In this edition of Dueling Reviews, Blue Falcon reviews Lovefire by Deana James. It tells the story of Princess Joanna’s forbidden love and is set against a backdrop of royal machinations. 2 Stars
heroine noblewoman
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
Historical Romance Review: Hearts Enchanted by Penelope Neri
Penelope Neri is a versatile authors from Kensington’s Zebra imprint. Her fourth, book Hearts Enchanted, takes place in Medieval England. 4 Stars
Historical Romance Review: Midnight Angel by Lisa Kleypas
Lisa Kleypas’ Midnight Angel is a solid romance. A Russian noblewoman assumes a fake identity as governess to an English lord’s daughter. 3.5 stars
Historical Romance Review: A Breath of Scandal by Connie Mason
Having read a few Connie Mason books in the past and (more or less) entertained by them, I picked up A Breath of Scandal expecting some ahistorical yet sexy, romantic fun. Sadly, except for the wallpaper Georgian background, this one lacked all those standard Mason elements. 1 Star
Historical Romance Review: The Golden Sovereigns by Jocelyn Carew
The Golden Sovereigns is unlike any bodice ripper I’ve ever read. It’s very difficult to rate or categorize as it defies genre conventions. Jocelyn Carew is an absolutely skillful writer to make me enjoy a book where the heroine, Carmody, doesn’t meet her hero until page 270 of this 404-page epic. This is the kind of bodice ripper where the heroine’s journey is the real tale, however, the hero is not a mere prize she wins at the end; he’s a balm to heal her damaged soul. 4 1/2 stars
Historical Romance Review: Night Fire by Catherine Coulter
Night Fire by Catherine Coulter features one of her few truly nice guy heroes. This romance was a pleasant surprise–despite it dark themes–due to charming Burke Drummond. 4 stars
Historical Romance Review: The Lion’s Lady by Julie Garwood
The Lion’s Lady by Julie Garwood takes us to Regency Era England where we meet two firm-willed yet evenly matched partners in love. One is a lady of mystery from the former colonies raised among the Native people. The other is an English nobleman turned soldier and spy, now retiring from duty. 4 Stars
Historical Romance Review: Traitor’s Kiss by Terri Valentine
This review is of Traitor’s Kiss, a standalone by historical romance Terri Valentine. Traitor’s Kiss is a good book. It simply lacks the passion and juice to be a great book. 3 stars
Historical Romance Review: Dangerous Obsession by Natasha Peters
Dangerous Obsession is the sequel to Natasha Peters’ first book, Savage Surrender, although the relation between the books is not revealed until midway through this 630 page epic. 5 stars