Since Halloween is just around the corner it’s time to take a look at the scary side of romance. The Harlequin Presents line was notorious for the cruelty some male protagonists could inflict upon their heroines. Some of these books are surprisingly well-written. Yet the horrific truth is that these heroes were villains.
Like big, dramatic contemporary romances set in glamorous, exciting milieus? With dynamic characters and lots of plot? Then I recommend Sometimes a Stranger. 4 1/2 stars
Drusilla Campbell’s The Frost and the Flame is one of those naughty bodice rippers where the heroine is separated for a long period of time from her true love, the dull, hero, and instead spends more time with the lusty, evil villain. This is the kind of bodice ripper I like: one that does not take itself seriously and knows how to throw crazy tropes at you, so you’ll keep the pages turning, even if the story is not really romantic. 4 1/2 stars
My Heart’s Undoing by Phyllis Halldorson follows Colleen’s unrequited love for Erik, who becomes engaged to her cousin. After a twist of events, they marry but face challenges when her cousin returns. 3 stars
Written in 1983, Anne Mather’s Stormspell was anachronistic even for its day. A sheltered heroine rescues an engaged shipwrecked Englishman. 4 1/2 stars
Silver Storm by Cynthia Wright would have been excellent if not for the slow start. However, once it gets there… Oh my. 3.5 Stars
After being loved and abandoned by an English Redcoat soldier, Augusta disguises herself as a male & fights in the American Revolution. Along the way she will find passion and perhaps love. 2 1/2 stars
