Maverick Heart: A Novel

by Joan Johnston

Book Overview

In a novel of high-riding adventure and long-simmering desire, New York Times bestselling author Joan Johnston brings to life a sweeping story of lost love, shattering secrets, and a passion waiting... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0440217628
• Release Date: November 1995
• Publisher: Dell
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.0" x 1.0" x 4.2"

Customer Reviews

4.5 stars...Romance and Adventure Abound

If you like your romances mixed with lots of adventure,as I do, "Maverick Heart" by Joan Johnston is for you . Although it is the second in the Maverick Heart series, you do not have to have read the 1st in the series, a romance set in England 100 years ago, "The Inheritance". There are 2 couples followed in "Maverick Heart", Lord and Lady Linden(Miles and Verity), who we met just briefly in Inheritance, and their son Rand, now 21, and his fiance Lady Winifred. The story of Miles and Verity goes back to London of 1853. The young lovers are star crossed as a rich suitor, Lord Talbot, blackmails Verity into marriage by threatening the life of her true love Miles. Miles doesn't know the circumstances behind the reason Verity dumped him and carries the bitterness with him for more then 20 years. He also doesn't know that Verity gave birth to his son, after her marriage to Lord Talbot, who shunned his wife and step-son throughout the 20 years. Flash forward to the Wyoming Territory of 1875. Verity and son Rand are making the trek across the treacherous terrain along with Rand's fiance, the young and feisty Freddie(Lady Winifred), to make anew life at the only thing Talbot left them, a ranch. It's not long before one adventure after another, buffalo stampedes, Indians, the harsh weather, and other bad guys, have them fighting for their lives. It's also not long before Lady Talbot is rescued by her former love Miles, who fled England 20 years earlier and made his home Wyoming and has become a full fledged cowboy. A cowboy with a plan. Revenge on Verity. With plenty of steamy romance, and terrifying adventures, this full length novel will have you turning the pages. The stories of both couples is equally captivating. Ms. Johnston as always will take you away to another time and place and get you involved with the character's stories as their love grows,and they develop wonderfully . She also seems to do her research well to bring an authentic look at the time and place. This one is no exception, although I was kind of surprised that the Sioux Indian was portrayed as such a villain, without giving us much of their side of the story and their life. In some of her other stories("Comanche Woman"), that I've read involving American Indians, I felt she gave a better look at the the life they led in the old west. Other then that I thought this was a great western/romance/adventure. I haven't figured out yet which is the next up in this series (if there is a next), but when I do, I will edit this review and/or leave a comment in the comment section. If anyone out there knows, please leave a comment...thanks Meanwhile I will be continuing with the Hawk's Way novellas, the historical novels, and plan to delve into the Captive Heart series soon. See my Joan Johnston listmania or So you'd like to Guide(listing by series) for many more of her books.(click onto my profile to get to them) For more contemporary adventure romances, try the 'Bittercreek seriesC

A Four Star Read!

Before you read Maverick Hearts, read The Inheritance prequel. Verity, The Maverick Heart heroine is connected to The Inheritance characters and will give you a broader background view. I would have liked to learn more about Freddy and her story, perhaps another book about her would have made a great series.

Fun!

All her books are good and this was full of humor and romance. It kept me turning pages as did, "Anything, My Love" by Cynthia Simmons--a book I HAD TO READ ALL IN ONE NIGHT.

"Great Read"

After reading previous reviews on this book I was very sorry I had bought it. But since I had it, I thought I would give it a shot. I am so glad I did! I throughly enjoyed this story. Not only was the story about the two main characters, but their son and his fiancee. She made me laugh throughout the book. This was money well spent!