Paradise & More by Shirl Henke is memorable to me for having one of the most eye-catching covers in romance. A dazzling beauty by Pino Daeni, it features a fully naked couple in a glorious clinch, their nudity covered by some strategically placed flowers and the book’s title. Lamentably, I have a later reissue, the stepback version, where their nakedness is hidden under a respectable-looking cover. This is the first book in the House of Torres duo that takes place in late 1400s Spain. 3 & 1/2 stars
Historical Romance
Historical Romance is a master category designation for romance novels/ books that are set in the past, prior to World War 2, and written after the period in which they are set.
Historical Romance Review: Kiss of the Night Wind by Janelle Taylor
This review is of Kiss of the Night Wind, #3 in the “Western Wind” series by Janelle Taylor. Kiss of the Night Wind is a good book, but has too many issues to be great. 3.72 stars
Historical Romance Review: Sarina by Francine Rivers
Sarina is a bodice ripper-lite written by Francine Rivers, the best-known and most successful author of Christian-centered, or “inspirational” romances. If you can read get your hands on this hard-to-find book, give it a chance. 4 stars
Podcast: 6 Sweet And Sexy Heroes in Old School Historical Romances
Listen to the article as a podcast! We’ve compiled a list of six sweet and sexy heroes from some fantastic historical romances.
Historical Romance Review: Passions Wild and Free by Janelle Taylor
This review is of Passions Wild and Free, book #2 in the “Western Wind” series by Janelle Taylor. 3 tars
Historical Romance Review: Secret Fire by Johanna Lindsey
Secret Fire was the second Johanna Lindsey romance I read and cemented her works among my favorites. This romance set in Russia and Victorian England was released during Lindsey’s peak years of output. 5 stars
Historical Romance Review: The Lord of Hawkfell Island by Catherine Coulter
In The Lord of Hawkfell Island by Catherine Coulter Mirana is a young, unmarried woman who lives with her brother in a massive fortress. When he’s away, their home is attacked by Viking raiders seeking vengeance against him, as the Viking leader Rorik blames him for the death of his wife and child. Usually, a hero grieving over his lost love is grounds for me to dislike a historical romance, but thanks to Rurik, I had plenty of other reasons to despise this “love story.” 2 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
Podcast: 15 Old-School Must-Read Romances
The latest Sweet Savage Flame podcast episode discusses 15 historical romances that had a significant impact on the genre.
Historical Romance Review: Tender is the Storm by Johanna Lindsey
So… Johanna Lindsey’s Tender Is the Storm. If you’re familiar with your romance history, then you must know of this book, even if you haven’t read it. The cover is the infamous one designed by Robert McGinnis with the naked hero standing tall as the heroine kneels before him, her ample breasts pressed firmly against his–er…dongle. 3 stars










