logo 150

Sweet Savage Flame

Old School Romance From Avon to Zebra

Menu
  • Latest Posts
    • Author Spotlight: Rebecca Paisley
    • Breaking News: Bertrice Small’s Skye O’Malley Is Coming to Apple TV+ as a New Series
    • Blog
    • Monthly Wrap Ups
      • April 2023: Sweet Savage Flame Monthly Wrap-Up
  • Book Reviews
    • Reviews by Author
    • Reviews by Title
    • Reviews by Genre
    • Reviews by Plots, Tropes, or Setting
    • Reviews by Publisher
    • Reviews by Imprint or Line
    • Category Romance Reviews
    • Historical Romance Reviews
  • Reviews by Ratings
    • 5 stars
    • 4 stars and a half
    • 4 stars
    • 3 stars and a half
    • 3 stars
    • 2 stars and a half
    • 2 stars
    • 1 star and a half
    • 1 star
  • Authors
    • Author Pseudonyms
    • Rebecca Brandewyne
    • Emma Darcy
    • Teresa Denys
    • Cassie Edwards
    • Penny Jordan (aka Caroline Courtney)
    • Charlotte Lamb (aka Shelia Holland)
    • Miranda Lee
    • Johanna Lindsey
    • Debbie Macomber
    • Anne Mather
    • Laurie McBain
    • Fern Michaels
    • Natasha Peters
    • Rosemary Rogers
    • Valerie Sherwood
    • Bertrice Small
    • Janelle Taylor
    • Jennifer Wilde
    • Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
  • Covers & Artists
    • Covers of the Week
    • Romance Cover Artists
      • Francesco Accornero (Franco)
      • Renato Aime
      • Pino
      • Elaine Duillo
      • Melissa Duillo-Gallo
      • Harry Bennett
      • John Ennis
      • Victor Gadino
      • Charles Gehm
      • Elaine Gignilliat
      • Max Ginsburg
      • Gregg Gulbronson
      • H. Tom Hall
      • Frank Kalan
      • Roger Kastel
      • Raymond Kursar
      • Robert McGinnis
      • Tony Meers
      • Robert Sabin
      • Diane Sivavec
      • Sharon Spiak
      • Ed Tadiello
  • Male Cover Models
    • Romance Cover Model: Rob Ashton
    • Romance Cover Model: Tracy James, A Heartthrob Then & Now
    • Romance Cover Model: Fabio Lanzoni
    • Romance Cover Model: Michael O’Hearn
  • Publishers
    • Avon
    • Bantam Books
    • Fawcett Books
    • Dorchester
    • Harlequin Historicals
    • Mills and Boon
    • Pinnacle Books
    • Playboy Press
    • Pocket Books
    • Warner Books
    • Zebra
  • Links and Fun Stuff
    • Podcasts
    • Blogs, Sites, Podcasts, & More Links
    • Fun or Interesting Book Links
    • Cover Links
  • About
    • Affiliate Disclosure and Review Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Licensing and Fair Use Page
    • Privacy Policy
    • Subscribe to Sweet Savage Flame Newsletter
Menu

Category: 1 star

Passion-s-rapture-Neri-Penelope- Ray Kursar

Historical Romance Review: Passion’s Rapture by Penelope Neri

Posted on May 29, 2023May 28, 2023 by Blue Falcon

Passion’s Rapture, Penelope Neri’s first book, is a bodice-ripper where the heroine falls in love with her rapist, the hero. The best thing said about her 1981 debut is that Neri could never write anything worse. 1.5 Stars

waves of passion

Historical Romance Review: Waves of Passion by Casey Stuart

Posted on March 20, 2023March 20, 2023 by Blue Falcon

Blue Falcon reviews Waves of Passion by Casey Stuart, another subpar early-era Zebra historical. But at least it has a pretty cover! 1 Star

passion flower walter popp

Historical Romance Review: Passion Flower by Jennifer Horsman

Posted on December 12, 2022December 7, 2022 by Blue Falcon

This review is of Passion Flower by Jennifer Horsman, a 1983 Zebra historical romance set during the colonial era in Jamaica and Virginia.

