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indigo_night 's review for:

Comanche Moon by Catherine Anderson
4.0

This historical romance absolutely captivated me, and one of the things that truly set it apart was the emphasis on historical accuracy. The story effortlessly transports you to a world of cowboys and Comanches, and the depth of the research shines through on every page. The authenticity of the setting brought a raw and often painful glimpse into the war between settlers and Native Americans. It was incredibly heartbreaking to witness both sides of the conflict, and the emotional impact was powerful.

I couldn’t help but feel immense sorrow for what happened to Loretta’s family, but when Hunter’s past is revealed, my heart broke for him just as much. The book does an incredible job of putting the reader in the shoes of both sides, showing the fear and devastation that plagued everyone involved in the war. The portrayal of characters like Red Buffalo also added a layer of complexity. It was clear there was more behind his resentment toward the settlers, making it impossible to dismiss him as simply the antagonist. I loved how the author humanized every character, showing the nuanced pain of a war with no real winners. It left me heartbroken in the best way.

But beyond the gripping history, the romance in this book was phenomenal. Hunter quickly became one of my favorite historical romance heroes. He’s brave, patient, strong, and unbelievably sweet. His character development was one of the highlights for me—going from complete denial of the prophecy to embracing it fully by the end. It made his journey all the more rewarding to witness. Loretta’s development, while compelling, had moments that left me frustrated. Given everything Hunter did for her, it was hard to watch her refuse to trust him. I understand her hesitations—after all, she was sold as his bride, which is a pretty harrowing situation to be in. But what impressed me was how Hunter never raised a hand to her, even though his restraint in the face of such an arrangement was surprising for the time period.

That said, I had to constantly remind myself that Loretta didn’t know what the reader knew. It was maddening at times, especially when Hunter’s only goal was to protect her and keep her safe, yet she still doubted him. The tension between them kept me on edge, but it also made their eventual connection that much sweeter.

The only reason I’m knocking off a star is because the ending felt a bit abrupt. While the prophecy was completed, and the major arcs were resolved, I still wished for a bit more closure. It almost felt like there was another chapter waiting to happen, but it just... ended. That said, the journey to get there was so rewarding that I can forgive the somewhat sudden conclusion.

In summary, this book delivered on all fronts: compelling characters, a powerful romance, and an eye-opening depiction of historical events. If you love historical romance with depth, emotional complexity, and a touch of the heart-wrenching, this is definitely a book you don’t want to miss!