Golden Gypsy is the first in a trilogy by Wanda Owen. Lamentably, this Zebra historical romance series is off to a mediocre start. 3 Stars
Bodice Ripper
Bodice Ripper is a category designation under Historical Romance. The books usually have tropes of forced seduction, plots where the hero rapes the heroine or uses force, multiple partners, and long separations. They were published in the 1970s to 1990s and are no longer in vogue.
Historical Romance Review: Ecstasy’s Treasure by Jean Haught
Ecstasy’s Treasure by Jean Haught gets better in the second half after a lackluster first, but the ending is too rushed to create a satisfying narrative. 1 Star
Historical Romance Review: Erin’s Ecstasy by Sylvie F. Sommerfield
Erin’s Ecstasy by Sylvie F. Sommerfield’s first published book, is a solid start, but not up to par with the author’s later romance novels. 3 Stars
Historical Romance Review: Amber Fire by Elaine Barbieri
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
The Hero Kidnaps the Heroine: List of 100+ Bodice Ripper Romances with this Plot
We explore the controversial romance trope of the “hero kidnapping heroine.” This element was a staple of bodice ripper novels. Enjoy this list of 100+ books with this plot.
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: Forbidden Embrace by Cassie Edwards
The Civil War-era romance Forbidden Embrace by Cassie Edwards is a horrendous read where all the characters are unlikable and behave weakly or selfishly. 0.5 Stars
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
Dueling Review: Texas Star by Deana James #2 (IntrovertReader)
We’re posting a pair of Dueling Reviews where our reviewers have two very different opinions on Texas Star by Deana James. Here is IntrovertReaders’ take. 5 stars