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Leopard People #2
Burning Wild
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Dark Carpathian novels now returns to the exotic, sensual and dangerous world of her bestseller Wild Rain.
This time, what goes on between male and female is wilder than animal instinct-and twice as hot.
Born into a world of twisted monsters, Jake Bannaconni is shaped and molded into a cold, revenge driven man. Honed in the fires of hell, he controls his world and rules with an iron hand. He has everything and anything money can buy. He’s ruthless, merciless and considered a man to leave alone. His hidden legacy, that of a shapeshifter, makes him doubly dangerous in the corporate world.
Emma Reynolds is a woman who knows how to love and love well. When their two worlds collide, Jake’s plans for a complete take over, may just come tumbling down.
This time, what goes on between male and female is wilder than animal instinct-and twice as hot.
Born into a world of twisted monsters, Jake Bannaconni is shaped and molded into a cold, revenge driven man. Honed in the fires of hell, he controls his world and rules with an iron hand. He has everything and anything money can buy. He’s ruthless, merciless and considered a man to leave alone. His hidden legacy, that of a shapeshifter, makes him doubly dangerous in the corporate world.
Emma Reynolds is a woman who knows how to love and love well. When their two worlds collide, Jake’s plans for a complete take over, may just come tumbling down.
443 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 28, 2009
About the author
Christine Feehan
189 books52.2k followersChristine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 90 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, GhostWalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series, Shadow Riders and Torpedo Ink. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...
IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. (www.christinefeehan.com)
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...
IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. (www.christinefeehan.com)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 486 reviews
May 21, 2009
Okay, Jake's parents did everything they could to make him into a serial killer. Thank God he was too strong for that. Jake was an intense guy who had a facade of not caring about anything and being out for himself. But truly that wasn't who he was. He was a dangerous and ruthless man, but he had the capacity for devotion and love. Thankfully he met Emma and she brought that out in him.
This was a really intense book. I truly enjoyed it and had trouble putting it down. I was reading it every chance I could. Like all of the Feehan books I've read, this one packs a wallop. The love scenes were fiery. I was holding my breath out of fear that they would be more than I could handle, but they were not. Some sensitive readers might have a few moments of breath holding, but as a reader who does not like erotica in her romances, I was fine.
Jake and Emma really are a great match. At first glance, it might seem that Emma is too gentle for a hard-edged man like Jake, but she really complements him. And she has inner steel behind the sweet, homemaking facade. Jake is one of my favorite kinds of heroes, ones on the edge that find their salvation in being loved and in loving. He was very dominant but he didn't go over the top with it, like some characters can do. I think it's because despite his dominance and his rough-edges, he knew how to protect and care for those that were in his care and who mattered to him. I loved how he tended to collect stray people who had been hurt and damaged by life. Aww! How could I not love him?
The violence is inherent in this storyline about a man/leopard who was raised by evil, cruel parents, and lives in a world where betrayal is always lurking. But it was tasteful and not over the top. The climax is electrifying and keeps you on the edge of the seat. You feel like you are right there in the midst of the action.
As usual, Feehan introduces you to secondary characters that you want to read more about, such as Drake, Conner, Joshua, Evan, and Susan. I hope that we get to see them find their happy ending.
As a lover of shapeshifter books, I am glad I have another really good one to add to my keeper list. Unusual and intriguing, and thoroughly enjoyable, I found this book irresistible and worth the time and energy I spent reading it.
This was a really intense book. I truly enjoyed it and had trouble putting it down. I was reading it every chance I could. Like all of the Feehan books I've read, this one packs a wallop. The love scenes were fiery. I was holding my breath out of fear that they would be more than I could handle, but they were not. Some sensitive readers might have a few moments of breath holding, but as a reader who does not like erotica in her romances, I was fine.
Jake and Emma really are a great match. At first glance, it might seem that Emma is too gentle for a hard-edged man like Jake, but she really complements him. And she has inner steel behind the sweet, homemaking facade. Jake is one of my favorite kinds of heroes, ones on the edge that find their salvation in being loved and in loving. He was very dominant but he didn't go over the top with it, like some characters can do. I think it's because despite his dominance and his rough-edges, he knew how to protect and care for those that were in his care and who mattered to him. I loved how he tended to collect stray people who had been hurt and damaged by life. Aww! How could I not love him?
The violence is inherent in this storyline about a man/leopard who was raised by evil, cruel parents, and lives in a world where betrayal is always lurking. But it was tasteful and not over the top. The climax is electrifying and keeps you on the edge of the seat. You feel like you are right there in the midst of the action.
As usual, Feehan introduces you to secondary characters that you want to read more about, such as Drake, Conner, Joshua, Evan, and Susan. I hope that we get to see them find their happy ending.
As a lover of shapeshifter books, I am glad I have another really good one to add to my keeper list. Unusual and intriguing, and thoroughly enjoyable, I found this book irresistible and worth the time and energy I spent reading it.
May 19, 2009
Jake Bannaconni is a leopard shapeshifter who lives to acquire enough money and power to take down his evil parents and their friends. He was badly abused as a child but survived by dreaming of the day he destroys their lives. At the age of 33, he has acquired a lot of money and power but feels like he is still missing something. He is going to be a father soon after being tricked by his enemy's daughter. She is in a car accident that claims her life but the medics are able to save his son. The two-car accident also claims the life of another man - Emma Reynold's husband. When Jake sees Emma, he feels a connection to someone for the first time in his life. Emma is all alone in this world after losing her husband. She is newly pregnant but the doctor wants her on bed rest to save the child after she is injured in the car accident. Jake is obsessed with Emma from the first time he sees her and does everything he can to get her in his life. He offers her a place to stay so she can rest and teach him how to care for his son. She has no where to go so she accepts his offer as long as he allows her to work once she is better.
Once they are on his Texas ranch, Jake does everything he can to insinuate himself into Emma's heart. She is the most honest person he has ever met, which is amazing to him because he always expects betrayal and deceit. He is very careful not to let her see his attraction to her so that she can feel safe but all along he plans to seduce her eventually because he wants her to love him. Over the course of two years, Emma has a baby girl, becomes a mother to Jake's son and takes over as the housekeeper of the house. She makes a home for Jake and tries to open up his heart. Jake does not believe in love and has cut himself off from all emotion after his horrible childhood. Emma tries to show him how to love his son and her daughter, who he claims as his own.
After two years of grieving her husband and being a mother, Emma begins to wake up sexually toward Jake. She has fallen in love with him because he treated her well and protected her for two years. He sees himself as a very hard man because he is ruthless in business and with his enemies but she sees him as man who always looks out for those who need help. He gives jobs to people who have handicaps or are down on their luck and always tries to help and protect them. Jake has always been very attracted to Emma but did not try to seduce her while she was still grieving. Once he finds out she is attracted to him as well, all bets are off and the intense sexual tension explodes into passion.
This is one very exciting and hot book. Jake is a VERY dominant man who always wants to have his own way. Emma is the perfect match for him because she will stand up to him on the important stuff but she is also willing to let the small things go. She is a very sweet and loving person who is willing to fight against Jake's inner demons because she believes he is a better person inside. Jake is very dominant in bed as well, he is rough and aggressive but Emma teaches him to slow down and be gentle sometimes. Jake was frustrating at times because he tried to back away every time he started feeling too much for Emma. He was so afraid to open up his heart and be vulnerable that he tried to put emotional distance between them whenever she got too close to him. Jake was over bearing at times but he was also kind and protective. Emma knew going into the relationship how Jake was (controlling, over protective, domineering), so she walked into the relationship with her eyes open knowing she would have to teach Jake that it was okay to love. She knew that he loved his son and daughter, even if he couldn't admit it to himself. She was very strong emotionally and was able to go toe to toe with Jake whenever he tried to take over too much of her life. There was also a bit of a surprise twist toward the end that helps put Emma on more equal footing with Jake, which I like because I felt it helped balance out the power in the relationship.
If you enjoy a dominant hero and a very engaging story, check out this book. The writing was very good, the story sucks you in from page one and takes you on a great ride. There were relatively few "Feehanisms" (though she does manage to sneak in molten lava and black velvet voice) and I did not feel like the love scenes were the same thing over and over (which has been a complaint with this author). The hero is rough at points (especially during the sex scenes) but he had a hard life and tries very hard to change into a better person for Emma. She teaches him to love her and the children, while he gives her the family and home she always wanted.
