Barbara Riefe’s Tempt Not This Flesh was yet another inexplicable bestseller for the gender-bending author whose real name was Alan Riefe. 2 stars
Genre: Bodice Ripper
Historical Romance Review: Passion’s Slave by Kay McMahon
I really want to like Kay McMahon’s books, mainly because I like her female characters. However, there is one thing I cannot and will not accept about books–regardless of when they are written. That is when the “hero” of the book rapes the heroine. Such is the case with Passion’s Slave by Kay McMahon. 1 star
Historical Romance Review: Defiant Ecstasy by Janelle Taylor
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
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: 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