'Dancing on Coals' by Ellen O'Connell is a historical romance set in 1881, following the journey of Katherine Grant, a spirited young woman who embarks on a solo trip to America's west coast. After surviving a stagecoach robbery and an encounter with Apaches, Katherine finds herself under the protection of Gaeten, an embittered Apache warrior with a deep-seated hatred towards white people. As they navigate through different cultures, their initial animosity gradually transforms into friendship and eventually love. The novel intricately weaves together themes of survival, prejudice, and the power of acceptance amidst a backdrop of historical accuracy and vivid storytelling.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Katherine portrayed as a strong and independent figure, while Gaetan is complex, dealing with his traumatic past and evolving feelings.

Writing/Prose:

The author's writing style is immersive and detailed, effectively conveying character emotions and the harsh historical realities of the time.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows an Apache man and a white woman as they deal with captivity, survival, and cultural conflicts, showcasing their evolving relationship during a challenging historical period.

Setting:

Set in the American West during the 1880s, the story explores the historical and cultural challenges faced by Native Americans.

Pacing:

The pacing starts slow, emphasizing character development and survival, before shifting to focus on romance later in the story.

FOUR PASSENGERS IN a stagecoach instead of six improved the experience from hellish to miserable. No longer crushed between a drummer stinking of whiskey and a cowboy spitting streams of tobacco juice...

Notes:

Ellen O'Connell is a self-published author known for her historical romances.

Dancing on Coals features an Indian romance between an Apache man and a white woman.

The book addresses themes of racism and the historical treatment of Native Americans.

Katherine Grant, the female lead, is portrayed as a strong and courageous character.

Gaetan, the male lead, begins with deep hatred for white people but his views change throughout the story.

The story is set in the 1880s and reflects the harsh realities of life for Native Americans during that time.

The book is noted for its emotional depth and realistic character development.

Readers have described the book as a slow burn romance with intense emotional moments.

Dancing on Coals has been compared to other well-known works like Dances With Wolves and Comanche Moon.

The author includes educational historical details, enlightening readers about Native American history.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

There are high content warnings for themes including racism, violence, and attempted sexual assault.

Has Romance?

Yes, there is a significant presence of romance that develops throughout the narrative.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

After escaping robbers intent on murder, Katherine Grant says, "I jumped from the frying pan into the fire. Before long I'll be dancing on the coals." The highwaymen were the frying pan; the handsome young Apache who saved her from them was the fire; and the coals? Gaetan.

Rage against the enemies of his people has consumed Gaetan from boyhood. The only use he ever found for any white was to test the sharpness of his knife. Forced by his brother to endure Katherine's company, Gaetan tries to deny what he sees-the white woman has a man's temper and a lion's courage. She has an Apache heart.

In spite of hate, distrust and fear, surviving in the rugged country of southern Arizona and northern Mexico forges a strange bond between Katherine and Gaetan. When the bond turns to love, can they admit it? Can they bear the consequences? more

Ratings (9)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (3)
Liked It (2)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (15):

Read It (11)
Want To Read (3)
Did Not Finish (1)

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Dancing on Coals

Ellen O'Connell