Burning Wild

SummaryJake 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 HeroJake 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 HeroineEmma 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 LineThe 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.CoverHow 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 ViewBurning 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!!

A phenomenal book! I love all of Feehan's books and this was one of the best. The story was wonderful even if a bit sad at times because of the abuse. However, it wasn't a depressing book by any means. Watching the characters grow as people and in love with each other was very interesting and romantic. The love scenes were more erotic than in most of her other books. Can't go wrong with this one. I read it in one night - just couldn't put it down!

A bit repeated in spots but I enjoyed the storyline.

This was one of my favs in her Wild series

another great read thank you. i can never get enough of your books. i have read them many many times

It is the most action pack book with a lot of misleading, manipulative, and backhanding betrayal of people and family members. There is also an intense and selfish desire for things both top families cannot have, but it did not stop them from going for the greed and wants that they have always sought. This couple eventually did accomplish more and ended up loving each other and finding family more critical. Then any selfish desire of their parent and family.
Jake Bannaconni was the son of the two most selfish, wicked, and dangerous people. Who has no business having children but did anyway. They were very abusive toward the child from the time he was an infant up till when became a teen. The only love he had was his grandfather known as Jake Fenton who also advise the child to never allow his parents to know that he can fully shade shift. He was one of the leopard people and his ability to shift into his other form was a part of him.
Additionally, 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 unforeseen 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.
At the beginning of the book, we see Jakes’ upbringing and the way his own parent especially his mother treated him. That made jake what we see of him and quest for knowledge and truth about their life and all his grandfather told him about their people. 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. Their race is loving and the art of lovemaking is just like that of the animal they are part of. So, some of the lovemaking will be a bit much for some readers. But reading is one thing but understanding it is just a book for entertainment not for actual reality. I highly recommend this book it is interestingly very great and good. I am moving to the next book!

I think I prefer the books set in the jungle rather than the books set in the United States. I love the descriptions of the jungle in the 2nd book. I enjoyed the plot of this book, although Jake is a little too dominant for me. I don't like books where the man is always assuming his way is the right way. I prefer more of a partnership between a man and a woman.

So Jake's childhood is pretty horrific. As an adult, he becomes overly possessive, and denies himself all his feelings. Emma is very submissive and loving. She tolerates all of Jake's eccentricities.

Despite all of the character flaws, I still find this series intriguing. I love the concept of leopard people.

Much better than I expected based on some other reviews I read. Although I found Jake to be overbearing at times I understood based on his past.

The inconsistencies and actions of some of the characters ruined my overall enjoyment, though.

I have to say that Emma Reynolds should be nominated for sainthood. I mean Jake Bannaconni is a royal pain in the ass through most of the book. I love him but I could see a lot of yelling if it had been me. Jake is all dominant alpha male. He has survived the severe abuse from his parents up to the point he could leave home. I think that his saving grace through his growing up years was his grandfather. For all the things that Jake has gone through he is a caring and compassionate person with those people that are loyal to him and his nuclear family. He cares for his children and Emma and the leopard shifters that he has working on his ranch and that is about it. I love that he is an avid reader. He is very intelligent and brilliant at business. There is quite a bit going on in this book. The three people that cause the most problems for Jake are despicable and evil in the extreme. I was kind of sorry that they were put out of everyone's misery so easily. I think that it would have been better if Jake had ruined those people so they would have had to live on the streets. Humiliated and beaten with no hope of anything better. Yes I know I can be vicious with fictional characters but I have no use or patience with people that abuse children or animals.Emma is one of those women that we all wish we could be. She is loving, caring, compassionate and very intelligent. She can make everyone smile and make those that she is close feel like they are super special. She knows that Jake needs loving and care. She sees that he has suffered and she makes it her mission in life to make his life happier. She shows him how to love and care for the children. She shows him how to love and be loved. Emma is also very accepting of things that would probably terrify other woman. Emma is also a wonderful artist.I loved the first two books in this series and this book is a great addition to the series. We get to learn more about Joshua, Drake and Conner. I am looking forward to finding out if Drake's leg can be fixed for he can shift. Joshua is so good with children I hope that he finds a mate soon. I am looking forward to finding out what drove Conner to Texas. One thing I would like is to read more about Maggie, Brandt, Rachel and Rio. I fell in love with them and wonder how they are doing in the rain forest habitat that they all love. This is a well plotted book that moves quickly and makes you want to find out what is going to happen next. There are times that it was very hard to put down so I could do other things. Ms. Feehan also writes some of the best characters and some of the most despicable villains in fiction. I love this series and I can't wait the rest of the books in this series.

