Ecstasy’s Conquest, the second Zebra historical romance by Kay McMahon, is not the best book ever. It is, however, a far more enjoyable read than its prequel, McMahon’s first novel, Passion’s Slave. 3.5 stars
Genre: Regency Era Romance
Historical Romance Review: Waves of Passion by Casey Stuart
Blue Falcon reviews Waves of Passion by Casey Stuart, another subpar early-era Zebra historical. But at least it has a pretty cover! 1 Star
Historical Romance Review: Reckless Heart (aka Elusive Love) by Lois Arvin Walker
Readers who like “sweet, clean romances” may find something to like in Lois Arvin Walker’s Reckless Heart. Those of us who like a lot more will have to look elsewhere. 2 Stars
Historical Romance Review: An Intriguing Desire by Janice Bennett
In An Intriguing Desire by Janice Bennett, a Zebra Regency romance, the intrigue is not intriguing enough, and there is no desire. 2 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: Night Fire by Catherine Coulter
Night Fire by Catherine Coulter features one of her few truly nice guy heroes. This romance was a pleasant surprise–despite it dark themes–due to charming Burke Drummond. 4 stars
Historical Romance Review: The Lion’s Lady by Julie Garwood
The Lion’s Lady by Julie Garwood takes us to Regency Era England where we meet two firm-willed yet evenly matched partners in love. One is a lady of mystery from the former colonies raised among the Native people. The other is an English nobleman turned soldier and spy, now retiring from duty. 4.15 stars
Historical Romance Review: Gentle Rogue by Johanna Lindsey
In Gentle Rogue by Johanna Lindsey, her popular Malory series romance, ex-pirate James Malory meets his match in Georgina, an American girl disguised as his cabin boy! 5 stars
Historical Romance Review: Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas
Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas features one of her most beloved characters, Derek Craven. Derek was previously seen in Then Came You, whose reserved hero, Alex Raiford, was more to my liking. This is a wonderful romance by the talented Kleypas where two people from contrasting social classes come together in love. 4 stars
Historical Romance Review: Crimson Obsession by Deana James
I’ve read about half of the romances Deana James published and I must say Crimson Obsession is probably my least favorite of her works. It’s not a bad romance, but it pales in comparison to her other books. Due to my high expectations of James’ writing, Crimson Obsession was a bit of a disappointment, although if penned by another author, I daresay I might not have been so critical. 3 & 1/2 stars
Historical Romance Review: Speak Only Love by Deana James
Speak Only Love is yet another Deana James treat. This Zebra romance takes us to Regency Era England and the story of tumultuous love between two uniquely original characters. 3 1/2 stars
Historical Romance Review: Then Came You by Lisa Kleypas
The heroine of Lisa Kleypas’ Then Came You was, at the time of the book’s initial release, a unique female protagonist. Today, Romancelandia is replete with hoydenish, unmarried non-virgins who thumb their nose at society’s rules. Back in 1993, the wild Lily Lawson was, for the most part, unusual for a historical romance heroine. 5 stars
Historical Romance Review: The Treacherous Heart by Angela Alexie
The Treacherous Heart by Angela Alexie is a tale of a Gaelic, black-haired, fiery-spirited lass forced by circumstances to become a thief to provide for her family, only to be thwarted by an arrogant, scar-faced, golden-haired Duke
Historical Romance Review: Claiming the Courtesan by Anna Campbell
I’m not a fan of the execution of Claiming the Courtesan. However, I thought it was refreshing what Anna Campbell tried to accomplish in her first book. I categorize this style of romance as a neo-bodice ripper, in that it attempts to capture the sexual power struggles contained in those older books, but it’s very modern in its presentation. 2 stars
Historical Romance Review: Stranger in My Arms by Lisa Kleypas
Stranger in My Arms is a wonderful historical romance by Lisa Kleypas about a widow whose husband reappears from the dead. Does he have a secret identity? 4.5 stars