old school romance Archives

Historical Romance Review: Passion’s Paradise by Sonya T. Pelton

May 11, 2022May 11, 2022 IntrovertReader No Comments

Passion's Paradise by Sonya T. Pelton is a wonderfully terrible book. However, it was oddly entertaining, like a terrible movie you watch just to shout inanities at the screen. Read more

3 stars, Bodice Ripper, Book Review, Historical Romance, Kensington, Romance, year 1981, Zebra Historical Romance

Celebrities on Romance Book Covers

May 10, 2022May 10, 2022 jacquelinediaz 1 Comment

Before they were famous, their faces were on book covers. While these celebrities appeared in various genres, we're limiting our focus to romance. It's always fun to track the career of the rich and famous to their humble beginnings, especially if they posed for clinches! Read more

Cover Models, Covers, Discussion, Romance

Historical Romance Review: Shanna by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss

May 7, 2022May 7, 2022 IntrovertReader

In 1977 Kathleen E. Woodiwiss’ long-awaited third novel made romance history as Avon released Shanna in trade paperback edition. I've long had a tenuous relationship with Woodiwiss' romances., but I am glad I read Shanna. 3.74 stars Read more

3 stars and a half, Avon, Bodice Ripper, Book Review, Historical Romance, Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, Romance, Tom Hall, year 1977

Contemporary Romance Review: The Sheik by Edith M. Hull

April 21, 2022May 12, 2022 IntrovertReader 3 Comments

The Sheik by Edith M. Hull, published in 1919, is as influential to the modern romance genre as Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Perhaps, even more so. It was a blockbuster of a success, despite its many detractors. While some modern readers may cringe at its depiction of women, sexual roles, and racial attitudes, The Sheik remains a compelling read one hundred years after its publication. 5 stars Read more

5 stars, Bodice Ripper, Book Review, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Vintage romance, year 1919

Movies Based on Romance Novels, Part I: Barbara Cartland

April 12, 2022May 10, 2022 jacquelinediaz 3 Comments

Considering the many romance novels published in the 20th century, it's surprising how few of them were adapted for film or television. One exception is Barbara Cartland. Read more

Discussion, Romance

Historical Romance Review: Rebel Vixen by Dana Ransom

March 26, 2022May 2, 2022 IntrovertReader No Comments

In Dana Ransom's Zebra Heartfire romance, Rebel Vixen a Southern woman and Northern soldier find love during the Civil War. As the Civil War rages throughout the United States, Miss Savannah Russell is on a ship in the Caribbean where she saves a Yankee sailor's life. 5 stars Read more

5 stars, Bodice Ripper, Book Review, Dana Ransom, Historical Romance, Kensington, year 1987, Zebra Heartfire

8 Irish Romances Set in the Emerald Isle

March 17, 2022March 17, 2022 jacquelinediaz No Comments

As it is St. Patrick's Day, we thought you might be in the mood for something a little bit Irish. These eight old-school historical romances are set on the Emerald Isle. We'll be reading Irish romances on March 17. Whatever way you're spending your day, spend it doing something you love! Read more

Discussion, Lists, Romance

Historical Romance Review: Texas Triumph by Victoria Thompson

March 14, 2022May 2, 2022 Blue Falcon No Comments

This review is of Texas Triumph, #2 in the “The Cowboy and the Lady” series by Victoria Thompson. This is the follow-up to her book, Texas Treasure. Read more

3 stars, Book Review, Historical Romance, John Ennis, Kensington, Romance, year 1987, Zebra Lovegram

Category Romance Review: Moon Witch by Anne Mather

March 4, 2022May 2, 2022 IntrovertReader No Comments

Harlequin Presents #38 Moon Witch by Anne Mather In this vintage romance, a much older man falls for his younger ward. It's an uncomfortable, but compelling read. 3 1/2 stars Read more

3 stars and a half, Anne Mather, Book Review, Contemporary/Category Romance Authors, Harlequin, Harlequin Presents, Romance, year 1970

Historical Romance Review: Savage Obsession by Cassie Edwards

February 28, 2022May 2, 2022 Blue Falcon No Comments

This review is of Savage Obsession, book #1 in the “Chippewa” series by Cassie Edwards. From what I read of others' reviews of her books, there is no middle ground with Mrs. Edwards' work. Some love her, and others absolutely hate her. I’m kind of in the middle. Savage Obsession won’t make anyone a fan of Mrs. Edwards’ work who wasn’t already one. 2 stars Read more

2 stars, Book Review, Historical Romance, Kensington, Romance, year 1983, Zebra Historical Romance

Historical Romance Review: My Steadfast Heart by Jo Goodman

February 14, 2022May 2, 2022 Blue Falcon No Comments

There are some good elements in My Steadfast Heart, but the laborious writing style Ms. Goodman uses and the overall complexity of the story brings the grade down a bit. 2.57 stars. Read more

