The Reluctant Lark, a Bantam Loveswept romance by Iris Johansen, is so over the top with its possibly offensive 1980s themes that I had a blast reading it. 4 Stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Category Romance Review: The Judas Kiss by Sally Wentworth
The Judas Kiss by Sally Wentworth is a legendary Harlequin Presents. It’s a twisted tale of revenge, deceit, lies, and passion, sure to thrill readers. 5 Stars
Category Romance: Elusive as the Unicorn by Carole Mortimer
Elusive as the Unicorn by Carole Mortimer is another mediocre romance that Harlequin publishers bafflingly honored with their so-called Award of Excellence. 2.5 Stars
Category Romance Review: The Spanish Groom by Lynne Graham
The Spanish Groom by Lynne Graham has all the elements of a sensational Harlequin, with a Cinderella-like heroine and a wealthy, alpha-male businessman hero who’s really a big softie. 5 Stars
Category Romance Review: Mr. Valentine by Vicki Lewis Thompson
Mr. Valentine by Vicki Lewis Thompson is a hilarious Harlequin Temptation sure to engage readers with its endearing characters. It is full of humor, romance, and heart. 4 Stars
Category Romance Review: Smoke in the Wind by Robyn Donald
Smoke in the Wind by Robyn Donald features one of her trademark piggishly cruel heroes. However, it’s one of her better books. 4.5 Stars
Category Romance Review: Once More With Feeling by Nora Roberts
Once More With Feeling is the second outing from the Silhouette Intimate Moments line. Nora Roberts’ category romance tells the love story between two musicians, one a rising star and the other an established musician, who knew each other in the past. 3.5 Stars
Category Romance Review: Savage Possession by Margaret Pargeter
Harlequin Presents #366 Savage Possession by Margaret Pargeter Ryan is Melissa’s parents’ landlord. He demands Melissa pay up! 4 stars
Category Romance Review: Glory Days by Marilynne Rudick
Glory Days by Marilynne Rudick is a Harlequin Temptation from the early 1990s. It’s one of the few books from that line that I truly disliked. Why? Because it was so dreadfully dull. 1 star
Category Romance Review: The Italian’s Wife by Lynne Graham
Lynne Graham’s The Italian’s Bride is unusual from her other books I’ve read in the past.
Holly Samson is the first Graham heroine I can recall who was not a virgin, and who’s borne another man’s child. The hero is typical of her heroes: dark-haired, ultra-masculine, ridiculously wealthy, smitten with the heroine, and of Italian descent. 3.62 Stars