wild island sands

Historical Romance Review: Wild Island Sands by Sonya T. Pelton

Posted on November 7, 2022November 16, 2022 by Blue Falcon

This review is of Wild Island Sands by Sonya T. Pelton. It is a hot mess of tens of thousands of words–over 526 pages–yet saying absolutely nothing. 1 Star

sweet savage surrender sivavec

Historical Romance Review: Sweet Savage Surrender by Kathryn Hockett

Posted on September 7, 2022November 10, 2022 by IntrovertReader

Sweet Savage Surrender, a Zebra Lovegram that was written by mother-daughter duo Marcia Hockett and Kathryn Kramer, aka Kathryn Hockett, is a romance between two star-crossed lovers from different worlds. .5 star

Jennifer Wilde

Historical Romance Review: Love’s Fiery Jewel by Elaine Barbieri

Posted on July 18, 2022November 10, 2022 by Blue Falcon

This review is of Love’s Fiery Jewel by Elaine Barbieri, a bodice ripper that Zebra books published in 1982. Right after I finish posting this review, this “romance novel” is going into my trash bin. 0.75 stars

Comanche Love Song

Historical Romance Review: Comanche Love Song by Cheryl Black

Posted on July 4, 2022November 10, 2022 by Blue Falcon

This review is of Comanche Love Song a standalone Zebra Heartfire from June 1989 by Cheryl Black. Comanche Love Song by Cheryl Black has now passed Eugenia’s Embrace by Cassie Edwards as the worst book I’ve ever read. .5 stars

glory days michael herring

Category Romance Review: Glory Days by Marilynne Rudick

Posted on July 1, 2022November 10, 2022 by IntrovertReader

Glory Days by Marilynne Rudick is a Harlequin Temptation from the early 1990s. It’s one of the few books from that line that I truly disliked. Why? Because it was so dreadfully dull. 1 star

a naked flame ray olivere

Category Romance Review: A Naked Flame by Charlotte Lamb

Posted on May 24, 2022November 10, 2022 by IntrovertReader

Sad to report, but A Naked Flame has to be the worst Charlotte Lamb book I’ve read so far. It features a wishy-washy, stupid heroine who wouldn’t know her butt crack from the Grand Canyon. 1 star

angel's caress deana james franco

Historical Romance Review: Angel’s Caress by Deana James

Posted on April 18, 2022January 15, 2023 by Blue Falcon

This review is of Angel’s Caress, book #4 in the “Texas” series by Deana James. (Zebra/Kensington July 1989). The book begins on a farm in Tennessee during the Civil War. 1 star

heather cordia byers

Historical Romance Review: Heather by Cordia Byers

Posted on March 31, 2022November 10, 2022 by IntrovertReader

In Heather by Cordelia Byers, stuff occurs while characters are like marionettes being pulled by strings to the next scene. 1 star

yankee mistress

Historical Romance Review: Yankee Mistress by Ashley Snow

Posted on March 21, 2022April 19, 2023 by Blue Falcon

This review is of Yankee Mistress a standalone from May 1989 by Ashley Snow, published by Zebra/Kensington as a Zebra Heartfire. 1 star

charlotte amanda douglas copeland

Historical Romance Review: Charlotte by Amanda Hart Douglass

Posted on February 23, 2022April 19, 2023 by IntrovertReader

Charlotte by Amanda Hart Douglass takes place during the Civil War in New York City and it’s not worth your time. 1 star

colorado jewel sate brandt

Historical Romance Review: Colorado Jewel by Cate Brandt

Posted on January 24, 2022April 19, 2023 by Blue Falcon

This review is of Colorado Jewel, a standalone by Cate Brandt. (Zebra Heartfire, April 1989). The book opens in Colorado, early September 1878 1.11 stars.

when lightning strikes

Historical Romance Review: When Lightning Strikes by Kristin Hannah

Posted on December 10, 2021April 19, 2023 by IntrovertReader

Kristin Hannah is a successful author of women’s fiction. It’s fortunate she found success in that genre because her romances I’ve encountered are–sad to say–lacking in excitement. When Lightning Strikes is a time travel romance that starts out promisingly but takes a boring turn into snoozeville with its drawn-out plot. This should have been a category-length romance of 190 pages not 400 pages long!