2 stars and a half, Book Review, Historical Romance, Kensington, Romance, year 1997, Zebra Historical Romance

Historical Romance Review: Texas Treasure by Victoria Thompson

January 31, 2022May 2, 2022 Blue Falcon No Comments

This review is of Texas Treasure, book #1 in the “The Cowboy and the Lady” series by Victoria Thompson. It is not a bad book, but it is also not a dynamic one, with too many issues to keep it from being a very good book. 3 stars Read more

Book Review, Historical Romance, Kensington, Romance, year 1985, Zebra Historical Romance

Historical Romance Review: Raven by Shana Carrol

January 25, 2022May 2, 2022 IntrovertReader No Comments

Raven by Shana Carol (aka Christina Savage, aka Mr. Kerry Newcomb & Mr. Frank Schaeffer) is a riveting bodice-ripper. It's a pirate adventure that features a kickass, resilient heroine whom I adore. It also stars a hero who isn't worthy to lick the underside of her shoes. This is one of those books I both hate and love and wavered for a long time what rating to give it. 3.49 stars Read more

3 stars and a half, Bodice Ripper, Book Review, Historical Romance, Jove/ Pyramid, Ray Kursar, Romance, year 1979

Historical Romance Review: Colorado Jewel by Cate Brandt

January 24, 2022May 2, 2022 Blue Falcon No Comments

This review is of Colorado Jewel, a standalone by Cate Brandt. (Zebra Heartfire, April 1989). The book opens in Colorado, early September 1878 1.11 stars. Read more

1 star, Book Review, Historical Romance, Kensington, Romance, year 1989, Zebra Heartfire

Historical Romance Review: Stranger in My Arms by Louisa Rawlings

January 23, 2022May 9, 2022 IntrovertReader 1 Comment

Harlequin Historical #90 Stranger in My Arms by Louisa Rawlings is a book I've read many times, and I love it more today than ever. Absolute perfection. 5 stars Read more

5 stars, Bodice Ripper, Book Review, Harlequin, Harlequin Historical, Historical Romance, Sylvia Halliday, year 1991

Historical Romance Review: Sweet Savage Love by Rosemary Rogers

January 20, 2022May 2, 2022 IntrovertReader 2 Comments

Ooh boy, where to begin with this review? Sweet Savage Love by the great Rosemary Rogers is--along with The Flame and the Flower--the blockbuster historical that launched a new genre: the modern romance novel. Published in 1974, this doorstopper epic was a monumental game-changer in an era of social transformation. 4.24 stars Read more

4 stars, Avon, Bodice Ripper, Book Review, Historical Romance, Romance, Rosemary Rogers, year 1974

Historical Romance Review: Savage Surrender by Cassie Edwards

January 18, 2022May 2, 2022 Blue Falcon No Comments

This review is of Savage Surrender, book #1 in the “Savage Secrets” series by Cassie Edwards. Savage Surrender is not a great start to Mrs. Edwards’ "Savage Secrets" series. 2.24 stars Read more

2 stars, Book Review, Historical Romance, Jove/ Pyramid, Romance, year 1987

Historical Romance Review: The Wild One by Danelle Harmon

January 11, 2022May 2, 2022 IntrovertReader No Comments

Danelle Harmon's Georgian-era historical romance series of four brothers and one sister begins with The Wild One. Lord Gareth de Montforte is one of the younger sons of the de Montforte clan. His eldest brother is a Duke. Another of his older brothers, Charles, was a soldier who went to fight in the Americas and is presumed dead. The family will soon find that particular brother has left behind some unchecked baggage that they will have to deal with. 1.85 stars Read more

2 stars, Avon, Book Review, Historical Romance, Romance, year 1997

Category Romance Review: The Other Woman by Candace Schuler

January 10, 2022May 2, 2022 Blue Falcon No Comments

This review is of The Other Woman, book #1 in the “Hollywood Dynasty” series by Candace Schuler. “Hollywood Dynasty” focuses on three siblings, children of a legendary Hollywood couple, as they make their names in the same industry that made their parents famous. (Harlequin Temptation #451, July 1993). 2.84 stars. Read more

3 stars, Book Review, Category romance, Contemporary Romance, Harlequin, Harlequin Temptation, Romance, year 1993

Historical Romance Review: Desert Slave by Miranda North

January 3, 2022May 2, 2022 Blue Falcon No Comments

This review is of Desert Slave, a standalone novel by Miranda North. On the trip Juliette is kidnapped by Bedouin pirates. She is later given to Deric Raleigh. (Zebra Heartfire, May 1989). 2.71 stars. Read more

3 stars, Book Review, Historical Romance, Kensington, Romance, year 1989, Zebra Heartfire

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