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
Tag: bodice ripper lite
A bodice ripper lite is a historical romance that is not “politically correct.” The hero may act with force or violence towards the heroine, perhaps even to the point of forced seduction/ dubious consent.
He may or not be unfaithful once their relationship begins. The heroine is almost always faithful, although she might get assaulted by another man. In many cases, the hero saves her just in time.
These books differ from regular bodice rippers, as their scope is not as broad, the length is typically between 300 and 400 pages, and there is less violence, rape, and fewer triggering issues, in general.
Some examples of a bodice ripper lite would be Edin’s Embrace by Nadine Crenshaw or the original edition of Escape Not My Love by Elaine Coffman.
Bodice Ripper Lite romances were primarily published in the 20th century, although some modern-written romances could be labeled as such.
Historical Romance Review: Stranger in My Arms by Louisa Rawlings
Harlequin Historical #90 Stranger in My Arms by Louisa Rawlings is a book I’ve read many times, and I love it more today than ever. Absolute perfection. 5 stars
Historical Romance Review: Paradise and More by Shirl Henke
Paradise & More by Shirl Henke is memorable to me for having one of the most eye-catching covers in romance. A dazzling beauty by Pino Daeni, it features a fully naked couple in a glorious clinch, their nudity covered by some strategically placed flowers and the book’s title. Lamentably, I have a later reissue, the stepback version, where their nakedness is hidden under a respectable-looking cover. This is the first book in the House of Torres duo that takes place in late 1400s Spain. 3 & 1/2 stars
Historical Romance Review: Secret Fire by Johanna Lindsey
Secret Fire was the second Johanna Lindsey romance I read and cemented her works among my favorites. This romance set in Russia and Victorian England was released during Lindsey’s peak years of output. 5 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: Escape Not My Love by Elaine Coffman
Elaine Coffman’s Escape Not My Love is a fantastic old school romance with a dominant hero and spunky, defiant heroine. This western historical is set in Mexico & Texas.