We explore the controversial romance trope of the “hero kidnapping heroine.” This element was a staple of bodice ripper novels. Enjoy this list of 100+ books with this plot.
bodice ripper romance
10 Historical Western Romances: A List of the Best Retro Reads
We’ve compiled a list of ten retro Western romances that we hope you’ll enjoy. These passionate tales set in the Wild West featured sexy cowboys, rugged outlaws, and courageous women who loved them.
Dueling Reviews: Texas Star by Deana James #1 (Blue Falcon)
We’re posting a pair of Dueling Reviews. Here is Blue Falcon’s take. Texas Star a Zebra western romance by Deana James is not the worst book I’ve read, but it does rank in my list of top ten worst ever. .5 star
Historical Romance Review: Murmur of Rain by Patricia Vaughn
Books like A Murmur of Rain by Patricia Vaughan are why I adore the romance genre. This 1996 novel published by Pocket Books caught me by surprise with its exquisite storytelling. I was entranced from the very beginning. 5 Stars
Historical Romance Review: The Captain’s Vixen by Wanda Owen
Sometimes one can tell when a book is the first an author has written. Such is the case with The Captain’s Vixen the debut by Wanda Owen. This was not a great first book. 2 Stars
Historical Romance Review: Forbidden Ecstasy by Janelle Taylor
This review is of Forbidden Ecstasy (“Ecstasy/Gray Eagle Series #3″) by Janelle Taylor. The “Stockholm Syndrome romance” between Gray Eagle and Alisha keeps me from giving Janelle Taylor’s Forbidden Ecstasy a five-star rating. 4 Stars
Historical Romance Review: Tempt Not This Flesh by Barbara Riefe
Barbara Riefe’s Tempt Not This Flesh was yet another inexplicable bestseller for the gender-bending author whose real name was Alan Riefe. 2 stars
Historical Romance Review: Love’s Fiery Jewel by Elaine Barbieri
This review is of Love’s Fiery Jewel by Elaine Barbieri, a bodice ripper that Zebra books published in 1982. Right after I finish posting this review, this “romance novel” is going into my trash bin. 0.75 stars
15 Old School Historical Romances That Revolutionized the Genre
These 15 Historical Romances published before 2000 either caused radical changes in the romance novel industry or they are so pivotal and unforgettable, they are must-reads. Please note, we at Sweet Savage Flame may not have read all books ourselves, but recognize their importance to the genre. Our aim is to review all books on this list if we haven’t already.
Gothic Romance Review: The Coach to Hell by Rachel Cosgrove Payes
Coach to Hell by Rachel Cosgrove Payes is a Gothic bodice ripper romance. Georgina falls for a coachman who drives her across England to her new home, a manor filled with secrets. 2 1/2 stars