In this edition of Dueling Reviews, Blue Falcon reviews Lovefire by Deana James. It tells the story of Princess Joanna’s forbidden love and is set against a backdrop of royal machinations. 2 Stars
Genre: Medieval Romance
Historical Romance Review: Hearts Enchanted by Penelope Neri
Penelope Neri is a versatile authors from Kensington’s Zebra imprint. Her fourth, book Hearts Enchanted, takes place in Medieval England. 4 Stars
Historical Romance Review: Captive Heart by Phoebe Conn
This review is of Captive Heart by Phoebe Conn, a Zebra Lovegram historical romance novel. Conn’s take on “Beauty and the Beast” is far from classic. 1.5 Stars
Historical Romance Review: Hearts Aflame by Johanna Lindsey
With her 14th book, Lindsey was on a roll, writing blockbuster romance after blockbuster romance. Hearts Aflame was the sequel to Lindsey’s third book, Fires of Winter.
Historical Romance Review: White Lion’s Lady by Lara Adrian (aka Tina St. John)
For anyone who loves historical or medieval romance, White Lion’s Lady by Lara Adrian (aka Tina St. John) is an absolute keeper. I highly recommend it. 5 stars
Historical Romance Review: Defy Not the Heart by Johanna Lindsey
Defy Not the Heart is a favorite of mine. It’s a wonderful, funny, and romantic medieval historical romance by the late, great Johanna Lindsey. 5 stars
Historical Romance Review: The King’s Pleasure by Shannon Drake
Shannon’s Drake’s (aka Heather Graham) The King’s Pleasure is set amid the intense medieval backdrop of the Hundred Years’ War and the Black Death. It’s a solid romance in a historical age that always grips my attention. 4 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: Hearts of Fire by Anita Mills
Hearts of Fire is a more satisfying sequel to the first installment of Anita Mills’ medieval romance series, Lady of Fire, than its second outing, Fire and Steel was. The forbidden romance between Richard and Gilliane de Lacey is stellar. 4 stars
Historical Romance Review: An Offer of Marriage by Jo Ann Ferguson
An Offer of Marriage by Jo Ann Ferguson suffers from uninspiring storytelling, repetitive dialogue, and a title that doesn’t match its historical setting. 1 star