Many years ago I received a frantic text from a friend late at night. It read something like, “I just read the most amazing book and I can’t believe how much I loved it and if you don’t read it immediately I’m going to go crazy. I can’t even put into words what this book has done to me.” That book was Ride the Fire by Pamela Clare. I was kind of shocked my friend was going so gaga over a historical – in fact it was the first one she ever read. So I immediately bought it to see what the fuss was about and found myself completely swept up into an amazing love story that really touched me deeply.
In the dedication Clare writes: This book is dedicated to all the victims of sexual assault. May you find the courage, love, and healing you need to live a full happily ever after.
Ride the Fire is not just a simple historical romance. It deals with heavy and difficult subject matter. Both the hero Nicholas and heroine Bethie have suffered abuse and lived lives full of brutality. Not to mention the time period of the mid-1700′s obviously sets the tone for the whole story and it’s often graphic and gruesome. However, ultimately Clare gives us a passionate and sweeping love story along with some gripping adventure that allows the reader to watch these amazing characters overcome all the obstacles in their lives and we fall in love with them as deeply as they fall in love with each other. Reading this book again for the review, I fell in love with Nicholas all over again just like the first time and the story sped along as quickly as the first time too.
Ride the Fire has been re-issued with some new material and most important of all, an epilogue. Pamela Clare always writes a fabulous epilogue. The epilogue for Ride the Fire is right on target and extremely satisfying. While this is the third book in the Blakewell/Kenleigh Family Trilogy, Ride the Fire can definitely be read as a stand alone.
This is one of my all-time favorite books and definitely my favorite from Pamela Clare. If you want to see how Pamela Clare writes an amazing sweeping love story that hooks you right from the start, Ride the Fire is the book to read.
Favorite Quote:
“Men who hurt Women are my favorite men to kill. Touch her and I’ll send you straight to hell – with a smile on my face
Rating: A
Ride the Fire by Pamela Clare
February 5th 2013 by Berkley Sensation
GoodReads
Amazon || Barnes & Noble || Book Depository || ARe
About FV Samantha
I’m not a huge historical fan, but I ADORE Pamela Clare, and this sounds really interesting. I hope I’m just like your friend!
I hope you like it! It’s a great story.
I am also really picky about reading historical romance so I don’t read them a lot but Pamela Clare does an OUTSTANDING job with her Blakewell/Kenleigh series. I haven’t yet read her other historical series. I am also a huge fan of Pamela Clare’s I-Team series which is not historical romance. I highly recommend checking her books out.
I’ve been waiting for this re-issue so I can get it on my Kindle. So glad it’s here. Her I-team series is one of my favorites, I’ve just finished rereading it this past weekend. I’ve since restarted the MacKinnon’s Rangers series.
I enjoy historical but I don’t think I have ever read this author. After reading your review I will look into this book, it really does sound amazing
I’m sold. Thanks for the review Samantha.
Great review Samantha and I loved the quote. I’ve got to make time to read this one soon! I love Clare’s I-Team series so I’m sure I will love this!
Can’t believe you haven’t read this one. It’s a must!
Wonderful review, Samantha! This truly is one of the best stories ever written.
Awesome review! I just love Pamela Clare’s books, her contemporary I-Team series and her historical Blakewell/Kenleigh series. I waited for the re-issues and am so thrilled I did. I cannot imagine how the stories could have been as cohesive with any parts cut out. For the re-issue of “Ride the Fire,” make note of the author’s note where Ms. Clare discusses the discrepancy in historical time between the re-issue of “Carnal Gift” and “Ride the Fire.” Her work is so authentic and she gives voice to so many issues that are otherwise overlooked in society such as adult male victims of sexual assault/rape, Native American historical and contemporary issues, honesty in politics, etc.
I love reading Pamela Clares’ historicals! They are so gripping! I wish I could find a man like her main characters.
I was craving a historical and your review did it for me! Thanks!
Wow! I just bought the book on my Nook…great review. Thank you.