Smothered Fires by F.E. Howard was a well written realistic, historical fiction. The story was a rough around the edges, gritty telling of the aftermath of the Civil War. Prejudice feelings drove the narrative and its was centered around a spitfire of a widow. A Yankee has come to this town to turn it upside down. It was somewhat of a closed door romance and an enemies to lovers trope. 3 ⭐️
Thanks BooksGoSocial via NetGalley.

Smothered Fires is a complex Western romance between two adversaries taking place after the Civil War. Very rarely do I read Western novels, not to mention Western romance. However, I took a chance and was surprised by the fact that I actually enjoyed it. It was an easy read and quite different from the WWII books I usually enjoy. Georgiana was left widowed when her husband was killed during the Civil War. Now she is burdened with a small ranch that is deep in debt. Turning down many of the men who have proposed to her, Georgiana is not sure she wants to marry again. Will she or won't she? An easy read and enjoyable.

If you like strong female characters this is just the book for you. Georgie was 100% woman and perfectly loveable. A delightful read.

This is an incredibly intense and interesting story. The characters are intriguing and exciting. The trials and tribulations of their lives, in town and between them, are titillating. There are surprises around every corner, and it will keep you on the edge of your seat. I loved it.

If you’re looking for a light reading around the confederate era, then this book is for you! It’s the story about a young woman in the 1860 who became a widow after her husband died during war and her struggles living in a little town where law and order is inexistente, This book has fun, sad and frustrating characters just like any good book should have, and even though the love story is not the only protagonist in here, it will present enough to not disappoint you.

I admit, I didn’t love the way the story is divided in more than 60 short chapters,, it somehow broke the flow of the narrative for me, and interrupted my immersion in some parts of the story but when it was not interrupted I could feel like I was there inside the story.