Out of the jungle, into a billionaire's compound (of course it's a billionaire; it's a romance novel). The sex part was a bit much for me. I generally skim the sexy bits anyway (they get old after a while) but these ones I just tried to avoid entirely. Not really into reading about the humiliation and dominance games. I get that the Leopard men are controlling and jealous, but this was way over the top.

By the end of the story I wasn't sure that Jake Bannaconni's issues would allow him to have a fully rounded relationship with Emma Reynolds. He overpowers her, doesn't give her choices and wonders why she resents his actions. Kidnapping and disallowing reasonable choices is not the actions of love, they're a twisted version of love.Scarily, even though I was having issues with the story, I also found it a compelling read, but afterwards I felt a bit uneasy and like I'd eaten too many cheap sweets.The characters are interesting the story dragged me in, but I wouldn't call what they have a healthy relationship by any means, and definitely not a relationship to emulate.

Let me start out by saying that I own almost everything Christine Feehan has ever written. I do enjoy her books and the worlds she creates. However, I am not sure why I still own this book. For me, the actual romance takes far too long to start, the hero is kind of a dick, and I am not wholly convinced these two are made for each other. This book was just a miss as far as I am concerned. I especially didn't like hearing about other women he has been with or, in the hero's words, women he "let blow him a couple times." Just not what I want in my romances. The heroine wasn't too bad, but it sure did take her a while to find her spine. This also another one of her books that gives us characters with horrible back stories--this has been happening a lot with Feehan recently and is the reason I own "almost" all she has written. For the first real book in her Leopard series, I didn't enjoy it much and was more intrigued with side characters.

this was better read then I thought it was going to be, but it slightly lost its wat towards the end for me

This was one of my first forays into shape shifting romance and let me say I was a bit apprehensive. However, I loved this book. I loved Jake's character, he is the ultimate Alpha male and Emma balances him perfectly. This book was super hot and I will be definitely reading the rest of this series.In a nutshell, Jake is a shape shifter (leopard) who feels unloved and is therefore, cold and a bit embittered. Through an accident he meets Emma and feels connected to her. He manipulates her into coming to live with him and be his son's nanny. Emma in turn helps Jake find love and be at one with the beast in him and in his own way Jake helps Emma find her true self.

I read Burning Wild quickly, in just a matter of hours. I found myself turning page after page, hoping to find that Jake Bannaconni would learn how to love Emma and his children. It took almost the entire book, but he finally came around! Jake was so unyielding that he was difficult to read at times. I kept waiting to see if Emma could soften him, but he pretty much remained rigid throughout the entire book. Jake was not exactly a "likable" character, but Emma more than makes up for that. Also, Feehan has added a few familiar characters from Borneo - Drake, Joshua, and Cooper - to help teach Jake about being a leopard.I didn't like Burning Wild as much as the previous books in the series, and I think that is completely the fault of Jake. I really didn't like him and I felt bad that anyone had to be around him. Burning Wild is a hard read, much darker than previous books. Jake suffers terrible physical and emotional abuse as a child at the hands of the people who should have loved and protected him, and it shapes his life irrevocably leaving him a cold, and tormented hero. I'm eager to get back into the series and back to the jungle! I'm enjoying the series so far and can't wait to see which storyline Feehan will create next. She has given us lots of possibilities for new heroes in the first three installments of the leopard series, and there are several storylines that I'd be interested in reading in the future.

GRRRR!!! This series was GREAT. I love Feehan and these books did not disappoint! Please, Christine, we need more Leopard People books!!

I really thought this book was an easy read beginning to end. The lead was not really likable until about half way through but the other mains were fantastic. I left wanting to know more about Drake and Joshua!

This book has leopard shifters, burning desire, heartbreaking pasts and really good sex. What's not to like? Jake Bannaconni is our flawed but devouted hero. Emma Reynolds is the innocent but passionate heroine. If there was a flaw, it was that she was really too oblivious about how the poor guy felt. I like that there was a lot of character development and story line before sex was an issue. Some really good bad guys did help the plot along. I had a hard time putting it down, that is why I give this my 31/2 out of 5 star rating.

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 :)