Dawn of Desire by Joyce Verette was written in 1976 when sensual historicals and bodice rippers were the hottest books in romance. Alas, this book qualifies as neither. 3 stars
Category: 3 stars
Category Romance Review: Impulsive Butterfly by Kay Gregory
Impulsive Butterfly by Kay Gregory features, quite frankly, a rather skeezy romance where an engaged owner of an employment agency tries to find work for a woman he’s attracted to. 3 Stars
Historical Book Review: When Calls the Heart by Janette Oke
When Calls the Heart by Janette Oke is a charming inspirational romance with an enjoyable love story for both genre fans and those new to it.
Historical Romance Review: Tazia’s Torment by Sylvie F. Sommerfield
Sylvie F. Sommerfield’s California-set bodice ripper Tazia’s Torment is not a bad book, but it’s not as good as it could have been. 3 Stars
Historical Romance Review: Secret Rapture by Gloria Jones-Wolf
This review is of Secret Rapture by Gloria Jones-Wolf, a Zebra Heartfire romance that takes us from France to New Orleans. 3 stars
Historical Romance Review: Velvet Night by Jo Goodman
Velvet Night is a very pale sequel to Passion’s Bride/ The Captain’s Lady. Jo Goodman’s previous Zebra historical was far superior to this lukewarm romance novel. 2 Stars
Historical Romance Review: Comanche Bride by Emma Merritt
This review is of Comanche Bride, a standalone January Zebra Lovegram from 1989 by Emma Merritt. There are things to like about this book. But there are also enough negatives that bring the book’s final grade down. 3 stars
Historical Romance Review: Traitor’s Kiss by Terri Valentine
This review is of Traitor’s Kiss, a standalone by historical romance Terri Valentine. Traitor’s Kiss is a good book. It simply lacks the passion and juice to be a great book. 3 stars
Category Romance Review: Liar’s Moon by Heather Graham
Liar’s Moon, a Dell Candlelight Ecstasy Supreme by Heather Graham is an overwrought foray into romantic suspense. There’s intrigue, murder, and a long-ago love affair between a teenage girl and a much older, close family friend. Events lead to a dramatic and happy conclusion in this so-so-category romance.
Historical Romance Review: Tender Savage by Phoebe Conn
This review is of Tender Savage, a standalone Zebra Lovegram by Phoebe Conn. Tender Savage starts in Wilmington, Delaware, in June 1862. The book spans from June 1862 to September 1863 during the American Civil War. 3 stars
Category Romance Review: Mansion for My Love by Robyn Donald
Harlequin Presents #567 Mansion for My Love is one of those Robyn Donald books where you can’t believe what the supposed hero does to the heroine. 3 stars
Historical Romance Review: Passion’s Paradise by Sonya T. Pelton
Passion’s Paradise by Sonya T. Pelton is a wonderfully terrible book. However, it was oddly entertaining, like a terrible movie you watch just to shout inanities at the screen.
Historical Romance Review: Pirate’s Wild Paradise by Kate Douglas
This review is of Pirate’s Wild Paradise a standalone Zebra romance from February 1989 by Kate Douglas. The book starts in Port Royale, Jamaica, with the heroine about to get married. However, her ceremony is interrupted by our hero and Jamie’s former lover. 3 stars
Historical Romance Review: Texas Triumph by Victoria Thompson
This review is of Texas Triumph, #2 in the “The Cowboy and the Lady” series by Victoria Thompson. This is the follow-up to her book, Texas Treasure.
Category Romance Review: A Perfect Marriage by Laurey Bright
Silhouette Intimate Moments #621 It’s difficult for me to give Laurey Bright’s A Perfect Marriage a coherent review because it’s a romance novel that deals with adultery. 3 stars