  • 1
  • 2
  • Next

SEARCH

Recent Posts

  • thank you for understandingWe Promise to Do Better
  • Gadino-1Victor Gadino Artwork for Sale at Fine Art America
  • Rapture's bounty kursarHistorical Romance Review: Rapture’s Bounty by Wanda Owen
  • at mog last loveCovers of the Week #103: June Weddings
  • MONTHLY WRAP UP may 2023May 2023: Sweet Savage Flame Wrap-Up
  • loves wine duillo jarryCovers of the Week #102: Cover Model Alain Jarry
  • Passion-s-rapture-Neri-Penelope- Ray KursarHistorical Romance Review: Passion’s Rapture by Penelope Neri
  • the dream cinille barbara delinskyCategory Romance Review: The Dream by Barbara Delinsky
  • top ten reason i want to read a bookTop Ten Tuesday: Things That Make Me Instantly Want to Read a Book
  • captive ecstasy elaine barbieriHistorical Romance Review: Captive Ecstasy by Elaine Barbieri
  • dawn of desire joyce veretteHistorical Romance Review: Dawn of Desire by Joyce Verrette
  • things that get in the way of readingTop Ten Tuesday: Things Getting in the Way of Reading
  • ecstasy conquest poppHistorical Romance Review: Ecstasy’s Conquest by Kay McMahon
  • Moon Over Eden marshallCovers of the Week #101: Francis Marshall and Barbara Cartland

Sweet Savage Flame participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which means that we may earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, as per FTC guidelines.

Top Posts

  • Link: 40+ Romance Novel Sales Statistics [2023]
    Link: 40+ Romance Novel Sales Statistics [2023]
  • Romance Novel Title Generator
    Romance Novel Title Generator
  • We Promise to Do Better
    We Promise to Do Better
  • Victor Gadino Artwork for Sale at Fine Art America
    Victor Gadino Artwork for Sale at Fine Art America
  • Covers of the Week #98: Hilarious Fashion Faux Pas
    Covers of the Week #98: Hilarious Fashion Faux Pas
  • Sweet Savage Flame Celebrates Our 2-Year Blogiversary
    Sweet Savage Flame Celebrates Our 2-Year Blogiversary
  • The Ultimate Collection of Romance Jokes for National Humor Month
    The Ultimate Collection of Romance Jokes for National Humor Month
  • Category Romance Review: Night Light by Jennifer Greene
    Category Romance Review: Night Light by Jennifer Greene
  • The New Status Symbol for Bookworms: Collectible Paperbacks
    The New Status Symbol for Bookworms: Collectible Paperbacks
  • Historical Romance Review: Waves of Passion by Casey Stuart
    Historical Romance Review: Waves of Passion by Casey Stuart

Top Pages

  • Home
    Home
  • Romance Book Clinch Covers
    Romance Book Clinch Covers
  • Affiliate Disclosure and Review Policy
    Affiliate Disclosure and Review Policy
  • Licensing and Fair Use Page
    Licensing and Fair Use Page
  • Thank You
    Thank You
  • Charles Gehm
    Charles Gehm
  • Search Romances by Tropes
    Search Romances by Tropes
  • Blog
    Blog
  • Latest Posts
    Latest Posts
  • Past Romance Covers of the Week
    Past Romance Covers of the Week

Books Reviewed This Year

Sweet Savage Flame has reviewed 40 books so far this year out of 100.

40%

Sweet Savage Flame participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which means that we may earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, as per FTC guidelines.

