Ecstasy’s Treasure by Jean Haught gets better in the second half after a lackluster first, but the ending is too rushed to create a satisfying narrative. 1 Star
heat level warm
Historical Romance Review: Prairie Embrace By Rosanne Bittner
Prairie Embrace by Rosanne Bittner is a Western and Native American Zebra historical romance involving abuse, love, and resilience. 4 stars
Historical Romance Review: Amber Fire by Elaine Barbieri
Amber Fire by Elaine Barbieri is the first in a trilogy of Zebra historical romances where the heroine is in love with or married to a rotating stable of heroes. 2.5 Stars
Historical Romance Review: Temptation’s Touch by Linda Andersen
Temptation’s Touch by Linda Andersen has a lovely cover illustrated by the talented Leslie Peck (née Pellegrino). That’s the best aspect of this Zebra romance. 1 Star
Historical Romance Review: Rapture’s Dream by Carol Finch
Rapture’s Dream is a solid Zebra historical romance by Carol Finch, starring a heroic heroine who disguises herself as a boy and a ship captain hero tormented by nightmares. 4 Stars
Historical Romance Review: Starlit Surrender by Judy Cuevas
Starlit Surrender by Judy Cuevas is so bad that the author had to republish it using her alias, Judith Ivory. At least the rest of her backlist is much better. It can’t be worse. .5 Stars
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: The Yankee by Kristin James
Harlequin Historical 5#7 In Kristin James’ (aka Candace Camp) The Yankee, Andrew Stone is a former Union soldier now living in Texas.
Historical Romance Review: Texas Princess by Veronica Blake
Veronica Blake’s Texas Princess was a forgettable Zebra Heartfire. Tasmin is betrothed to the leader of her Roma tribe, a kind and handsome man. However, she falls for a gadjo cowboy drifter, Blayde and follows him across the West. 1 1/2 star