This review is of Defiant Ecstasy Book #2 in the “Ecstasy/Gray Eagle” series by Janelle Taylor. Defiant Ecstasy begins by filling in details of what occurred at the end of the first book, Savage Ecstasy. 4 Stars
Genre: Bodice Ripper
Historical Romance Review: Love’s Fiery Jewel by Elaine Barbieri
This review is of Love’s Fiery Jewel by Elaine Barbieri, a bodice ripper that Zebra books published in 1982. Right after I finish posting this review, this “romance novel” is going into my trash bin. 0.75 stars
Historical Romance Review: Dangerous Obsession by Natasha Peters
Dangerous Obsession is the sequel to Natasha Peters’ first book, Savage Surrender, although the relation between the books is not revealed until midway through this 630 page epic. 5 stars
Historical Romance Review: Passion’s Paradise by Sonya T. Pelton
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: Shanna by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
In 1977 Kathleen E. Woodiwiss’ long-awaited third novel made romance history. I’ve had a tenuous relationship with Woodiwiss’ romances, but I am glad I read Shanna. 3.74 stars
Historical Romance Review: Bold Texas Embrace by Victoria Thompson
This review is of Bold Texas Embrace, #4 in the “The Cowboy and the Lady” series by Victoria Thompson (Zebra/Kensington December 1989).
It is my least favorite book in the series. 2.66 stars
Historical Romance Review: These Golden Pleasures by Valerie Sherwood
What can I say about Valerie Sherwood’s These Golden Pleasures? Well, this 512 page epic starts out wonderfully but then falters then lags in the middle, and is rushed at the end.
Classic Romance Review: The Sheik by Edith M. Hull
The Sheik by Edith M. Hull, published in 1919, is as influential to the modern romance genre as Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Perhaps, even more so.
It was a blockbuster of a success, despite its many detractors. While some modern readers may cringe at its depiction of women, sexual roles, and racial attitudes, The Sheik remains a compelling read one hundred years after its publication. 5 stars
Historical Romance Review: Angel’s Caress by Deana James
This review is of Angel’s Caress, book #4 in the “Texas” series by Deana James. (Zebra/Kensington July 1989). The book begins on a farm in Tennessee during the Civil War. 1 star
Historical Romance Review: A Lady Bought with Rifles by Jeanne Williams
A Lady Bought with Rifles by Jeanne Williams is a woman’s tale of being torn between two men during a Mexican war. 3 1/2 stars
Historical Romance Review: Heather by Cordia Byers
In Heather by Cordelia Byers, stuff occurs while characters are like marionettes being pulled by strings to the next scene. 1 star
Historical Romance Review: Rebel Vixen by Dana Ransom
In Dana Ransom’s Zebra Heartfire romance, Rebel Vixen a Southern woman and Northern soldier find love during the Civil War. As the Civil War rages throughout the United States, Miss Savannah Russell is on a ship in the Caribbean where she saves a Yankee sailor’s life. 5 stars
Historical Romance Review: Skye O’Malley by Bertrice Small
In Skye O’Malley by Bertrice Small a beautiful Irish woman in the Elizabethan Tudor era experiences adventures and love with many men.
Historical Romance Review: Stranger in My Arms by Louisa Rawlings
Harlequin Historical #90 Stranger in My Arms by Louisa Rawlings is a book I’ve read many times, and I love it more today than ever. Absolute perfection. 5 stars
Historical Romance Review: Sweet Savage Love by Rosemary Rogers
Where to begin with this review? Sweet Savage Love by the great Rosemary Rogers is–along with The Flame and the Flower–the blockbuster historical that launched a new genre: the modern romance novel. Published in 1974, this doorstopper epic was a monumental game-changer in an era of social transformation. 4.24 stars