Creative Commons License

All original Sweet Savage Flame work by Sweet Savage Flame contributors is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Sweet Savage Flame | 2021 - 2023 | Some Rights Reserved

SEARCH

Categories

  • Authors (162)
    • Contemporary/Category Romance Authors (46)
      • Anne Mather (10)
      • Carole Mortimer (6)
      • Debbie Macomber (2)
      • Diana Palmer (1)
      • Emma Darcy (2)
      • Judith Arnold (1)
      • Lass Small (1)
      • Lynne Graham (1)
      • Miranda Lee (6)
      • Nora Roberts (3)
      • Robyn Donald (4)
      • Sally Wentworth (1)
      • Vicki Lewis Thompson (2)
      • Violet Winspear (2)
    • Historical Romance Authors (66)
      • Bertrice Small (4)
      • Betina Krahn (1)
      • Beverly Jenkins (1)
      • Carole Finch (4)
      • Cassie Edwards (2)
      • Christine Monson (2)
      • Connie Mason (1)
      • Deana James (9)
      • Jennifer Wilde (2)
      • Johanna Lindsey (14)
      • Kathleen E. Woodiwiss (1)
      • Laurie McBain (3)
      • Natasha Peters (2)
      • Roberta Gellis (2)
      • Rosanne Bittner (7)
      • Shirlee Busbee (1)
      • Sylvia Halliday (3)
      • Sylvie F. Sommerfield (1)
      • Teresa Denys (1)
      • Valerie Sherwood (3)
    • Mixed Genre Authors (50)
      • Barbara Cartland (1)
      • Catherine Coulter (3)
      • Charlotte Lamb (11)
      • Dana Ransom (3)
      • Fern Michaels (1)
      • Janelle Taylor (9)
      • Jude Deveraux (5)
      • Lisa Kleypas (4)
      • Nancy Gideon (1)
      • Penny Jordan (4)
      • Rebecca Brandewyne (4)
      • Rosemary Rogers (4)
  • Book Review (376)
    • 0 star and a half (2)
    • 1 star (30)
    • 1 star and a half (10)
    • 2 stars (27)
    • 2 stars and a half (28)
    • 3 stars (48)
    • 3 stars and a half (44)
    • 4 stars (76)
    • 4 stars and a half (38)
    • 5 stars (62)
    • Category Romance Review (116)
    • Classic Romance Review (2)
    • Contemporary Romance Review (115)
    • Dueling Review (3)
    • Gothic Romance Review (2)
    • Historical Romance Review (227)
      • Bodice Ripper Review (1)
      • Traditional Regency Review (1)
    • Speculative Romance Review (2)
      • Paranormal Romance Review (2)
    • Vintage Romance Review (2)
  • Covers (252)
    • Cover Artists (202)
      • Alessandro Biffignandi (1)
      • Charles Geer (2)
      • Daniel Crouse (1)
      • Diane Sivavec (5)
      • Don Case (1)
      • Don Sinclair (2)
      • Ed Tadiello (2)
      • Elaine Duillo (30)
      • Elaine Gignilliat (9)
      • Franco (4)
      • Frank Kalan (1)
      • Fred Oakley (1)
      • George H. Jones (1)
      • Gordon Johnson (1)
      • Gregg Gulbronson (9)
      • Harry Bennett (10)
      • Heidi Oberheide (1)
      • James Griffin (4)
      • Jean Monti (2)
      • John Ennis (9)
      • Jon Paul Ferrera (1)
      • Judy York (2)
      • Ken Otsuka (1)
      • Leslie Pellegrino Peck (1)
      • Marie Popp (1)
      • Max Ginsburg (7)
      • Melissa Duillo-Gallo (5)
      • Morgan Kane (2)
      • Norm Eastman (1)
      • Oliviero Berni (2)
      • Peter Attard (1)
      • Pino (39)
      • Ray Kursar (5)
      • Robert A Maguire (5)
      • Robert McGinnis (11)
      • Robert Sabin (6)
      • Roger Kastel (1)
      • Roger Kastel (2)
      • Ron Lesser (2)
      • Sharon Spiak (4)
      • Steve Assel (1)