Once they are on his Texas ranch, Jake does everything he can to insinuate himself into Emma's heart. She is the most honest person he has ever met, which is amazing to him because he always expects betrayal and deceit. He is very careful not to let her see his attraction to her so that she can feel safe but all along he plans to seduce her eventually because he wants her to love him. Over the course of two years, Emma has a baby girl, becomes a mother to Jake's son and takes over as the housekeeper of the house. She makes a home for Jake and tries to open up his heart. Jake does not believe in love and has cut himself off from all emotion after his horrible childhood. Emma tries to show him how to love his son and her daughter, who he claims as his own.
After two years of grieving her husband and being a mother, Emma begins to wake up sexually toward Jake. She has fallen in love with him because he treated her well and protected her for two years. He sees himself as a very hard man because he is ruthless in business and with his enemies but she sees him as man who always looks out for those who need help. He gives jobs to people who have handicaps or are down on their luck and always tries to help and protect them. Jake has always been very attracted to Emma but did not try to seduce her while she was still grieving. Once he finds out she is attracted to him as well, all bets are off and the intense sexual tension explodes into passion.
This is one very exciting and hot book. Jake is a VERY dominant man who always wants to have his own way. Emma is the perfect match for him because she will stand up to him on the important stuff but she is also willing to let the small things go. She is a very sweet and loving person who is willing to fight against Jake's inner demons because she believes he is a better person inside. Jake is very dominant in bed as well, he is rough and aggressive but Emma teaches him to slow down and be gentle sometimes. Jake was frustrating at times because he tried to back away every time he started feeling too much for Emma. He was so afraid to open up his heart and be vulnerable that he tried to put emotional distance between them whenever she got too close to him. Jake was over bearing at times but he was also kind and protective. Emma knew going into the relationship how Jake was (controlling, over protective, domineering), so she walked into the relationship with her eyes open knowing she would have to teach Jake that it was okay to love. She knew that he loved his son and daughter, even if he couldn't admit it to himself. She was very strong emotionally and was able to go toe to toe with Jake whenever he tried to take over too much of her life. There was also a bit of a surprise twist toward the end that helps put Emma on more equal footing with Jake, which I like because I felt it helped balance out the power in the relationship.
If you enjoy a dominant hero and a very engaging story, check out this book. The writing was very good, the story sucks you in from page one and takes you on a great ride. There were relatively few "Feehanisms" (though she does manage to sneak in molten lava and black velvet voice) and I did not feel like the love scenes were the same thing over and over (which has been a complaint with this author). The hero is rough at points (especially during the sex scenes) but he had a hard life and tries very hard to change into a better person for Emma. She teaches him to love her and the children, while he gives her the family and home she always wanted.
July 20, 2010
Oh. My. God....This is the first thing that came to mind after I finished this book. Well, this and hot damn.
I started reading this one with a hefty dose of skepticism. The Leopard Series is the least favorite of mine, but I quickly had to rethink my position.
I must admit I didn't particularly like the hero, Jake Bannaconni, at the beginning, no matter the rather detailed explanation for his actions and behavior the author offered us in snippets cut from the boy's childhood. His parents were monsters, children of monsters, and were prepared to turn their son, whom they saw only as a failed breeding experiment, turn into a monster as well. If they didn't kill him in the process. Yet the little boy thwarted their nefarious plan, first by hiding the truth of his "other" and then by refusing to be like them, though he failed to see that fact almost until the very end.
Still, I didn't like him. And it wasn't because of his alpha-ness, I love Ms. Feehan's males, it wasn't even his domineering personality, it was the way he "weaseled" into Emma's life, or sucked her into his. I would've preferred a little more, I don't know if tact is the right word, but maybe cutting back on the Machiavelli-channeling wouldn't have hurt.
He quickly grew on me, though, once he, somewhat reluctantly, began to see reason, thanks to his friend and mentor Drake Donovon (oh, how I love that man!) and mostly because of Emma and their two "little monsters".
Emma. Sweet, tender, caring, loving, tenacious, stubborn, strong, resilient, little Emma. What could I possibly say about her without falling into clichés and diabetes-inducing superlatives.
She was just perfect for Jake.
She might have appeared weak and vulnerable at the beginning, broken down and empty, but once she got over her loss, she quickly let show her inner core of steel that prevented her from being completely taken over by Jake, and that single-minded determination of a woman in love on a very important mission. A mission of teaching her man the value and importance of love, loving and being loved. Showing him his true self, teaching him to embrace and accept all parts of his being, no matter how monstrous they might seem to him. Loving him no matter what he says or does to try to drive her away (because she knows deep down he doesn't mean any of it). Loving him no matter what.
And I must say she succeeded marvelously. Jake's progress and his change is obvious from the very first time he meets her to the end.
From the very beginning, Jake's been portrayed as detached, cold, feeling no emotions (except for rage and that incessant thirst for revenge). From the very first chapter and the glimpse at his first memory, his parents humiliated him, degraded him, dehumanized him, until there was nothing left.
Yet when Emma crashed, quite literally, into his life, it was immediately obvious just what kind of power she wielded, restoring his humanity, sparkling her joy and love into his bleak existence, until the brief glimpses of his humor, his smiles, his spontaneity (until he ruthlessly curbed it) were that much more special and precious, until they became a normal occurrence, finally signaling the inevitable. Jake was becoming human again, he was living for the first time and it was all thanks to Emma and his growing feelings for her.
The sex scened also nicely reflected this change, gradually changing from rough "kinky, hard-core sex" with no space for emotion, to a little less rough, but still extremely satisfying lovemaking. ;)
Although I usually don't like it when one plot-line overpowers the others, I didn't mind the romance subplot dominating in this book. It was so tightly tied into Jake's growth and maturing, his change, that it would've been a shame shoving it a little aside to make space for the rest.
Still, the suspense and imminent danger were there, skirting the edge, rearing their heads when appropriate to further the main story-thread and nudge the hero into more self-discovery.
And when the climax came it was explosive (I loved the depiction of the storm as a portent of impeding battle), snarling, clawing, roaring, deadly, and perversely satisfying.
This was once hell of a ride and an extremely satisfying read. It's up there with my favorites from this author and safely tucked onto my keeper shell. It was gritty, edgy, exciting, and though not exactly action packed, it presents another turn and improvement in Ms. Feehan's style.
Oh, my God? Hot damn? Yeah, definitely.
I started reading this one with a hefty dose of skepticism. The Leopard Series is the least favorite of mine, but I quickly had to rethink my position.
I must admit I didn't particularly like the hero, Jake Bannaconni, at the beginning, no matter the rather detailed explanation for his actions and behavior the author offered us in snippets cut from the boy's childhood. His parents were monsters, children of monsters, and were prepared to turn their son, whom they saw only as a failed breeding experiment, turn into a monster as well. If they didn't kill him in the process. Yet the little boy thwarted their nefarious plan, first by hiding the truth of his "other" and then by refusing to be like them, though he failed to see that fact almost until the very end.
Still, I didn't like him. And it wasn't because of his alpha-ness, I love Ms. Feehan's males, it wasn't even his domineering personality, it was the way he "weaseled" into Emma's life, or sucked her into his. I would've preferred a little more, I don't know if tact is the right word, but maybe cutting back on the Machiavelli-channeling wouldn't have hurt.
He quickly grew on me, though, once he, somewhat reluctantly, began to see reason, thanks to his friend and mentor Drake Donovon (oh, how I love that man!) and mostly because of Emma and their two "little monsters".
Emma. Sweet, tender, caring, loving, tenacious, stubborn, strong, resilient, little Emma. What could I possibly say about her without falling into clichés and diabetes-inducing superlatives.
She was just perfect for Jake.
She might have appeared weak and vulnerable at the beginning, broken down and empty, but once she got over her loss, she quickly let show her inner core of steel that prevented her from being completely taken over by Jake, and that single-minded determination of a woman in love on a very important mission. A mission of teaching her man the value and importance of love, loving and being loved. Showing him his true self, teaching him to embrace and accept all parts of his being, no matter how monstrous they might seem to him. Loving him no matter what he says or does to try to drive her away (because she knows deep down he doesn't mean any of it). Loving him no matter what.
