Heart of Fire

Loved this book. I kept finding myself laugh Ben’s comments. Definitely a keeper and would read it again.

What I like about Linda Howard's books are that they just grab you in and never let you go. Her books are so real and in touch. The plot: A treasure hunt with everyone on the expedition having their own ulterior motives. This is one of my favorite books of Linda Howard. Why? Who wouldn't pay good money to see an arrogant, conceited, alpha male knocked down a peg or two. And Jillian is the perfect heroine to do that. Very intelligent and witty. But I couldn't hate Ben Lewis. He is the ultimate "black sheep bad for you guy" and it is so endearing that he finally finds his soul mate and loves her with all of his being. There is something so sexy about a guy who exudes masculinity but also has a soft spot. I love the scenes where he shows how protective and caring he is to Jillian. Way to go Jillian for not letting him get it too easy. As far as Dutra being added to the expedition, eh... you give a little to get a little. I thought the idea was that Ben wasn't supposed to know what they were up to. One person had the map and the other funded the expedition. I would imagine the person who funded the expedition wouldn't go without his trusted thug. But without Dutra being there, there wouldn't be half as many exciting near death scenes.

If ever there was a solid five star romance then this is it. Heart of Fire is a passionate, sexy, funny and exciting novel that thrills from beginning to end. The plot is racy and pacy with plenty of interesting plot twists and the main characters have so much chemistry between them that the book is practically on fire. From a physical perspective Ben Lewes is pretty much the ideal male hero; tall, dark, muscular, rough `n' ready...[I could go on all day... :-)]. He has the perfect blend of sex appeal and confident masculinity. He is the ultimate alpha - tough, strong and brave and a real bad ass when he wants to be (but never to Jillian). Often such men are paired off with some spineless little moaner with less personality than a lettuce leaf - you know the type, don't you? - the kind of heroine that forgets to eat all the time and spends her days pouting and fainting if anyone speaks above a whisper. Therefore it is definitely worth celebrating that Ben's true love is Jillian Sherwood, a kind-hearted, clever, feisty woman. Ben might be the super-alpha male but Jillian is more than able to match him. It was hilarious to read the passages where Ben was desperately trying to work out whether Jillian was into him or not.My other favourite things are that there are plenty of chances in the book for Ben to defend Jillian or to do some charming protective gesture. The dialogue between them is snappy and fun. The other characters add a lot to the story and the ending is great too. I guess I should admit that a few things bothered me - Ben was a little too free and easy about sex before he met Jillian, and there's a scene near the end where Ben tracks Jillian down in her bedroom after a brief seperation which I find a bit cringe worthy.Overall Heart of Fire is a lovely, sizzling romance that I highly recommend. In addition to this book, Dream Man by Linda Howard is also one of my personal favourites. Dane, the hero in that book, has certain similarities to Ben. And that, fellow readers, is a wonderful thing!JoAnne

this is an older Howard and if you are a fan and missed during first release grab it now. It is stunning!! Jillian Sherwood is a proper lady with a sensible background. But that proper lady is suddenly out of her norm when she ventures into the jungles of Brazil looking for the Heart of a Fire a rare red diamond. But she is not tea-sipping Miss, she is an archaeologist and willing to stake everything that the myth of the red diamond is real. Ben is the all man, river guide that think the myth a bunk but is getting paid for the trip. As someone in their party betrays them Ben and Jillian must band together to survive.I LOVED these character, and it is Howard at her best!!