Dawn of Desire by Joyce Verette was written in 1976 when sensual historicals and bodice rippers were the hottest books in romance. Alas, this book qualifies as neither. 3 stars
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pre-Historical Romance Review: Transcendence by Shay Savage
It’s Opposite Day today, January 25, 2023. So instead of a review for an old-school retro romance novel, we’re talking about something more modern, Transcendence by Shay Savage from 2014! 5 Stars
Paranormal Romance Review: Midnight Kiss by Nancy Gideon
Although I’ve read a few vampire romances, I’ve never been a sucker for them, so for this Halloween I decided to bite my teeth into Nancy Gideon’s Midnight Kiss. 3.5 Stars
Historical Romance Review: And Gold Was Ours by Rebecca Brandewyne
And Gold Was Ours is a sequel of sorts to Rebecca Brandewyne‘s Love, Cherish Me. I’d consider this more of a companion piece. While both novels have Brandewyne’s hallmark baroque-gothic atmosphere, And Gold Was Ours is not as dark and emotional as its predecessor. 3.5 Stars
Time Travel Romance Review: When Lightning Strikes by Kristin Hannah
Kristin Hannah is a successful author of women’s fiction. It’s fortunate she found success in that genre because her romances I’ve encountered are–sad to say–lacking in excitement. When Lightning Strikes is a time travel romance that starts out promisingly but takes a boring turn into snoozeville with its drawn-out plot. This should have been a category-length romance of 190 pages not 400 pages long!
Category Romance Review: The Pirate and His Lady by Margaret St. George
Margaret St. George’s The Pirate and His Lady isn’t a historical romance, but a time-traveling adventure published through Harlequin’s American Romance line. The romance here is bittersweet, as most time travels romances are. 4 stars
Category Romance Review: One Husband Too Many by Jacqueline Diamond
One Husband, Too Many by Jacqueline Diamond is a light-hearted Harlequin American Romance about a divorced woman who is magically propelled back in time to get a second chance at love with her ex-husband.
Historical Romance Review: This Ravaged Heart by Barbara Riefe
Barbara (Alan) Riefe’s This Ravaged Heart is a 1970’s Playboy Press bodice ripper and while it wasn’t a great book, it had enough bizarre twists to qualify for a grudgingly positive review. 3 1/2 stars