And I must say she succeeded marvelously. Jake's progress and his change is obvious from the very first time he meets her to the end.
From the very beginning, Jake's been portrayed as detached, cold, feeling no emotions (except for rage and that incessant thirst for revenge). From the very first chapter and the glimpse at his first memory, his parents humiliated him, degraded him, dehumanized him, until there was nothing left.
Yet when Emma crashed, quite literally, into his life, it was immediately obvious just what kind of power she wielded, restoring his humanity, sparkling her joy and love into his bleak existence, until the brief glimpses of his humor, his smiles, his spontaneity (until he ruthlessly curbed it) were that much more special and precious, until they became a normal occurrence, finally signaling the inevitable. Jake was becoming human again, he was living for the first time and it was all thanks to Emma and his growing feelings for her.
The sex scened also nicely reflected this change, gradually changing from rough "kinky, hard-core sex" with no space for emotion, to a little less rough, but still extremely satisfying lovemaking. ;)
Although I usually don't like it when one plot-line overpowers the others, I didn't mind the romance subplot dominating in this book. It was so tightly tied into Jake's growth and maturing, his change, that it would've been a shame shoving it a little aside to make space for the rest.
Still, the suspense and imminent danger were there, skirting the edge, rearing their heads when appropriate to further the main story-thread and nudge the hero into more self-discovery.
And when the climax came it was explosive (I loved the depiction of the storm as a portent of impeding battle), snarling, clawing, roaring, deadly, and perversely satisfying.
This was once hell of a ride and an extremely satisfying read. It's up there with my favorites from this author and safely tucked onto my keeper shell. It was gritty, edgy, exciting, and though not exactly action packed, it presents another turn and improvement in Ms. Feehan's style.
Oh, my God? Hot damn? Yeah, definitely.
October 30, 2019
Jake Bannaconni and Emma Reynolds
Settings: Texas
Settings: Texas
July 4, 2015
Reread - first read in 2011
Wild Rain, the 3rd book in the Leopard Series is edgy, dark and somewhat disturbing. But it has a message that….
I loved this book. The story was deeply intense with characters that just grabbed at your heartstrings.
Wild Rain, the 3rd book in the Leopard Series is edgy, dark and somewhat disturbing. But it has a message that….
The hero, Jake Bannaconni has experienced the most horrific abuse as a child, which has scarred him emotionally and resulting in him becoming a cruel and detached from any feelings whatsoever.
But someone enters his life that change his life forever…and that is … Emma Reynolds...caring, tenacious, sweet, determined, strong....
“I wonder how you’ll scream when I tear out your heart and show it to you,” Emma said, very calmly, her voice low, meaning every word.”I wasn’t sure how I felt about Jake in the beginning. He displayed such cruelty and he was so cold, almost abusive towards Emma. But we slowly see something deep inside him that makes you realize that there is a heart there somewhere. He goes from being totally overpowering and domineering with Emma
. ”Make no mistake, Emma Reynolds. You will be my possession.”to a caring and experiencing deep feelings of love, something he had never felt before. I loved seeing their relationship develop and evolve.
I loved this book. The story was deeply intense with characters that just grabbed at your heartstrings.
August 15, 2009
I decided to read some Feehan because I hear about her a lot working at the bookstore. But MY GOD PEOPLE. MY GOD. I have read quite a few romance novels in my day and I cannot remember the last time I was quite this horrified. The sex scenes were graphic enough that I felt like clutching my pearls, but what transpired during them was less horrifying than that they basically amounted to rape, since her mouth kept saying "no" but her body kept saying "yes". (So hey, that makes everything okay, right?) The guy is a huge manipulator, getting her to live with him, take care of his kid, eventually sleep with him and marry him, and she's supposed to swoon? To fall all over herself in lust/love/devotion/whatever? This book is disgusting, and if it's a sampling of what she normally writes, I want no part of it.
October 9, 2024
Summary
Jake Bannaconni, didn’t have the easiest start in life. He grew up with cruelty and punishment. He has never known love or affection, all he knows is control and power. He is driven, and refuses to let the influence of his ruthless parents, to determine his future. When Jake learns that he has a son, and the mother manipulated him, he chases after her. Because he refuses to let any harm come to his son who has yet to be born. But through certain chain of events, his son was born premature in a car accident that killed the mother, and another couple was affected. Where he meets Emma Reynolds, who lost her husband of five months. Emma is overcome with the loss of her husband, and loses herself in her mind, until Jake. Jake keeps her centered and focused on her unborn child. Jake convinces her to come home with him and help take care of his son, and with little money, she feels she doesn’t have much choice. Soon Jake and Emma draw closer together, and their friendship takes another turn into one of passion and desire and a world of dangerous creatures and ruthless enemies who will stop at nothing to destroy Jake and their family…
The Hero
Jake Baconni had been manipulated from birth as a genetic experiment, and was only shown cruelty and there was only one person that showed him love, his uncle, who helped him become the man he is today, and where he was able to achieve his wealth and success. Jake only knows one way to live, and that is in power. He refuses to be helpless or at a loss of control. Jake is a shifter, he runs a large ranch, and is emotionally cut off from most of the people he associates with, except for a couple of friends who like him are shifters as well. Jake is a very intense hero, full on alpha male we have here. One of the most highest that this author has ever written. On the surface he is hard and rough, doesn’t believe he has a heart, and can be a bit obsessive about certain aspects of his life. But never have you seen a man who needs the love of a good woman more. He has never known true love or affection, or loyalty. Inside you see a man who craves touch and love.
The Heroine
Emma is a truly magnificent heroine, and she is the balance in the story. Emma is such a good human being, she is kind and loving, has compassion and has no idea of the cruelty that exists in Jake’s world. She only knows how to love and how to stand by someone who you care for. She is true to her character. She is far from perfect, she tends to be a bit high strung and too stubborn. She wants her own way, and doesn’t understand the complexity of Jake. Her character is compelling, and what I admired about Emma was how she only sees the good in Jake. She never judges harshly, except when she wants to exert her own independence. But as you read Burning Wild, you see parts of yourself reflected in her character.
Plot and Story Line
The story is probably one of the most intense and dramatic romances of Christine Feehan. It was one of the first books I read from this author that didn’t belong to the “Carpathian” series. I read this book years ago, and ever since I have been wishing I had done a review for it. Well I am doing one now. I saw this title on the shelves of my library, and I thought I would love a chance to read this again. And oh boy did I love reading it again. Every once in a while, I think its good to re read a book we love. And with Christine Feehan at the helm, I had no issues at all. It was just as good as the first time that I had a chance to read it. It starts out with seeing Jake growing him between a few years with each segment. And I warn you, his childhood isn’t pretty and easy…its pretty bad and rough. My heart just broke seeing what happens to him, and you see how important it is that those scenes are put in the story, so that you can understand the background behind what drives Jake. Emma on the other hand never knew pain or humiliation as Jake did. She grew up with parents that loved her, and even though she lost them, she has only known love and affection. You see how her influence takes a positive effect on Jake. They are together for about two years, before their relationship takes a more sexual turn. They are comfortable living together, and understand certain aspects of each other, but when they start to feel more intense emotions, that’s when the story really starts rolling. Oh boy and do they have some heated chemistry. Be careful not to get burned here. You also learn some things about Emma and who she really is. Her character truly blossoms in this story, and it is so heartwarming to see how she becomes more confident and sure of herself, and I will say she learns to handle Jake quite well. He needs a woman who will stand up to him, no matter what. There is a danger element to the story, and whew..did that put me on edge, despite the fact that I have read this story before. But there were scenes and moments I had totally forgotten about. The two children…are so adorable and I just wanted to hug them…so fresh and full of life.
Cover
How can you look at this cover, and not want to run for the hills. Boy does he have danger marked all over him. I love the gray background and the pic of the leopard kinda out of phaze…it adds depth and excitement.
Overall View
Burning Wild is a rough and wild romantic tale, of what true love is, and how it can change you for the better. A story of fiery passion, intense characters, and has a level of grit and toughness to it….a story that will completely enthrall you!!
