I have to give it JoAnn Ross for her book Tangled Hearts, in that she tried to do something unique in a category romance novel. It’s just unfortunate for me that I didn’t like where she went with it. 1.5 Stars
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Historical Romance Review: Blood Red Roses by Katherine Deauxville
Blood Red Roses is understandably a difficult book for some to enjoy. It could be nostalgia goggles on this one for me, plus a love for the glorious red stepback cover. Or it could be the vivid Middle Ages setting, my favorite time period. I read this Medieval romance by Katherine Deauxville (Maggie Davis) twice: once in middle school and then years later in high school, and was swept away in the story both times. 5 stars
Category Romance Review: Bride at Whangatapu by Robyn Donald
Bride at Whangatapu includes the hallmarks of almost every one of Robyn Donald’s books: the environment of New Zealand and a cruel hero. 2 Stars
Historical Romance Review: Sweet Fire by Jo Goodman
Sweet Fire by Jo Goodman is an action-packed romance filled with the requisite passion you’d look for in a Zebra Heartfire, but also adventure, murder mystery, and drama. 4 1/2 stars
Category Romance Review: Nelson’s Brand by Diana Palmer
Nelson’s Brand was my first and, so far, only foray into Diana Palmer’s little corner of Romancelandia. Palmer has got a bit of a reputation in the genre as an author of ultra-macho, hairy-chested heroes and virginal, too-stupid-to-live heroines. 2 stars
Category Romance Review: No Gentle Possession by Anne Mather
Anne Mather’s No Gentle Possession consists of two plot points: separated lovers and cheating. The hero and heroine briefly dated in the past and she broke it off when his relationship with his young stepmother was a bit too close for comfort and creepy. 4 Stars
Category Romance Review: Easy Lovin’ by Candace Schuler
Harlequin Temptation #331 Candace Schuler Easy Lovin’ is slow romance written by an author who’s produced much better books. Kate Hightower is a prim and proper miss who’s always done what’s expected of her. Except now, she’s running away from her life, having left her fiance at the altar. She’s not sure what she wants, but it’s definitely a drastic change. So she goes to New Orleans to find herself. 1 star
Historical Romance Review: The Heir by Johanna Lindsey
Was this tepid, dull romance actually penned by Johanna Lindsey? The Heir was Lindsey’s first book where I noticed a weird change. Previously, if there was a Lindsey I didn’t like, it was due to a meandering plot or excessive fighting between the leads. There is friendship for sure in this one, but romantic isn’t what I’d call the relationship between Duncan and Sabrina. 2 stars
Romance Review: Trust in Tomorrow by Carole Mortimer
Trust in Tomorrow by Carole Mortimer (also known as Cherish Tomorrow) offers an engaging romance between its main characters. Sadly, the overall plot suffers from implausibility and a lack of emotional depth. 2.5 stars
Category Romance Review: Lightning That Lingers by Sharon and Tom Curtis
Lightning That Lingers by Sharon and Tom Curtis. It wasn’t the worst thing I’ve come across, not by any means. But neither was it was I’d call an enjoyable book. Lightning That Lingers by Sharon and Tom Curtis has received acclaim from many readers. By no means was this a terrible piece of fiction, but I found it didn’t mesh with my personal tastes. It was…not subtle. 2 1/2 stars