I don’t have a favorite books list, but if I did–and I may start one–Candace Schuler’s Lovers and Strangers would definitely be on it! 5 Stars
California
Contemporary Romance Review: Tonight and Forever by Brenda Jackson
Brenda Jackson’s Tonight and Forever is her first published book and the first in her long-running series of the Madaris family. It’s a Pinnacle Arabesque romance from 1995, which are category romances but are not numbered, at least not to my knowledge. What propels Tonight and Forever into a “better than good” zone is that it isn’t just a romance about the healing power of love, it’s a book about the power of love itself. 3 1/2 stars
Historical Romance Review: Ecstasy’s Dawn by Rochelle Wayne
Rochelle Wayne, author of Ecstasy’s Dawn, which Blue Falcon reviews here, is known for her emotional writing style and well-developed supporting characters. 4 Stars
Romance Review: Trust in Tomorrow by Carole Mortimer
Trust in Tomorrow by Carole Mortimer (also known as Cherish Tomorrow) offers an engaging romance between its main characters. Sadly, the overall plot suffers from implausibility and a lack of emotional depth. 2.5 stars
Historical Romance Review: The Forever Tree by Rosanne Bittner
The Forever Tree by Rosanne Bittner is a gut-wrenching historical romance and yet another excellent book by an author who rarely disappoints. This heartbreaking read will leave you in tears despite its happy ending. 4.5 Stars
Historical Romance Review: Sweet Fire by Jo Goodman
Sweet Fire by Jo Goodman is an action-packed romance filled with the requisite passion you’d look for in a Zebra Heartfire, but also adventure, murder mystery, and drama. 4 1/2 stars
Historical Romance Review: Tazia’s Torment by Sylvie F. Sommerfield
Sylvie F. Sommerfield’s California-set bodice ripper Tazia’s Torment is not a bad book, but it’s not as good as it could have been. 3 Stars
Category Romance Review: The Lady in the Mirror by Judith Arnold
This review is of The Lady in the Mirror, book #10 in the “Bachelor Arms” series, and the first of two books in the series written by Judith Arnold, a pseudonym for Barbara Keiler. (Harlequin Temptation #561, November 1995). 2.77 stars.
Category Romance Review: A Naked Flame by Charlotte Lamb
Sad to report, but A Naked Flame has to be the worst Charlotte Lamb book I’ve read so far. It features a wishy-washy, stupid heroine who wouldn’t know her butt crack from the Grand Canyon. 1 star
Category Romance Review: Man in Control by Alice Morgan
Man in Control by Alice Morgan features a unique heroine, an avaricious young woman who openly acknowledges that she’s looking to settle down with a man, not for love but money. 3 stars