Jake Bannaconni, didn’t have the easiest start in life. He grew up with cruelty and punishment. He has never known love or affection, all he knows is control and power. He is driven, and refuses to let the influence of his ruthless parents, to determine his future. When Jake learns that he has a son, and the mother manipulated him, he chases after her. Because he refuses to let any harm come to his son who has yet to be born. But through certain chain of events, his son was born premature in a car accident that killed the mother, and another couple was affected. Where he meets Emma Reynolds, who lost her husband of five months. Emma is overcome with the loss of her husband, and loses herself in her mind, until Jake. Jake keeps her centered and focused on her unborn child. Jake convinces her to come home with him and help take care of his son, and with little money, she feels she doesn’t have much choice. Soon Jake and Emma draw closer together, and their friendship takes another turn into one of passion and desire and a world of dangerous creatures and ruthless enemies who will stop at nothing to destroy Jake and their family…
The Hero
Jake Baconni had been manipulated from birth as a genetic experiment, and was only shown cruelty and there was only one person that showed him love, his uncle, who helped him become the man he is today, and where he was able to achieve his wealth and success. Jake only knows one way to live, and that is in power. He refuses to be helpless or at a loss of control. Jake is a shifter, he runs a large ranch, and is emotionally cut off from most of the people he associates with, except for a couple of friends who like him are shifters as well. Jake is a very intense hero, full on alpha male we have here. One of the most highest that this author has ever written. On the surface he is hard and rough, doesn’t believe he has a heart, and can be a bit obsessive about certain aspects of his life. But never have you seen a man who needs the love of a good woman more. He has never known true love or affection, or loyalty. Inside you see a man who craves touch and love.
The Heroine
Emma is a truly magnificent heroine, and she is the balance in the story. Emma is such a good human being, she is kind and loving, has compassion and has no idea of the cruelty that exists in Jake’s world. She only knows how to love and how to stand by someone who you care for. She is true to her character. She is far from perfect, she tends to be a bit high strung and too stubborn. She wants her own way, and doesn’t understand the complexity of Jake. Her character is compelling, and what I admired about Emma was how she only sees the good in Jake. She never judges harshly, except when she wants to exert her own independence. But as you read Burning Wild, you see parts of yourself reflected in her character.
Plot and Story Line
The story is probably one of the most intense and dramatic romances of Christine Feehan. It was one of the first books I read from this author that didn’t belong to the “Carpathian” series. I read this book years ago, and ever since I have been wishing I had done a review for it. Well I am doing one now. I saw this title on the shelves of my library, and I thought I would love a chance to read this again. And oh boy did I love reading it again. Every once in a while, I think its good to re read a book we love. And with Christine Feehan at the helm, I had no issues at all. It was just as good as the first time that I had a chance to read it. It starts out with seeing Jake growing him between a few years with each segment. And I warn you, his childhood isn’t pretty and easy…its pretty bad and rough. My heart just broke seeing what happens to him, and you see how important it is that those scenes are put in the story, so that you can understand the background behind what drives Jake. Emma on the other hand never knew pain or humiliation as Jake did. She grew up with parents that loved her, and even though she lost them, she has only known love and affection. You see how her influence takes a positive effect on Jake. They are together for about two years, before their relationship takes a more sexual turn. They are comfortable living together, and understand certain aspects of each other, but when they start to feel more intense emotions, that’s when the story really starts rolling. Oh boy and do they have some heated chemistry. Be careful not to get burned here. You also learn some things about Emma and who she really is. Her character truly blossoms in this story, and it is so heartwarming to see how she becomes more confident and sure of herself, and I will say she learns to handle Jake quite well. He needs a woman who will stand up to him, no matter what. There is a danger element to the story, and whew..did that put me on edge, despite the fact that I have read this story before. But there were scenes and moments I had totally forgotten about. The two children…are so adorable and I just wanted to hug them…so fresh and full of life.
Cover
How can you look at this cover, and not want to run for the hills. Boy does he have danger marked all over him. I love the gray background and the pic of the leopard kinda out of phaze…it adds depth and excitement.
Overall View
Burning Wild is a rough and wild romantic tale, of what true love is, and how it can change you for the better. A story of fiery passion, intense characters, and has a level of grit and toughness to it….a story that will completely enthrall you!!
May 6, 2010
This story was so good until Emma went to live with Jake. I just cant get into a story where the man in the story can have sex with other women but yet he keeps the woman that he claims his at his house, so she cant go out to be able to have a life or sex life. Jake even tells Emma, yes he has sex with other women that he has needs. Well crap! what about hers? is she dead or something. All I can say is WHATEVER! Then one day Emma does go out on a date and he sees her and takes her away from the man! I don’t think I would fuss so much about this, but this is after two years of them living together and he even lays in the bed with her all this time with a hard on and she knows it and neither one of them does nothing. I just cant see that one. I found Emma to much of a weak heroine for me, she wouldn’t stand up to Jake one bit. There is a difference between dominating and controlling and Jake was to controlling for my taste. I read as much as I could of this mess and skimmed through the rest of the book.
The first of the book takes you through Jake abused life it fast forwards you from two years to thirty years. His life while living with his parents is really bad and sad. He meets Emma when his whatever she called pregnant woman with his baby has a car wreck in front of him he saves Emma, but could not save her husband. With Jakes abusive childhood he doesn’t know how to take care of a baby so he ask Emma to help him. Jake doesn’t play or do much with the kids he just works all the time. Again read bad and good review before buying this book to try to make sure its for you.
The first of the book takes you through Jake abused life it fast forwards you from two years to thirty years. His life while living with his parents is really bad and sad. He meets Emma when his whatever she called pregnant woman with his baby has a car wreck in front of him he saves Emma, but could not save her husband. With Jakes abusive childhood he doesn’t know how to take care of a baby so he ask Emma to help him. Jake doesn’t play or do much with the kids he just works all the time. Again read bad and good review before buying this book to try to make sure its for you.
May 13, 2015
This was a good adult erotic paranormal romance, and I really liked Jake!
I liked both Jake and Emma in this story; Jake had had such a rough upbringing and it was clear how much he needed Emma, and Emma was all alone in the world and needed somebody too.
The storyline in this was about Jake trying to trap Emma and keep her as his own, and then it seemed like Emma was the on trapping Jake! These two were really good together though, and it was obvious how much they cared about each other and their kids.
The ending to this was good, and I really hope this pair have some more babies!
8 out of 10
June 7, 2010
There are already many excellent reviews on this book and I agree with most of them, so I won't bother writing mine. I'll just say that the sex scenes were a bit ouf of my comfort zone but I didn't mind. That's how much I loved Jack and Emma. :)
July 4, 2021
A badly written book with a sick plot about unlikeable people. Take (very) thinly disguised porn, add a touch of bondage, some painful, coersive sex (hey, doesn't No mean No?), and throw in several disturbing scenes of the physical abuse of a toddler and you get a veritable stew of nastiness with no redeeming value. As the crowning touch, the lead character - I refuse to call him "the hero" - mentions his recent travels up the Amazon to Borneo! One word, Ms Feehan----ATLAS!!
I wish I hadn't read it. Is there an equivalent of mouthwash for the brain??
I wish I hadn't read it. Is there an equivalent of mouthwash for the brain??
July 24, 2015
Jake Bannaconni
C.Feehan really brought her A game on this story and boy did she turn up the heat! This was a great love story with elements of betrayal and manipulation. I felt like I inhaled this book and couldn't put it down.
I Highly recommend this read. There are only a few love scenes but they are very intense as Jake attempts to control Emma with very demanding sex. He sometimes uses it as punishment..(way cool way to get punished right?)
There are a few characters from book 2 present, but this book could be a stand alone. I happened to read Wild Fire (book 4 ) first and both of these make great stand alone books.
If you love strong sexy, controlling, alpha men with attitude dripping with testosterone and desire..you will enjoy this book!
My Leopard People Reviews:
The Awakening
Burning Wild
Wild Fire
Leopard's Prey
C.Feehan really brought her A game on this story and boy did she turn up the heat! This was a great love story with elements of betrayal and manipulation. I felt like I inhaled this book and couldn't put it down.
I Highly recommend this read. There are only a few love scenes but they are very intense as Jake attempts to control Emma with very demanding sex. He sometimes uses it as punishment..(way cool way to get punished right?)
There are a few characters from book 2 present, but this book could be a stand alone. I happened to read Wild Fire (book 4 ) first and both of these make great stand alone books.
