is certainly darkness in their pasts but there is also hope for their future.
I have never read a western historical romance before that featured supernatural elements. I was impressed that the author found a creative way to add that element to the story and it enhanced the storyline rather than overwhelming it. I am a big fan of supernatural/sci-fi stories as well as the romance genre and it was really entertaining to have those elements combined.
I highly recommend the story to those looking for a great romance with some interesting twists and a touch of the supernatural. It is a wonderful blend of the genres. I received a copy from the publisher in return for a honest review
May 16, 2015
This book is a historical western romance with a paranormal twist, very well done by the author. Josh Hawk is a well-known gun fighter, the last of a long line of Hawks. According to his grandfather a mysterious book will appear to the last Hawk when it is needed. This book is a history of the Hawk bloodline and prophesies the Hawk bloodline will never end. After the victim’s widow, Kate, rescues him from hanging with evidence that her husband was not unarmed when he attacked Josh, the book suddenly appears in his saddlebags. The widow, Kate, greatly abused by her husband, is left alone to run their general store. Josh feeling guilty decides to stay and help her. Between the book and his growing attraction to the widow, Josh is very unsettled. . Kate believing she is plain and unattractive is very drawn to Josh. Josh tries not to believe in the sudden appearance of the book, attributing its appearance to anything other than it just appeared. The book holds each Hawk’s history except Josh’s. Each time he opens the book, more of his past and future is revealed. Luke is a young orphan boy; he is fascinated with the famous gun fighter, Josh, dogging his every step, and cares greatly for the kind caring Kate. The story centers on the book, two wounded people looking for peace from wounds of their past, making their way in the hard world of the west and a young boy that needs a home. Each is searching for love and acceptance.
The story takes several twists and turns, making the book very interesting. The plot was well paced. The author combined the historical western, romance, and paranormal very well.
I would recommend this book for your reading pleasure.
The story takes several twists and turns, making the book very interesting. The plot was well paced. The author combined the historical western, romance, and paranormal very well.
I would recommend this book for your reading pleasure.
July 11, 2008
HEART OF THE HAWK - VG
Dare, Justine - 2nd in series
Notorious gunslinger Joshua Hawk was to hang in Gambler's Notch when the sun rose. He had but one regret. He had never found his grandfather's book with his family's history--and prophecy that the Hawk line would never die. Yet Josh didn't die at daybreak because the young widow of the man he shot suddenly lied to set him free. He wanted to know why. . .
Kate Dixon looked into the cold eyes of the Hawk and felt him steal her breath away. He had freed her from her brutal husband only to swoop down and take possession of her heart. It seemed as if some force had brought them together to complete a fate ordained long ago. But as swiftly as his passion aroused her, his reputation attracted dangerous men. To save her, the Hawk would have to leave her and move on. . . unless, to save him, Kate stood her ground and fought for the love of her life. . .
Gunslinger, magic book - very enjoyable
Dare, Justine - 2nd in series
Notorious gunslinger Joshua Hawk was to hang in Gambler's Notch when the sun rose. He had but one regret. He had never found his grandfather's book with his family's history--and prophecy that the Hawk line would never die. Yet Josh didn't die at daybreak because the young widow of the man he shot suddenly lied to set him free. He wanted to know why. . .
Kate Dixon looked into the cold eyes of the Hawk and felt him steal her breath away. He had freed her from her brutal husband only to swoop down and take possession of her heart. It seemed as if some force had brought them together to complete a fate ordained long ago. But as swiftly as his passion aroused her, his reputation attracted dangerous men. To save her, the Hawk would have to leave her and move on. . . unless, to save him, Kate stood her ground and fought for the love of her life. . .
Gunslinger, magic book - very enjoyable
May 24, 2015
This is a western with a touch of the paranormal. Josh Hawk is a gunfighter and the last of his line. Kate Dixon is the widow of a man he just killed. Does not sound like the start of a love story. The paranormal? Well anytime the line comes down to the last Hawk a book appears telling the story of the Hawks and pointing to how the line will continue. Kate and Josh just have to understand what the book is telling them. I have read and enjoyed Davis’s science fictions stories. Seeing a western with the paranormal bend caught my attention. I was glad it did. Josh and Kate both are great characters and I loved their story. It is book two in the Hawk trilogy but does a very good job as a stand alone.
October 12, 2012
First off, this was a much better book than the first of the series. There was no "great betrayal/misunderstanding/douchebag behavior" for one, and for another, both characters stayed true to form. Both characters were likable too; that helps.
Things that did bug me a bit - this took place some 15 years after the Civil War, much of the West was still territory, and there's talk of the gunslinger being a dying breed? I don't think so - not at the time of the book anyway. That was just getting started. Another thing, women were relatively uncommon then - I have a hard time believing the h's friend wasn't besieged with admirers.
Things that did bug me a bit - this took place some 15 years after the Civil War, much of the West was still territory, and there's talk of the gunslinger being a dying breed? I don't think so - not at the time of the book anyway. That was just getting started. Another thing, women were relatively uncommon then - I have a hard time believing the h's friend wasn't besieged with admirers.
May 21, 2015
This is a great story about growing up and coming to terms with your past. Josh felt responsible for the tragedy that occured when he was a child. He grew up feeling he should have been able to do something, taking responsibility when it was not his. Kate was raised to accept abuse from her father and now her husband. Two unlikely people have their lives become intertwined. Can they learn to accept the past and embrace the future. I enjoyed the story, I wish there was more about the book and its origin. Maybe that will be another book.
September 19, 2009
I read this when it first came out in 1996. I like it then and I liked it on the re-read. Nice bit of post Civil War US West setting historical romance, with a touch of magic thrown in. Justine Dare(aka Justine Davis) does the conflicted hero with the best of them. Not a keeper for me, but I enjoyed the chance to visit with these characters again.
June 15, 2015
I gather this is a re-release title (I read an ARC version from Netgalley).
This is the unlikely story of a gunslinger who widows a woman, freeing her from a brutal marriage.
Heart of the Hawk was a good story, but needed more fire. I never really felt this woman's relief at being widowed, nor her nervousness at having to stand on her own. But it was decent escapism.
This is the unlikely story of a gunslinger who widows a woman, freeing her from a brutal marriage.
Heart of the Hawk was a good story, but needed more fire. I never really felt this woman's relief at being widowed, nor her nervousness at having to stand on her own. But it was decent escapism.
July 26, 2020
This was not your normal western romance,had a twist that made it very interesting. A great story that has made me buy book one and look for others by Justine Davis The storyline was interesting and had me picking it up all day as I was suppose to be doing housework.I will be recommending this story to all my friends.
March 30, 2016
One of the best romance series written. The authors writing is wonderful.
Although quite predictable it is still a great read.
Although quite predictable it is still a great read.
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