Flame

I was so fanscinated with Shadow Walker, which I read first, that I had to find this book and read it. I'm really enjoying Connie Mason's books. My only concern is trying to figure out which ones come first when there are more than on book. Individually, they are all interesting, but it is better to read in the proper order.

Ashley Webster, a Yankee, needs a husband and she needs him right now. But not for the usual reasons such as love and companionship. No, she needs a husband in name only so she can join a wagon train headed west across the plains. Single women aren't allowed. And Ashley desperately needs to get to Fort Bridger, where her brother is held accused of murder. She is so desperate, in fact, that she makes a deal with Tanner MacTavish, a former confederate soldier currently in jail. She must be mad because the man HATES all Yankees (for very personal and painful reasons) and bluntly tells her so. But the money she is offering in exchange for a pretend marriage is so astounding Tanner accepts the offer. Looks like the crazy Yankee temporarily bought herself a Rebel husband. Ignore the cheesy cover. This is a really good book! If all of Mason's historical romance books are like this one then I can see why she has such a following. The characters are wonderful and rich. And the story is so captivating that I read it in one sitting. This book explores the many facets of middle 1800's settlers life. These include the wagon train with its constant threat of disease, natural disasters (i.e. flooding) and Indians. Also included is the homestead life in the burgeoning towns of the west. At the center is a beautiful hate-to-love romance that blossoms over the months. Ashley (Yank) is a independent woman who repels at the idea of a real marriage. And Tanner (Reb) is a emotionally wounded ex-soldier who can't let go of the horrors of war inflicted on his family. Somehow they heal each other amidst the rigors of their journey west. A truly enjoyable read full of romance, passion and action. Its worth picking up just to read the part concerning the Sioux Indians -fascinating. This is my first Mason book and not my last. I look forward to reading more of her books in the very near future. Recommended.

I have to say I just finished this book and it was the best book I have read in a while. The book has alot of action and adventure. Ashley wants to join a wagon train, her brother was in trouble and needed her help, she sells everything she owns to buy everything she needs to join the wagon train, only to find out they won't let her join without a husband or a family. So she pays Tanner money to be her husband. He agrees. He is a Reb and Ashley a Yankee, they don't get along well. They are always fighting, which I love in romance books, it makes them a little more exciting. There is alot of adventures in this book and is very entertaining from start to finish. There are also two other little romances in the book. Connie Mason is one of the best historical romance writers.

This was a very original and well planned plot. Ashley W. is a "spinster"(red hair/green eyes) yankee. She needs a temporary husband to join a wagon train so she can find her twin brother. Tanner McTavish is a bitter reb who hates all yankees but takes this "job" to get out of jail. Despite their dislike for each other they have telling experiences as the story twists and turns. The love scenes are intense but the relationship can not progress because of Tanner's need to avenge civil war atrocities on his family. (They call each other reb and yank throughout the book which is really cute in the beginning but gets pretty old by the end.)Fiesty heroine (the indians call her "flame"), hunky hero, great secondary character in her brother Cole and bad guys you like to hate. An enjoyable read.

I thought that this was a very good book. There were times when I disliked Tanner but he soon proved to be a passionate, caring man. The plot was great and the characters were very realistic.