If you love strong sexy, controlling, alpha men with attitude dripping with testosterone and desire..you will enjoy this book!
My Leopard People Reviews:
The Awakening
Burning Wild
Wild Fire
Leopard's Prey
July 30, 2009
This book is just baffling. It's well enough written to be quite readable, but I can only conclude I am very much not its target demographic. I kept on coming to scenes whose purpose was perfectly obvious, and which affected me in a way totally orthogonal to that purpose.
For example: this book's very first scene begins from the point of view of our hero as a fetus. (My reaction: O.o) Then he is expelled from his warm home, and hears his mother greet his appearance with horror, asking if they can't get rid of him, as he's clearly defective. (My reaction: Wait, he knows English?)
For example: there's a fair amount of cervix knocking, because he is just that enormous. (My reaction: D:)
For example: the protagonist refers to his abusive parents only as 'the enemies.' (My reaction: LOL)
For example: their is a colony of wereleopards with Irish names, in Borneo. (My reaction: Borneo?)
For example: He is so turned on by her, that he always has an erection. She's all, “He never seems embarrassed by it, because he's not ashamed of his sexuality.” For God's sake, woman, that's not being uninhibited, that's a painful medical condition. Also, always? With two toddlers crawling all over him? Awkward.
Bonus elements: reincarnated soul-bond, women scheming for his sperm, attempted rape, a one-armed gardener,(because he takes in strays!), a woman “in heat,” attempted kidnapping, and, it turns out, she knew all along.
Also, the main kink the romance is built on is the abusive, dominating man, tamed by his OTP, which is not my kink, so.
For example: this book's very first scene begins from the point of view of our hero as a fetus. (My reaction: O.o) Then he is expelled from his warm home, and hears his mother greet his appearance with horror, asking if they can't get rid of him, as he's clearly defective. (My reaction: Wait, he knows English?)
For example: there's a fair amount of cervix knocking, because he is just that enormous. (My reaction: D:)
For example: the protagonist refers to his abusive parents only as 'the enemies.' (My reaction: LOL)
For example: their is a colony of wereleopards with Irish names, in Borneo. (My reaction: Borneo?)
For example: He is so turned on by her, that he always has an erection. She's all, “He never seems embarrassed by it, because he's not ashamed of his sexuality.” For God's sake, woman, that's not being uninhibited, that's a painful medical condition. Also, always? With two toddlers crawling all over him? Awkward.
Bonus elements: reincarnated soul-bond, women scheming for his sperm, attempted rape, a one-armed gardener,(because he takes in strays!), a woman “in heat,” attempted kidnapping, and, it turns out, she knew all along.
Also, the main kink the romance is built on is the abusive, dominating man, tamed by his OTP, which is not my kink, so.
May 22, 2009
Yes, Christine Feehan has done it to me again. Once I picked up "Burning Wild", I couldn't put it down until the book was finished; and at 443 reading pages, that was several hours that I spent living in her world with her characters. I loved it. YES, the hero is about as Alpha as they come and I can already hear some of the vitriol she'll no doubt receive regarding one particular sex scene...but hey! It's her world! She can do whatever she wants...
Jake learned early in his life to hide his leopard nature and count only his victories. The product of two insanely cruel parents trying to 'breed' a shifter, he spent his childhood bruised, broken, bereft of love, and waiting until he was strong enough to get away. Now, he's rich, he's handsome, and fate has dangled the one woman in the world for him in front of his face...but she's hurting and broken and he'll have to use every ounce of his hunting patience to lure her to his side and under his control.
Emma never imagined she'd actually be working for a man like Jake. She'd heard, and read in the gossip pages, all the stories about what a hard, cold man he is. But the more time she spends with him, the more she comes to realize that he's just a man who has no knowledge of love. At least no knowledge that he realizes...
This story was smoking hot. The sensual pull between these two had me sweating and the scene where they actually consummate that passion liked to burn the paint off my walls! This was no gentle lovemaking session, but a savage meeting of two passionate souls who've waited too long to come together; both having the prod of their animal natures to contend with as well. Just a heads up, OK?
"Burning Wild" is pure Feehan: sexy Alpha male finds the woman for him and locks on like a laser, woman faces danger, male goes nuts but rescues female and smoking hot sex ensues; repeat until finale. But you know what? I still love to read her books. Each of the males stands out in my mind (even now) and their heroines are memorable too. As many of her books as I've read, that HAS to mean something. On to the keeper shelf it goes :)
Jake learned early in his life to hide his leopard nature and count only his victories. The product of two insanely cruel parents trying to 'breed' a shifter, he spent his childhood bruised, broken, bereft of love, and waiting until he was strong enough to get away. Now, he's rich, he's handsome, and fate has dangled the one woman in the world for him in front of his face...but she's hurting and broken and he'll have to use every ounce of his hunting patience to lure her to his side and under his control.
Emma never imagined she'd actually be working for a man like Jake. She'd heard, and read in the gossip pages, all the stories about what a hard, cold man he is. But the more time she spends with him, the more she comes to realize that he's just a man who has no knowledge of love. At least no knowledge that he realizes...
This story was smoking hot. The sensual pull between these two had me sweating and the scene where they actually consummate that passion liked to burn the paint off my walls! This was no gentle lovemaking session, but a savage meeting of two passionate souls who've waited too long to come together; both having the prod of their animal natures to contend with as well. Just a heads up, OK?
"Burning Wild" is pure Feehan: sexy Alpha male finds the woman for him and locks on like a laser, woman faces danger, male goes nuts but rescues female and smoking hot sex ensues; repeat until finale. But you know what? I still love to read her books. Each of the males stands out in my mind (even now) and their heroines are memorable too. As many of her books as I've read, that HAS to mean something. On to the keeper shelf it goes :)
May 28, 2009
4 1/2 Stars
Burning Wild was #3 in Ms. Feehan's Leopard series and it looked like she set the saga up for a lot more here. She moved the setting from the rainforest in Southeast Asia (Borneo) to good 'ole Texas. :-) And secondary characters were brought in that could spin off their own tales. Also, for those familiar with Lora Leigh's Breed series, there are some similarities--now. Burning... was written in a way that anyone NOT having read the first two would not be lost. This really kicks off a (the) series and the previous two books were more like stand alones.
What a long book...443--small type--pages with some very long sections of straight narration. Ugh! At times, I was rolling my eyes at the long dialogue that went on for so many pages. Alas, having read most of Ms. Feehan's work, I've come to expect this writing style from her. I roll with it because she weaves such a great story. And this one was no exception.
What a start! The story begins with the birth of Jake to horrible (HORRIBLE!) parents that wanted to have a shifter in the family. They deemed him too ugly, scrawny, etc and abused him. The beginning jumps quickly through Jake's life as a toddler, young boy, young man and adult showing some of the abuse he suffered at the hands of his "parents." They created a person vent on revenge. Jake was smart enough to keep his secret from them.
It was hard to like Jake. He was a cold-hearted, control freak, who demanded things HIS WAY. At times, I wanted Emma to run from him because he was abusive, hard and cold. But, by goodness, she held her ground with him and when she put her foot down, she put her FOOT DOWN. Ms. Feehan did a fine job of providing his back story and he (fairly) quickly started showing signs of having a heart when he meets Emma.
What touched me was the reincarnation aspect that was introduced. Emma and Jake new each other in a previous life. They began having flashbacks of things they did together. Emma became the sunshine in Jake's miserable life. His cold, secure Texas mansion became a place that smelled of fresh baked bread, music filled the air, kids laughing, candles burning...Jake did not have an easy time adjusting, but with A LOT of talking and actions, Jake's icy exterior began to crack.
Thought the story was masterfully told with twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Can't wait for the next one in this series.
Burning Wild was #3 in Ms. Feehan's Leopard series and it looked like she set the saga up for a lot more here. She moved the setting from the rainforest in Southeast Asia (Borneo) to good 'ole Texas. :-) And secondary characters were brought in that could spin off their own tales. Also, for those familiar with Lora Leigh's Breed series, there are some similarities--now. Burning... was written in a way that anyone NOT having read the first two would not be lost. This really kicks off a (the) series and the previous two books were more like stand alones.
