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
long separation
Historical Romance Review: Sweet Savage Surrender by Kathryn Hockett
Sweet Savage Surrender, a Zebra Lovegram that was written by mother-daughter duo Marcia Hockett and Kathryn Kramer, aka Kathryn Hockett, is a romance between two star-crossed lovers from different worlds. .5 star
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
Historical Romance Review: Charlotte by Amanda Hart Douglass
Charlotte by Amanda Hart Douglass is a circa 1978 historical romance novel set during the American Civil War, but it lacks in romance and centers around the life of the heroine’s debauched brother. .5 Stars
Historical Romance Review: Skye O’Malley by Bertrice Small
In Skye O’Malley by Bertrice Small a beautiful Irish woman in the Elizabethan Tudor era experiences adventures and love with many men.
Category Romance Review: Merry Christmas by Emma Darcy
Simply titled Merry Christmas, Emma Darcy’s category romance foray into the holidays will have you near tears. It may have you wishing some evil villains get their well-deserved comeuppance. This book is an angst-filled yet ultimately very happy Christmas Harlequin Presents. 4 stars
Historical Romance Review: Passion’s Bride (aka The Captain’s Lady) by Jo Goodman
This review is of Passion’s Bride, aka The Captain’s Lady by Jo Goodman. The book begins in 1809, where the fledgling American navy hopes to enlist the services of the pirate Alex Danty to help sink British ships. 4 stars
Historical Romance Review: Hearts of Fire by Anita Mills
Hearts of Fire is a more satisfying sequel to the first installment of Anita Mills’ medieval romance series, Lady of Fire, than its second outing, Fire and Steel was. The forbidden romance between Richard and Gilliane de Lacey is stellar. 4 stars
Historical Romance Review: The Frost and the Flame by Drusilla Campbell
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
Dueling Historical Romance Review: Desperado Dream by Karen A. Bale #2 (Introvert Reader)
In this new segment, we have two reviewers offering their opinions on a single romance. Here, Introvert Reader explains her negative perspective of Karen A. Bale’s historical romance, Desperado Dream. Blue Falcon, on the other hand, gave it a positive review and found the book emotionally captivating. 1 star