Captive Ecstasy, Elaine Barbieri’s first book, is unique in that it features four possible love interests for the heroine, and all the men are written with strong emotions.
Category: 4 stars and a half
Historical Romance Review: Sun Woman by Lindsay McKenna
Sun Woman, a Harlequin Historical by Lindsay McKenna, features a wonderful Native American heroine and an equally excellent American soldier who come together despite a world that seems determined to keep them apart. 4.5 Stars
Historical Romance Review: Lord Carew’s Bride by Mary Balogh
The heroine of Lord Carew’s Bride by Mary Balogh is a spinster who has put off romance but is searching for meaning in life. Through her chance encounter with the reclusive Lord Carew she finds friendship, love, and self-discovery. 4.5 Stars
Historical Romance Review: Passion’s Chains by Catherine Creel
Passion’s Chains was the first romance novel I read after subscribing to the Lovegram line many, many years ago. The plot description on the back of the book sounded like this would be a riot. And it was! 4.5 stars
Historical Romance Review: Savage Rapture by Sylvie F. Sommerfield
This review is of Savage Rapture by Sylvie F. Sommerfield. Savage Rapture begins with two lovers parting company and for me, is great but not a 5-star read. More like a 4.25 or 4.5-star book.
Category Romance Review: An Outrageous Proposal by Miranda Lee
Miranda Lee’s An Outrageous Proposal is an outrageously sexy Harlequin Presents. Laura had been happily married to Dirk Thornton. Laura was so obsessed with having a child, however. Soon their difficulty to conceive led to a divorce. But now Laura wants Dirk back. 4.5 stars
Historical Romance Review: Nobility Ranch (aka To Love a Lady) by Cynthia Stirling
This review is of Nobility Ranch (ebook title To Love a Lady), book #1 of 3 in the “Titled Texans” series from July 2000 by Cynthia Sterling. Ms. Sterling gets her “Titled Texans” series off to a great start with Nobility Ranch/To Love a Lady. It’s not a 5-star book, but it is a very good one. 4.44 stars
Historical Romance Review: Midnight Princess by Jo Goodman
This review is of Midnight Princess, book #1 in the “Marshall Brothers” series by Jo Goodman, a pseudonym used by Joanne Dobrzanski. Published by Zebra/Kensington, November 1989, the book was later reissued as Her Defiant Heart. This review is of the original print book. 4.14 stars
Category Romance Review: Too Many Husbands by Elise Title
There are Christmas tales that inspire, ones that make us cry, and others that make us laugh with the joy of being alive. Too Many Husbands by Elise Title falls into the latter category. It’s a zany romp of a romance that could have been an old-fashioned screwball comedy on the live screen. 4 1/2 stars
Category Romance Review: Timeless Love by Judith Arnold
This review is of Timeless Love, book #11, and the final book in the “Bachelor Arms” series. It is the second of two written by Judith Arnold, a pseudonym for Barbara Keiler. (Harlequin Temptation #565, published December 1995)
Historical Romance Review: The Silver Devil by Teresa Denys
I’ve put off posting an analysis of Teresa Denys’ first book, The Silver Devil, for a long time because I didn’t quite know how to critique it. If you’re a hard-core lover of old-school romance or bodice rippers, you might be familiar with this legendary novel. 4 1/2 stars
Category Romance Review: The Jade Affair by Madeline Harper
Madeline Harper’s The Jade Affair happens to be one of my top Harlequin Temptations due to its engaging reunited lovers’ plotline. The chemistry between the protagonists is fantastic as they play detectives to find some missing jade artifacts. 4 1/2 stars
Category Romance Review: Seduced and Betrayed by Candace Schuler
This review is of “Seduced and Betrayed”, #8 in the “Bachelor Arms” series, and book #2 of 3 in the series written by Candace Schuler. The book begins in 1970. A woman finds her boyfriend, naked, in bed with another woman, who is also naked. Their relationship isn’t the only thing that ends that night. 4 & 1/2 stars
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
Contemporary Romance Review: Sometimes a Stranger by Angela Alexie
Like big, dramatic contemporary romances set in glamorous, exciting milieus? With dynamic characters and lots of plot? Then I recommend Sometimes a Stranger. 4 1/2 stars