Michael Butterworth’s (aka Janette Seymour) second entry into his Purity trilogy, Purity’s Ecstasy, is a tawdry, rollicking ride filled with just about every ‘ripper trope and then some. 3 1/2 stars
Publishers
Historical Romance Review: Tara’s Song by Barbara Ferry Johnson
Tara’s Song by Barbara Ferry Johnson is yet another middling Viking romance that disappoints. Written in the late ’70s at the height of the bodice ripper era, you’d expect this Viking romance to rapacious and fun, but I found it rather ho-hum. 2 stars
Category Romance Review: Elegant Barbarian by Catherine Spencer
Harlequin Presents #1682 Elegant Barbarian by Catherine Spencer is a sweet little read. 5 stars
Historical Romance Review: A Pirate’s Love by Johanna Lindsey
In a Pirate’s Love by Johanna Lindsey Bettina Verlaine travels across the sea to an unwanted fiance when she is captured by the pirate Tristan Matisse. 1 star
Historical Romance Review: This Triumphant Fire by Anne Carsley
Anne Carsley’s This Triumphant Fire is an ok bodice ripper with a more interesting villain than hero. 3 1/2 stars
Historical Book Review: Moment of Desire by Rachel Cosgrove Payes
In Moment of Desire the heroine Mellie Wilton is forced to sell her body. When true love goes awry, she plots revenge against those who brought her down. 5 Stars
Category Romance Review: Escape From Desire by Penny Jordan
Harlequin Presents #569 Escape From Desire Penny Jordan Tamara survives a harrowing jungle experience with a stranger and passion ensues. 3 1/2 stars
Category Romance Review: Call Back Yesterday by Charlotte Lamb
Harlequin Presents #253 Call Back Yesterday by Charlotte Lamb A woman return to her home village and reignites passion with the man she left behind. 4 stars
Historical Romance Review: Highland Tryst by Jean Canavan
Sad to say but Highland Tryst by Jean Canavan is one of the most incompetent, dullest historical romances I’ve read…ever. 1 star
Historical Romance Review: Viking Rose by Ashland Price
In this Zebra Lovegram historical romance, Viking Rose by Ashland Price, Irishwoman Alanna is taken captive by a Viking.