What a long book...443--small type--pages with some very long sections of straight narration. Ugh! At times, I was rolling my eyes at the long dialogue that went on for so many pages. Alas, having read most of Ms. Feehan's work, I've come to expect this writing style from her. I roll with it because she weaves such a great story. And this one was no exception.
What a start! The story begins with the birth of Jake to horrible (HORRIBLE!) parents that wanted to have a shifter in the family. They deemed him too ugly, scrawny, etc and abused him. The beginning jumps quickly through Jake's life as a toddler, young boy, young man and adult showing some of the abuse he suffered at the hands of his "parents." They created a person vent on revenge. Jake was smart enough to keep his secret from them.
It was hard to like Jake. He was a cold-hearted, control freak, who demanded things HIS WAY. At times, I wanted Emma to run from him because he was abusive, hard and cold. But, by goodness, she held her ground with him and when she put her foot down, she put her FOOT DOWN. Ms. Feehan did a fine job of providing his back story and he (fairly) quickly started showing signs of having a heart when he meets Emma.
What touched me was the reincarnation aspect that was introduced. Emma and Jake new each other in a previous life. They began having flashbacks of things they did together. Emma became the sunshine in Jake's miserable life. His cold, secure Texas mansion became a place that smelled of fresh baked bread, music filled the air, kids laughing, candles burning...Jake did not have an easy time adjusting, but with A LOT of talking and actions, Jake's icy exterior began to crack.
Thought the story was masterfully told with twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Can't wait for the next one in this series.
January 2, 2012
Bad guys. Sexual heat. Mating rights. Extreme child abuse. Manipluation. Revenge.
A Leopard shapeshifting novel by Christine Feehan. This novel takes place outside of the rainforest.
Although the story is adventurous and demanding, it takes off on a slow incline that becomes well worth the read.
Jake Bannaconni was severely abused as a child, both psychologically and physically. Just reading about his childhood sent shivers up my spine and rage boiling through my veins. The abuse, regardless of it's use for backstory, just ripped my heart to shreds.
Escaping his family, Jake became a millionaire overnight and worked hard into his 30s to become a billionaire. Add to that, he hides the fact that he can shapeshift, something he has hidden from his family since he was a defenseless child.
Used and deceived, a woman tricks him into pregnancy.
Emma Reynolds loves and adores her husband. Before she is able to hit him with the exciting news that she was pregnant, everything in her life changed drastically. The love of her life was taken from her.
A tragic accident takes place that leaves both Jake and Emma in need of each other.
As manipulations go, Jake does a doozy on Emma. Tricking her to admitting her need for him, they end up living together.
I recommend this book to mature adults only. Although this is a paranormal romance book, please do not let your children or young adults read it. Seriously? Think people. Extreme child abuse, sexual content, revenge and violence with a bit of aggressive rape standoffs. Nothing like having a female leopard in heat.
~happy reading!
A Leopard shapeshifting novel by Christine Feehan. This novel takes place outside of the rainforest.
Although the story is adventurous and demanding, it takes off on a slow incline that becomes well worth the read.
Jake Bannaconni was severely abused as a child, both psychologically and physically. Just reading about his childhood sent shivers up my spine and rage boiling through my veins. The abuse, regardless of it's use for backstory, just ripped my heart to shreds.
Escaping his family, Jake became a millionaire overnight and worked hard into his 30s to become a billionaire. Add to that, he hides the fact that he can shapeshift, something he has hidden from his family since he was a defenseless child.
Used and deceived, a woman tricks him into pregnancy.
Emma Reynolds loves and adores her husband. Before she is able to hit him with the exciting news that she was pregnant, everything in her life changed drastically. The love of her life was taken from her.
A tragic accident takes place that leaves both Jake and Emma in need of each other.
As manipulations go, Jake does a doozy on Emma. Tricking her to admitting her need for him, they end up living together.
I recommend this book to mature adults only. Although this is a paranormal romance book, please do not let your children or young adults read it. Seriously? Think people. Extreme child abuse, sexual content, revenge and violence with a bit of aggressive rape standoffs. Nothing like having a female leopard in heat.
~happy reading!
July 2, 2009
Okay, I did something I rarely did with this book - I didn't finish it. I tried, I really did, but there are just too many good books out there to waste reading a book I don't like. I really wanted to like this series - it's right up my alley in the paranormal and sex world, but I did not like the characters. The first novella was the best, and it was all downhill from there.
My biggest problem with this book is that the hero is an ass. Feehan tries to build up the 'he had a rough childhood' to rationalize it, which is fine, but it doesn't make me root for him as a tortured soul or want the heroine to save/soothe him, nothing.
It was also really slow. I read up through the first sex scene...and it was hot but also highlighted what an ass he was. Then it was like the tension was gone and I completely lost interest. I read three other books before I could even try to go back to it and it just wasn't working. So I stopped the book, and with it, the series.
I know I'm sort of alone in this opinion, and I normally like Alpha males, but the characters just don't reach me the way so many other books do. I have liked her other books of other series, so I won't give up on her. This series just never got me.
My biggest problem with this book is that the hero is an ass. Feehan tries to build up the 'he had a rough childhood' to rationalize it, which is fine, but it doesn't make me root for him as a tortured soul or want the heroine to save/soothe him, nothing.
It was also really slow. I read up through the first sex scene...and it was hot but also highlighted what an ass he was. Then it was like the tension was gone and I completely lost interest. I read three other books before I could even try to go back to it and it just wasn't working. So I stopped the book, and with it, the series.
I know I'm sort of alone in this opinion, and I normally like Alpha males, but the characters just don't reach me the way so many other books do. I have liked her other books of other series, so I won't give up on her. This series just never got me.
September 24, 2021
Reread - Jake is still a cold OTT j/p H. It’s got one of my favorite scenes where he interrupts the h’s date.
Sits right down at their table and kisses the h in front of her date. Love it. 😅😍 This H is manipulative and controlling, and delicious. Normally I don’t like it when the MCs have children with OP, but I didn’t mind it here.
A great read if you like these dominantly psycho Heros. 😎
⚠️SAFETY SQUAD SPOILERS⚠️
- no cheating or sharing
- a little OW drama
- dubcon-ish - he’s not really here for a “no” from the h, if her body is telling a different story. 👀😬 it’s pretty clear from the h’s thoughts that she’s into it. 🤷🏼♀️
- h is innocent-ish… she’s 21 and has only had (lackluster) sex with her husband of 5-months - she’s very early pregnant at the time of his death
- the H is a manwhore. And he keeps manwhoring even while the h lives with him as his nanny. It stops as soon as their relationship deepens and becomes physical. He has a newborn from a woman who he didn’t love and who dies right when he meets the h.
Sits right down at their table and kisses the h in front of her date. Love it. 😅😍 This H is manipulative and controlling, and delicious. Normally I don’t like it when the MCs have children with OP, but I didn’t mind it here.
A great read if you like these dominantly psycho Heros. 😎
⚠️SAFETY SQUAD SPOILERS⚠️
- no cheating or sharing
- a little OW drama
- dubcon-ish - he’s not really here for a “no” from the h, if her body is telling a different story. 👀😬 it’s pretty clear from the h’s thoughts that she’s into it. 🤷🏼♀️
- h is innocent-ish… she’s 21 and has only had (lackluster) sex with her husband of 5-months - she’s very early pregnant at the time of his death
- the H is a manwhore. And he keeps manwhoring even while the h lives with him as his nanny. It stops as soon as their relationship deepens and becomes physical. He has a newborn from a woman who he didn’t love and who dies right when he meets the h.
November 12, 2016
Re read- 4.5 stars
One of CF best written books. The writing was so good. You understood the H/h. CF didn't shy away from the characters emotional pain with humor which she does in most of her books.
Jake is dominant, manipulative & controlling but he is not an abusive asshole. He loves the h fiercely. He's a badass who learns the meaning of love. You see his progression throughout the story.
I also liked Emma. She wasn't feisty or bitchy. She was courageous.
I wasn't happy with certain details ..
I love to re read my favorite parts & should rate it 5 stars. I'm going with 4.5 because of the spoiler.
Book is told in 3rd ppov alternating voices between H/h. CF did this smoothly,
One of CF best written books. The writing was so good. You understood the H/h. CF didn't shy away from the characters emotional pain with humor which she does in most of her books.
