Amber Fire by Elaine Barbieri is the first in a trilogy of Zebra historical romances where the heroine is in love with or married to a rotating stable of heroes. 2.5 Stars
year 1981
Historical Romance Review: Captive Innocence by Fern Michaels
Captive Innocence is a fairly unexciting Fern Michaels historical from 1981. This romance shares no association with Michael’s far more entertaining “Captive” series. 2 stars
Historical Romance Review: Eugenia’s Embrace by Cassie Edwards
From the start, Eugenia’s Embrace by Cassie Edwards is a disaster with a hapless fool for a heroine and a cheating slimeball hero. However, it does end with a surprising Sapphic twist. 1 Star
Dueling Review: Passion’s Paradise by Sonya T. Pelton, #2 (Blue Falcon)
In this Dueling Review segment, Blue Falcon gives a big thumbs down to Sonya T. Pelton’s Passion’s Paradise, where big misunderstandings drive the plot of this romance. 1 Star
Dueling Reviews: Passion Paradise by Sonya T. Pelton, #1 (Introvert Reader)
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: Passion’s Rapture by Penelope Neri
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
Category Romance Review: The Judas Kiss by Sally Wentworth
The Judas Kiss by Sally Wentworth is a legendary Harlequin Presents. It’s a twisted tale of revenge, deceit, lies, and passion, sure to thrill readers. 5 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
Category Romance Review: Whisper to the Waves by Helen Beaumont
Whisper to the Waves is a good contemporary romance that with a little tweaking could’ve been an excellent one. It was published by RCA Marketing in 1982 in its Sapphire Romance series.
4 stars