READ REVIEWS

PRAIRIE FIRE by Terri Branson can be described in one word: unputdownable.
Chloe Talley-Marsh, a young widow, arrives at her brother Joe's ranch in the Oklahoma Territory. It’s 1893. Women are seen as little more than extensions of men. But Chloe has newfound freedom. Her late husband left her money enough to see the world. And she intends to start with San Francisco.
Her brother, however, has other plans. He hopes she and his neighbor, Max McKee, will fall in love and marry. Despite Chloe's resistance, she finds Max intriguing. But the road to lasting love is as bumpy as the Oregon Trail — and includes a ghost called Fire Horse.
Branson has authentically recreated the world of the Oklahoma Territory on the cusp of the twentieth century, a blend of burgeoning technology and deeply rooted superstitions.
The sexual tension between Max and Chloe is palpable from the start. And the banter between them had me chuckling several times. When they first meet, Max tells her to call him by his first name. "I don't think I want to know you that well, Mr. McKee."
The author has created well-developed characters, breathed life into them, and gave them the freedom to tell the story. With a few words here and a few words there, Branson gives us a vivid picture of Max McKee — handsome and witty with just the right amount of mystery about him to be sensually alluring.
Chloe is just as gorgeous in jeans and a flannel shirt as in a proper dress — maybe even more so. She's guarding her freedom fiercely and isn't afraid to tell her brother and Max that. And you can't help but feel for her as men try to write her destiny.
But it's the secondary characters you need to watch closely. Not only are these individuals vividly portrayed, they're also not at all what they seem to be. And the increasing tensions building as the story continues has the reader wondering who Chloe can trust.
But wait. There's the ghost. Fire Horse deserves special recognition as a character and as part of the territory's setting. Created from the folklore of the Native Americans, this apparition plays a subtle, yet tangible role in the story.
PRAIRIE FIRE has it all — relatable characters, sexual tension, romance, and intrigue that will keep you on the edge of your seat. ~ reviewed by N.N. Light's Book Heaven [FIVE STARS]

"PRAIRIE FIRE by Terri Branson is a compelling paranormal historical romance. In 1893, Chloe Talley-Marsh travels to the newly formed Lincoln County. She is returning home to stay with her brother after the premature death of her husband, leaving her a bereft young widow. Part Cherokee and part white, Chloe and her brother, Joe, walk a dangerous path as it was illegal at the time for American Indians to own land. Upon her arrival in Lincoln, Chloe is met not by her brother, but a neighboring rancher, Max McKee. It is lust at first sight for these two, but both are harboring secrets that could either make or break their relationship. Thrown into the mix is a series of inexplicable fires devastating the county. Can Max win over the headstrong Chloe and will Chloe be able to accept Max completely, secrets and all? Miss Branson does an exceptional job of capturing the time period as well as realistically portraying the characters. The added paranormal aspect of an old American Indian ghost made the story even more interesting. Branson has done her research and that is to be admired. I found myself relating to Chloe's desires to escape the constraints of her gender and her need to travel to places unknown. I was rooting for Max, though, the minute that he brought Chloe back to his ranch — as if he needed any help! PRAIRIE FIRE is a very well-written story, giving just the right dose of steamy romance. Miss Branson has woven together the perfect read for a lazy weekend at home." ~ reviewed by Heather Osborne for Readers' Favorite Reviews [5-STARS]

"If you're looking for a sexy western romance that keeps you turning the pages long into the night, then you need to read PRAIRIE FIRE. Chloe is a woman with a good mind and a strong character, one who will not be held down by social norms. Max is the quintessential cowboy, who is as sexy as he is dangerous. When Chloe shows up at her brother's ranch in Oklahoma Territory, she meets several men seeking a wife. Max was only interested in buying some horses, and then he met Chloe. The story is filled with fires, floods, outlaws, vengeance, and a lot of personal heat between Chloe and Max. PRAIRIE FIRE is well-written and a lot of fun to read." ~ reviewed by Harmony Byars [5-STARS]