Jake is dominant, manipulative & controlling but he is not an abusive asshole. He loves the h fiercely. He's a badass who learns the meaning of love. You see his progression throughout the story.
I also liked Emma. She wasn't feisty or bitchy. She was courageous.
I wasn't happy with certain details ..
I love to re read my favorite parts & should rate it 5 stars. I'm going with 4.5 because of the spoiler.
Book is told in 3rd ppov alternating voices between H/h. CF did this smoothly,
May 13, 2010
Will I never learn? I was looking for an audiobook to listen to during my spring garden cleanup and the library had this sitting there and so....I forgot I had given up on Feehan. This book started out a bit different, building a back story on the main character. However, it was long until I got completely fed up with the uber alpha, complete asshole 'hero' and decided to turn it off and listen to the birds. Ok, I really am done with this author now.
April 17, 2016
This was an awesome book.
H -who is a cat shifter-and h meet at a car crash where pregnant h's husband and H's pregnant baby mama are killed.
( Baby Mama was an evil witch, she was a ONS of H who plotted to get pregnant by tampering with the condom and entrap him)
H has had an abusive childhood and doesn't know what love is but when he sees how much the distraught h loved her husband, decides he wants her love to be focused on him( while he stays completely detached, he doesn't believe he can love or even know what it is) and manipulates her into being his housekeeper.
H is very alpha, manipulative, wealthy, detached except with the h.
Meanwhile h is in mourning for her husband who she loved in a wholesome first love kind of way but she's an amazing mom to both h and H's kids. Couple years pass. H/h become friends,more than his employee, she is the only person on the earth H is emotionally close to or trusts.
Meanwhile H's body knows h is his mate ( though he doesn't know that, no one realises that h is a latent cat shifter too) but he doesn't recognise it, not having grown up in a pack, he is in a fury to mate every second of the day and has casual encounters with women who know the score, but nothing more.
But it doesn't work and he realised that by trying to make h fall in love with him, it is actually he who is getting more and more obsessed by her; but she is still in deep freeze. So in a weak moment he lashes out at her telling her she needs to move on from her dead hubby and start living.
Now this is a bit funny, she takes his advice to heart and goes out on a date with the telephone repairman( as friends) and its to the same restaurant H is having a business meeting in. And H is totally flabbergasted.
Now that he's got a hint that h is interested in moving on, H moves in for the kill, gets rid of the poor other guy, and they get together that night. He is relentless with her and some of the sex scenes were the most scorching I've ever read in a romance. After this there's some of the emotional journey where the H becomes a bit more human under the h's influence, and of course the paranormal journey as well.
The kids were small and a delight, I really adored the h, she was sane and loving and funny and strong yet vulnerable. She was the rock actually and the H was desperately obsessed with her.
The book has many dark parts though, certainly not a light or quick read.
But I LOVED it.
People who enjoy dark erotic romance, obsessed Heroes, paranormal romances will love this book.
H -who is a cat shifter-and h meet at a car crash where pregnant h's husband and H's pregnant baby mama are killed.
( Baby Mama was an evil witch, she was a ONS of H who plotted to get pregnant by tampering with the condom and entrap him)
H has had an abusive childhood and doesn't know what love is but when he sees how much the distraught h loved her husband, decides he wants her love to be focused on him( while he stays completely detached, he doesn't believe he can love or even know what it is) and manipulates her into being his housekeeper.
H is very alpha, manipulative, wealthy, detached except with the h.
Meanwhile h is in mourning for her husband who she loved in a wholesome first love kind of way but she's an amazing mom to both h and H's kids. Couple years pass. H/h become friends,more than his employee, she is the only person on the earth H is emotionally close to or trusts.
Meanwhile H's body knows h is his mate ( though he doesn't know that, no one realises that h is a latent cat shifter too) but he doesn't recognise it, not having grown up in a pack, he is in a fury to mate every second of the day and has casual encounters with women who know the score, but nothing more.
But it doesn't work and he realised that by trying to make h fall in love with him, it is actually he who is getting more and more obsessed by her; but she is still in deep freeze. So in a weak moment he lashes out at her telling her she needs to move on from her dead hubby and start living.
Now this is a bit funny, she takes his advice to heart and goes out on a date with the telephone repairman( as friends) and its to the same restaurant H is having a business meeting in. And H is totally flabbergasted.
Now that he's got a hint that h is interested in moving on, H moves in for the kill, gets rid of the poor other guy, and they get together that night. He is relentless with her and some of the sex scenes were the most scorching I've ever read in a romance. After this there's some of the emotional journey where the H becomes a bit more human under the h's influence, and of course the paranormal journey as well.
The kids were small and a delight, I really adored the h, she was sane and loving and funny and strong yet vulnerable. She was the rock actually and the H was desperately obsessed with her.
The book has many dark parts though, certainly not a light or quick read.
But I LOVED it.
People who enjoy dark erotic romance, obsessed Heroes, paranormal romances will love this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2012
I have never read about a female character being so badly used by the male lead. Don't get me wrong, I do like a good alpha male story but this one went too far. The sex borders on rape, with her saying No and him proceeding anyway. I can honestly say that this book has actually turned me off the authors books. I am really and truly beyond words how to discribe my feelings regarding this book.
Christine Feehan used to be my favorite authors. It upsets me that this seems to be becoming a common trend with her books of late. Very disappointing.
Christine Feehan used to be my favorite authors. It upsets me that this seems to be becoming a common trend with her books of late. Very disappointing.
February 27, 2018
Somewhere between 2.5 ⭐️ to 3 ⭐️!
Hero feels a connection to injured heroine when she was recovering from a brutal tragedy. So he shamelessly manipulates her and make her come live with him and his son. He is OTT in every way.Because of his abused & loveless childhood he can’t even recognize his own emotions. So eventhough he feels strong attraction to her and is kind and friendly to her he make himself believe she is another one of his possession. But he is just bidding his time because ultimately he wants her love. This goes on for 2 years.
So i was clearly enjoying and was very invested in the story when this happened,
‘I’ve had women, sometimes twice in a day. A few times more, damn it. It doesn’t do any good. I’m still as hard as rock and feels meaner than ever.’
Yes.. there goes my interest,my money and my temper😡!
He clearly despised another women’s touch but still he did that. Many times. He wanted Heroine Emma. And I was like ‘dude who is stopping you?🤔��� and all the women he slept with, he referred them as sluts!
And then hero came to know one of the woman he slept with came to his house and yelled at Emma.
And,
Heroine: “I thought you were dating her. And sleeping with her.’
‘He allowed utter derision mixed with contempt to show in his eyes. “I dont date and I don’t sleep. She came to my office in town and blew me a couple of times. I fuc**d her, pure and simple, because I hurt like hell and wanted it to stop. She knew there was no strings and never would be....”
After this I only snapped at my son twice. And I still finished it.
No characters were memorable for me, just ok. But the action scenes were bomb! Thoroughly enjoyed that and the scene where Emma goes to a friendly date.
I dont know whether I have said this before but I’m going to stick to her carpathian series. I can’t stomach manwhore heros.
Recommended to all who don’t mind manho’s😉.
Hero feels a connection to injured heroine when she was recovering from a brutal tragedy. So he shamelessly manipulates her and make her come live with him and his son. He is OTT in every way.Because of his abused & loveless childhood he can’t even recognize his own emotions. So eventhough he feels strong attraction to her and is kind and friendly to her he make himself believe she is another one of his possession. But he is just bidding his time because ultimately he wants her love. This goes on for 2 years.
So i was clearly enjoying and was very invested in the story when this happened,
‘I’ve had women, sometimes twice in a day. A few times more, damn it. It doesn’t do any good. I’m still as hard as rock and feels meaner than ever.’
Yes.. there goes my interest,my money and my temper😡!
He clearly despised another women’s touch but still he did that. Many times. He wanted Heroine Emma. And I was like ‘dude who is stopping you?🤔��� and all the women he slept with, he referred them as sluts!
And then hero came to know one of the woman he slept with came to his house and yelled at Emma.
And,
Heroine: “I thought you were dating her. And sleeping with her.’
‘He allowed utter derision mixed with contempt to show in his eyes. “I dont date and I don’t sleep. She came to my office in town and blew me a couple of times. I fuc**d her, pure and simple, because I hurt like hell and wanted it to stop. She knew there was no strings and never would be....”