      • Tom Hall (9)
      • Victor Gadino (4)
      • Walter Popp (10)
      • Will Davies (9)
    • Cover Models (7)
      • Male Cover Models (4)
    • Covers of the Week (102)
  • Discussion (164)
    • Free Offers (4)
    • Games (1)
    • Links (10)
    • Lists (27)
      • Top Ten Tuesday (7)
    • News (1)
    • Off Topic (8)
    • Poll (3)
    • Printables (3)
    • Romance History (3)
  • Monthly Wrap Ups (14)
  • Original Publication Year (224)
    • year 1919 (1)
    • year 1967 (1)
    • year 1969 (2)
    • year 1970 (1)
    • year 1973 (1)
    • year 1974 (1)
    • year 1976 (3)
    • year 1977 (5)
    • year 1978 (8)
    • year 1979 (5)
    • year 1980 (11)
    • year 1981 (5)
    • year 1982 (12)
    • year 1983 (17)
    • year 1984 (11)
    • year 1985 (5)
    • year 1986 (6)
    • year 1987 (10)
    • year 1988 (17)
    • year 1989 (27)
    • year 1990 (21)
    • year 1991 (19)
    • year 1992 (2)
    • year 1993 (5)
    • year 1994 (3)
    • year 1995 (5)
    • year 1996 (2)
    • year 1997 (8)
    • year 1998 (3)
    • year 1999 (1)
    • year 2000 (1)
    • year 2001 (3)
    • year 2014 (1)
    • year 2022 (1)
  • Podcast (6)
  • Publishers (369)
    • Arabesque (1)
    • Avon (40)
    • Ballantine (6)
    • Bantam (6)
      • Loveswept (5)
    • Baronet Books (1)
    • Belmont Tower (1)
    • Dell (7)
      • Candlelight Ecstasy Romance (1)
      • Candlelight Ecstasy Supreme (3)
    • Dorchester (2)
      • Leisure (2)
    • Fawcett (3)
    • Harlequin (118)
      • Harlequin American Romance (5)
      • Harlequin Historical (12)
      • Harlequin Intrigue (1)
      • Harlequin Presents (56)
      • Harlequin Romance (15)
      • Harlequin Temptation (26)
    • Kensington (114)
      • Zebra Ballad (1)
      • Zebra Heartfire (14)
      • Zebra Historical Romance (45)
      • Zebra Lovegram (43)
      • Zebra Precious Gem Historical (1)
      • Zebra Regency (3)
    • Magnum Books (5)
      • Blue Fire Romance (1)
      • Easy Eye (2)
    • Meteor Publishing Company (1)
      • Kismet Romance (1)
    • Mills and Boon (7)
    • New American Library (7)
      • Onyx (4)
      • Signet (2)
        • Signet Regency (1)
      • Topaz (1)
    • Pinnacle (7)
    • Playboy Press (6)
    • Pocket Books (14)
      • Gallen Books (3)
      • Tapestry (2)
    • Putnam (6)
      • Berkley (5)
        • Jove (5)
    • Sapphire Romance (2)
    • Silhouette (14)
      • Silhouette Desire (6)
      • Silhouette Intimate Moments (5)
      • Silhouette Romance (1)
      • Silhouette Special Edition (2)
    • St. Martin's Press (1)
    • Treasures of Love (1)
    • Warner Books (8)
      • Popular Library (1)
  • Romance (569)
    • Black or African American Romance (6)
    • Classic Romance (2)
    • Contemporary Romance (147)
      • Category romance (141)
    • Family Saga (3)
    • Gothic Romance (8)
    • Historical Romance (243)
      • Bodice Ripper (70)
      • Erotic Historical Romance (4)
      • Neo-Bodice Rippers (2)
      • Pre-Historical Romance (1)
      • Traditional Regency (1)
    • Inspirational Romance (1)
    • Modern Romance (2)
    • Romantic Suspense (2)
    • Speculative Romance (9)
      • Paranormal Romance (8)
      • Science Fiction Romance (1)
      • Time Travel Romance (4)
    • Vintage romance (15)
 

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.AcceptCookie Notice