I don’t have a favorite books list, but if I did–and I may start one–Candace Schuler’s Lovers and Strangers would definitely be on it! 5 Stars
Reviewer: Blue Falcon
Blue Falcon is an avid reader of old-school romance novels. His focus is mainly on Zebra historical romance novels published during the 1980s and 1990s. However, he also enjoys reviewing Harlequin Temptation category romance novels.
At Sweet Savage Flame, he shares his thoughts on the characters, plot, and overall quality of the books he reads.
With his keen eye for detail and deep appreciation for the genre, Blue Falcon is a respected critic whose insights are valued by many romance readers.
Historical Romance Review: First Love, Wild Love by Janelle Taylor
This review is of First Love, Wild Love by Janelle Taylor. The book begins begins in Texas, where Calinda Braxton, the heroine, has come from England to investigate the disappearance of her father… 4 1/2 stars
Category Romance Review: Never a Bride by JoAnn Ross
This review is for Never a Bride, book #4 in the “Bachelor Arms” series published in May 1995 by Harlequin Temptation and written by JoAnn Ross. In the first 3 books in the series, Kate Hoffmann wrote about 3 male friends who find love. In the next 3 books in the series, written by JoAnn Ross, three female friends come together for one of the ladies’ weddings. 4 stars
Category Romance Review: The Strong, Silent Type by Kate Hoffmann
This review is of The Strong, Silent Type, book #2 in the “Bachelor Arms” series and the 2nd of 3 books in the series written by Kate Hoffmann. The book begins with Josh Banks, the hero of the book and a tax accountant (yes, you read that correctly), meeting with one of his clients, actress Olivia Wilde (NOT the current actress using the stage name, this Olivia Wilde is a 75-year-old octogenarian actress). Olivia asks Josh for a favor; to keep her granddaughter, Taryn, out of Los Angeles for a few weeks… 3 1/2 stars
Category Romance Review: A Happily Unmarried Man by Kate Hoffmann
This review is of A Happily Unmarried Man, #3 in the “Bachelor Arms” series published in April 1995 by Kate Hoffmann. The story begins at a mall in Los Angeles… 4 stars
Historical Romance Review: Shameless Ecstasy by Thea Devine
This review is of Shameless Ecstasy, a standalone Zebra romance from May 1989 by Thea Devine. It’s a sensual book, but not very romantic. 1 Star
Historical Romance Review: Virginia Vixen by Kay McMahon
This review is of Virginia Vixen by Kay McMahon. Published in May 1989, this book is part of a series connected to four other books by Ms. McMahon. The book begins in Williamsburg, Virginia, circa 1774. Rebecca Wilde, a reporter for the Virginia Gazette and the heroine of the book, is investigating the murder of a slave who was a childhood friend of hers. Arriving at the same time is Alec Stone, the hero of the book, who has come to Virginia from England for two purposes; to find his father’s identity and to investigate the disappearance of one of his employees. 2 1/2 stars
Historical Romance Review: Savage Ecstasy by Janelle Taylor
This review is of Savage Ecstasy by Janelle Taylor. The year is 1776, and English expatriate Alisha Williams, 20, has journeyed west to find happiness with her only surviving relative. One day, the “men” in her settlement bring a captured Oglala Lakota Indian brave into their camp, named Gray Eagle. Gray Eagle and Alisha develop romantic feelings for each other. 3 stars
Historical Romance Review: The Forever Passion by Karen A. Bale
This review is of Karen A. Bale’s 1979 Zebra romance The Forever Passion. Lisa Jordan, 18, chafing under the demands placed on her in her native Boston, has decided to head west to live with her brother, Tom. She arranges to travel by wagon train and falls in love with the train scout, Josh Wade. Then things take a turn for the worst. 3 stars
Dueling Review: Desperado Dream by Karen A. Bale #1 (Blue Falcon)
In this new segment, we have two reviewers offering their opinions on a single romance. Blue Falcon gives Karen A. Bale’s Desperado Dream a positive review and found the book emotionally captivating. Introvert Reader, on the other hand, explains her negative perspective of the historical romance in her review. 4 1/2 stars