Golden Gypsy is the first in a trilogy by Wanda Owen. Lamentably, this Zebra historical romance series is off to a mediocre start. 3 Stars
rape or sexual assault
Historical Romance Review: Erin’s Ecstasy by Sylvie F. Sommerfield
Erin’s Ecstasy by Sylvie F. Sommerfield’s first published book, is a solid start, but not up to par with the author’s later romance novels. 3 Stars
Dueling Reviews: Texas Star by Deana James #2 (IntrovertReader)
We’re posting a pair of Dueling Reviews where our reviewers have two very different opinions on Texas Star by Deana James. Here is IntrovertReaders’ take. 5 stars
Dueling Reviews: Texas Star by Deana James #1 (Blue Falcon)
We’re posting a pair of Dueling Reviews. Here is Blue Falcon’s take. Texas Star a Zebra western romance by Deana James is not the worst book I’ve read, but it does rank in my list of top ten worst ever. .5 star
Historical Romance Review: Murmur of Rain by Patricia Vaughn
Books like A Murmur of Rain by Patricia Vaughan are why I adore the romance genre. This 1996 novel published by Pocket Books caught me by surprise with its exquisite storytelling. I was entranced from the very beginning. 5 Stars
Historical Romance Review: The Captain’s Vixen by Wanda Owen
Sometimes one can tell when a book is the first an author has written. Such is the case with The Captain’s Vixen the debut by Wanda Owen. This was not a great first book. 2 Stars
Historical Romance Review: Embrace the Wild Land by Rosanne Bittner
This review is of Embrace the Wild Land, book #4 in the “Savage Destiny” series by Rosanne Bittner. It’s not my favorite book by Ms. Bitter, but it’s still darn good.
Historical Romance Review: Rapture’s Rendezvous by Cassie Edwards
Rapture’s Rendezvous is not one of Cassie Edwards’ bests. The characters vacillate between whiny and likable in this historical romance. 2.5 Stars
Historical Romance Review: Tempt Not This Flesh by Barbara Riefe
Barbara Riefe’s Tempt Not This Flesh was yet another inexplicable bestseller for the gender-bending author whose real name was Alan Riefe. 2 stars
Contemporary Romance Review: A Violation by Charlotte Lamb
A Violation, a full-length novel by category author Charlotte Lamb, isn’t a straightforward romance, somewhere more between women’s fiction and romantic fiction. Like so many of her works, the major themes are the philosophy of love and what are the defined roles of being a man and a woman, especially when it comes to amorous relationships. 3 stars