"PRAIRIE FIRE is a fantastic western romance. I think being an Okie made me love the book even more. The setting was rich and vivid and authentic. And I got a history lesson as a bonus. The passion between Chloe and Max burns hotter than the prairie fire and practically leapt off the page. I love the paranormal element woven into the plot. Just a fabulous read overall." ~ T.P. Warren at Goodreads [5-STARS]

"PRAIRIE FIRE may refer to the mysterious fires that keep popping up in this story of the late 19th century Oklahoma Territory, but there is certainly a burning heat of passion between heroine Chloe Talley Marsh and hero Max McKee, almost from the moment they meet. Despite the rules of conventional society that purport to discourage their union, the driving force of love takes them uncontrollably near the point of no return. Only one thing can stop them — the secrets that each of them hold that could detonate any chance of happiness. That, and a mysterious ghost of flame that threatens every life in Lincoln County. A great story that kept the pages turning faster and faster until the spectacular end." ~ reviewed by Suzi Taylor [5-STARS]

"PRAIRIE FIRE is a thrilling story of danger, jealousy, passion, and the mysterious workings of love. Chloe intends to make her own life but had not anticipated meeting Max. He is a man strong in nature and goes after things he wants, and he wants Chloe. Together they form a formidable team. I found this an inspiring and entertaining book to read that I utterly liked." ~ reviewed by Brenda McCoy for CoffeeTime Romance [5-STARS]

"Although listed as a western 'romance', PRAIRIE FIRE by Terri Branson is a fast-paced, character-driven pure western story that includes a steamy relationship. It also has the surprise twist of a native ghost named Fire Horse, who figures prominently in the plot. The author is from the area where this tale was set and knows well the history of 1890s Oklahoma Territory. PRAIRIE FIRE is an exciting, well-written western novel with an authentic feel. I have no problem giving it 5-stars." ~ reviewed by Neon Guru at Smashwords [5-STARS]

"PRAIRIE FIRE is a truly fascinating read with vivid characters and storyline. Ms. Branson is a superb author, managing to make her characters sparkle and revel in their heritage no matter what the costs. I was genuinely surprised and delighted with this novel and look forward to reading more of Ms. Branson's work. Don't miss this one." ~ reviewed by Sharon McGinty for Sime~Gen [5-STARS]

"PRAIRIE FIRE is a meaty romantic romp through the old West with strong characters who know their own minds. Set in 1890's Oklahoma Territory, the setting is historically accurate and vivid. The added element of the ghost story provides a unique flavor. This is a fun read that will keep you turning the pages!" ~ reviewed by Amber Sparks for Sparks Reviews [5-STARS]

"PRAIRIE FIRE is another of author Terri Branson's wonderful, eminently readable romances with a paranormal twist. In PRAIRIE FIRE, recently widowed Chloe is tired of being controlled by her brother Joe. Out of love and concern for his sister, Joe arranged Chloe's marriage to rich a banker twenty-two years her senior. After Phillip dies, Chloe heads for San Francisco, focused on a new life only she will control. But when she stops by Joe's ranch in western Oklahoma, Indian Territory, she loses her heart and subsequently all control of her life. Surrounded by bigotry, deliberately set prairie fires, and a mysterious ghost, Chloe faces down her enemies, male and female, and struggles to come to terms with this new world. This novel contains plenty of lust and sweet romance." ~ reviewed by Pat Kelley for Roserock Reviews [5-STARS]

"Although PRAIRIE FIRE is fiction, the author accurately shows the landscape and living conditions of 1890's Lincoln County, Oklahoma. This well-written book is filled with interesting characters and lots of fun plot twists." ~ reviewed by Chaos Arts Reviews [5-STARS]

"PRAIRIE FIRE is a delightful romp through 1890s Oklahoma Territory with a feisty heroine who will not be restrained, a scrumptous cowboy with secrets, outlaws, bad guys, and a mysterious ghost tossed into the mix. This is a well-written, fast-paced western tale equally enjoyable for women and men. I highly recommend this book. Definitely a 5-STAR read!" ~ reviewed by Grandma's Reading Corner [5-STARS]