After this I only snapped at my son twice. And I still finished it.
No characters were memorable for me, just ok. But the action scenes were bomb! Thoroughly enjoyed that and the scene where Emma goes to a friendly date.
I dont know whether I have said this before but I’m going to stick to her carpathian series. I can’t stomach manwhore heros.
Recommended to all who don’t mind manho’s😉.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2010
After being less than impressed with the first two books in the Leopard series, I was reluctant to read this one, even after I picked it up for a song. Well, I was wrong!! And I'll grab up the next one, hoping that Feehan continues the series in this vein.
OK, now that you've heard the commercial, on to this story: Jake Bannaconni is a rich, powerful guy who finds pleasure in ruining other rich and powerful people. Since the book begins with the vicious abuse he received from his parents all through his growing-up years, it's easy enough to understand why he enjoys bringing other down. When you then realize that he's only bringing down those who have been in cahoots with the enemy (aka his parents), or are cruel/crooked in their own way, you begin wanting him to ruin them all. And when you learn that he helps the misfits and abused and cast-offs and finds positions for them on his ranch and in his businesses - well, your heart just melts. When he took Emma in, though, he got a lot more than he bargained for, and that's exactly what this reader wanted.
I'm hoping that Drake's story is next, but I'll also be OK with Joshua's story, or even Connor's.
OK, now that you've heard the commercial, on to this story: Jake Bannaconni is a rich, powerful guy who finds pleasure in ruining other rich and powerful people. Since the book begins with the vicious abuse he received from his parents all through his growing-up years, it's easy enough to understand why he enjoys bringing other down. When you then realize that he's only bringing down those who have been in cahoots with the enemy (aka his parents), or are cruel/crooked in their own way, you begin wanting him to ruin them all. And when you learn that he helps the misfits and abused and cast-offs and finds positions for them on his ranch and in his businesses - well, your heart just melts. When he took Emma in, though, he got a lot more than he bargained for, and that's exactly what this reader wanted.
I'm hoping that Drake's story is next, but I'll also be OK with Joshua's story, or even Connor's.
August 14, 2023
Re-read still 4 stars.
Still enjoyed it.
Only reason why I was ok with the H sleeping with ow’s while the h was living in his house as the nanny/housekeeper was because the h wasn’t sexually attracted to him until 2years later, and he didn’t bring them home.
The first year, she was completely bed ridden due to a difficult and life threatening pregnancy, and was grieving for her beloved dead husband.
So for a long time, she only saw him as a good friend who were helping her with her baby.
Book is totally safe once they’re together, and this happens when she starts noticing him as a man.
- H 35/ h 21
- single dad & single mom. Kids from OP.
- what I liked best:
H loved her best, she was his #1 priority even above his children. If he had to choose it would always be her. Not many books show this.
Cons
She’s a 21 yr old, but acts, speaks, and dresses like a middle aged house wife.
Still enjoyed it.
Only reason why I was ok with the H sleeping with ow’s while the h was living in his house as the nanny/housekeeper was because the h wasn’t sexually attracted to him until 2years later, and he didn’t bring them home.
The first year, she was completely bed ridden due to a difficult and life threatening pregnancy, and was grieving for her beloved dead husband.
So for a long time, she only saw him as a good friend who were helping her with her baby.
Book is totally safe once they’re together, and this happens when she starts noticing him as a man.
- H 35/ h 21
- single dad & single mom. Kids from OP.
- what I liked best:
H loved her best, she was his #1 priority even above his children. If he had to choose it would always be her. Not many books show this.
Cons
She’s a 21 yr old, but acts, speaks, and dresses like a middle aged house wife.
May 11, 2009
Okay, I like love stories, find wild animals interesting and have long found Christine Feehan's books a guilty pleasure. So I was looking forward to this one.
There were a few cute and/or enjoyable moments, but too much of this book just squicked me out! The gratuitious torture, the porn, the near-rapes, and most of all the imbalance of power between the male and female protagonists. I didn't care for this book at all. I finished it...but I felt repulsed.
There were a few cute and/or enjoyable moments, but too much of this book just squicked me out! The gratuitious torture, the porn, the near-rapes, and most of all the imbalance of power between the male and female protagonists. I didn't care for this book at all. I finished it...but I felt repulsed.
July 15, 2017
Normally I avoid romances where the heroine was deeply in love with her dead husband then meets the hero but Feehan executed this trope brilliantly as a result I was able to enjoy this paranormal romance. Having the heroine be sweet and the hero be over the top possessive made all the difference.
Currently re-reading and enjoying the journey to hea.
Currently re-reading and enjoying the journey to hea.
May 20, 2009
As you all should know by now, I have been a Christine Feehan fan for at least 10 years, if not longer. I’ve read everything the woman has written and I plan to keep doing the same.
With that said, Burning Wild, was how can I say... HOT. This book is part of her Leopard Series or more like an introduction really - since the first two stories in the series were short stories in books that she shares with other authors. Jake Bannaconni is a cold, revenge driven man who likes to take action to make sure things are done his way. He has everything money can buy and will definitely use his money to make sure that doesn’t change. Due to unforseen circumstances, Emma Reynolds loses everything short of her life, she ends up having to rely on Jake for help. Little does she know, that Jake’s plans are for a complete takeover.
Jake was extremely unbalanced emotionally through most of the book, but by the end I felt that we got our hero. He was controlling and moody, and the intimate scenes (which were very long and detailed) were raw (maybe a bit violent for my tastes) and displayed the darker side of the leopard people. We are also introduced to additional leopards which probably means more books in the series should be expected.
I don't believe Ms. Feehan made mistakes with this book, but that depends on how you view the book altogether. I definitely don’t recommend this one as your introduction to her books though. The Dark Series or Drake Sisters Series would be a much better start.
With that said, Burning Wild, was how can I say... HOT. This book is part of her Leopard Series or more like an introduction really - since the first two stories in the series were short stories in books that she shares with other authors. Jake Bannaconni is a cold, revenge driven man who likes to take action to make sure things are done his way. He has everything money can buy and will definitely use his money to make sure that doesn’t change. Due to unforseen circumstances, Emma Reynolds loses everything short of her life, she ends up having to rely on Jake for help. Little does she know, that Jake’s plans are for a complete takeover.
Jake was extremely unbalanced emotionally through most of the book, but by the end I felt that we got our hero. He was controlling and moody, and the intimate scenes (which were very long and detailed) were raw (maybe a bit violent for my tastes) and displayed the darker side of the leopard people. We are also introduced to additional leopards which probably means more books in the series should be expected.
I don't believe Ms. Feehan made mistakes with this book, but that depends on how you view the book altogether. I definitely don’t recommend this one as your introduction to her books though. The Dark Series or Drake Sisters Series would be a much better start.
September 17, 2009
I may have to lay off Feehan for a while. Lately, I have been in a non-angsty kind of mood, so this didn't really work for me. The hero was...TOO intense, which is saying a lot because I generally find brooding men with scars (literally and figuratively) quite sexy. But Jake, not so much. And the sex scenes were painful to read. Painful, I tell you. I felt abused, degraded, and humiliated just for reading them.
And don't even get me started on Jake's parents. Those two made Joan Crawford look like June Cleaver. Why, oh why must Feehan go into such horrific detail regarding the abuse? IMHO, this a very unwelcome tend of late in the romance novels.
And don't even get me started on Jake's parents. Those two made Joan Crawford look like June Cleaver. Why, oh why must Feehan go into such horrific detail regarding the abuse? IMHO, this a very unwelcome tend of late in the romance novels.
April 19, 2020
I enjoyed most aspects of this book, especially the revelation about the past of the female main character. Her history was introduced in a way to make the reader want to continue.
However, I have major issues with the current trend in pornography disguised as romance. I also have major issues with a return to a mid-70s trend of portraying a control freak as ideal husband material. In this instance at least the man "chilled" and became more relaxed, but the intimate bedroom scenes were easily bypassed and added nothing to the story.
However, I have major issues with the current trend in pornography disguised as romance. I also have major issues with a return to a mid-70s trend of portraying a control freak as ideal husband material. In this instance at least the man "chilled" and became more relaxed, but the intimate bedroom scenes were easily bypassed and added nothing to the story.
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