River of Fire

Author:

Mary Jo Putney

Published:

Signet, November 1996 ; 377 pages

Related titles by this author:

Thunder and Roses, Petals in the Storm, Dancing on the Wind, Angel Rogue, Shattered Rainbows

Subgenre:

Historical romance -- Regency

Setting:

England -- London, Lake District, Bedfordshire, 1817

Main characters:

Kenneth Wilding, Lord Kimball, and Rebecca Seaton

Sexual explicitness:

Fairly explicit

Keywords:

Intrigue ; artists, brothers, jealousy, mistresses, murder, war

Reader rating:

Reader comments:

Why is it that I didn't see anything to dislike about this book. I'm not a Putney reader, but this one was quite good. Maybe I have to read it again. I personally think that I will only like it more! (L.R.W., 5-19-98) I found the art theme to add an interesting dimension to the plot. The hero's lack of confidence in his undeveloped artistic ability was believable. The villian was mellodramatic but why not, this is a romance story. (0., 3-15-97) This was the most excruciatingly boring 'romance' I have ever read. If I were interested in art I would take a junior college course in it (like Putney must have right before writing it). Grrr... (E.J., 3-3-97) I was a little disapointed in this book however it was a lot better than most books out there. (R.P., 2-8-97) Excellent read. Good detail on what an Regency artist society would be like. Sympathetic and interesting characters particularly Rebecca who came across as a very individualistic heroine something not always achieved in a historical. (Y.P., 2-1-97) After waiting way too long for Kenneth and Rebecca's coupling (page 291), it was unimaginative (in front of a fire-- wow, we're breaking new ground here), routine, and over far too quickly. Instead of appreciating the wait with delicious anticipation, I felt annoyance at being let down. My disappointment was as much a result of "missing sizzle" between the characters as it was having to wait for much too little, much too late. (J.D., 1-17-97) I really enjoyed this book (more so than the original Fallen Angeles series). I liked and admired both the hero and the heroine as peole who suffed 'bad breaks' but are not sitting around saying 'poor me', but are getting along the best they can. While other may complain about 'no chemistry' (did they read the scenes where she's painting his portrait?), I like the fact they do get along well, as I can see them living happily ever after one I close the book. I was especially impressed by Putney's ability to work in all the technical art information, so that I learned something (a bonus to a good read). I would agree that the 'how done it element' was perhaps weak, but if I want a good mystery I'll read Dick Francis. In a romance I want the relationship. I'll read this book again. (I.B., 1-14-97) Disappointing compared to the other Fallen Angel books, and her early regencies. Well intentioned, but un-inspired. (L.F., 1-12-97) As a long-time and faithful reader of Mary Jo Putney, I was disappointed that I didn't enjoy RIVER OF FIRE nearly as much as her other Fallen Angel books. The romantic sizzle and tension between Rebecca and Kenneth never caught fire. They were perfectly suited for one another intellectually, artistically and physically but they just lacked chemistry. Maybe the problem was they were too well-suited. The storyline of the the mother's death was lame and all the red-herrings were obvious. However, I felt Putney eloquently presented the technical aspects of painting and the artistic "temperament" extremely well. Putney's vivid descriptions of an artist at work and the single-minded vision needed to create art was the best part of this book, IMO. Nevertheless, I enjoy Putney's writing style and storytelling ability. I just wish the characters had been more charismatic and the romance more passionate. (K.G., 1-8-97) The attempt at utilizing a whodunit plot fails because Putney is writing too romance-formulaically and so of course must make whodunit the least sympathetic (and thus most obvious) character. The art research is so good that it sometimes seems shoved into characters' mouths, making them seem a bit unnatural and, what's worse, not sufficiently romantic. Nevertheless, if this is no SHATTERED RAINBOWS, it's still quite readable compared to most other stuff I've read lately. (E.P., 1-2-97)

Rate this book

Other books by this author

Read the review by the Romance Reader

Return to the main page of the Romance Novel Database