Passion’s Rapture, Penelope Neri’s first book, is a bodice-ripper where the heroine falls in love with her rapist, the hero. The best thing said about her 1981 debut is that Neri could never write anything worse. 1.5 Stars
Tag: revenge
Category Romance Review: The Judas Kiss by Sally Wentworth
The Judas Kiss by Sally Wentworth is a legendary Harlequin Presents. It’s a twisted tale of revenge, deceit, lies, and passion, sure to thrill readers. 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: Captive Heart by Phoebe Conn
This review is of Captive Heart by Phoebe Conn, a Zebra Lovegram historical romance novel. Conn’s take on “Beauty and the Beast” is far from classic. 1.5 Stars
Historical Romance Review: Comanche Bride by Emma Merritt
This review is of Comanche Bride, a standalone January Zebra Lovegram from 1989 by Emma Merritt. There are things to like about this book. But there are also enough negatives that bring the book’s final grade down. 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
Historical Romance Review: Passion’s Chains by Catherine Creel
Passion’s Chains was the first romance novel I read after subscribing to the Lovegram line many, many years ago. The plot description on the back of the book sounded like this would be a riot. And it was! 4.5 stars
Historical Romance Review: Midnight Fires by Carol Finch
This review is of Midnight Fires by Carol Finch. This Zebra historical romance set during the war of 1812 is a typical Carol Finch book. It’s very good, but lacking the dynamic qualities to make it great. 4 stars
Historical Romance Review: Pirate’s Wild Paradise by Kate Douglas
This review is of Pirate’s Wild Paradise a standalone Zebra romance from February 1989 by Kate Douglas. The book starts in Port Royale, Jamaica, with the heroine about to get married. However, her ceremony is interrupted by our hero and Jamie’s former lover. 3 stars
Historical Romance Review: Shanna by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
In 1977 Kathleen E. Woodiwiss’ long-awaited third novel made romance history. I’ve had a tenuous relationship with Woodiwiss’ romances, but I am glad I read Shanna. 3.74 stars
Historical Romance Review: Sweet Savage Love by Rosemary Rogers
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
Historical Romance Review: Savage Surrender by Cassie Edwards
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
Category Romance Review: Hard To Get by Carole Mortimer
Oh boy, when I read “the heroine in pursuit plot” synopsis for this Harlequin Presents, was I ever excited to read it. Heroines who are determined to get their men are my favorite kinds! Alas, when the object of said pursuit is a mean arsehole, the chase isn’t worth it. Still, Hard to Get by Carole Mortimer was a wild, emotional whirlwind. With a more charismatic hero, I could have loved this as opposed to liking it. 3.62 stars
Category Romance Review: Guilty Love by Charlotte Lamb
Charlotte Lamb’s Harlequin Presents romance Guilty Love is so crazy and full of over-the-top drama. I loved every wild moment of it. As always, YMMV, although this sort of book is right up my alley. But a word of warning: it handles a dark subject that may cause readers some discomfort. 5 stars
Historical Romance Review: Crimson Obsession by Deana James
I’ve read about half of the romances Deana James published and I must say Crimson Obsession is probably my least favorite of her works. It’s not a bad romance, but it pales in comparison to her other books. Due to my high expectations of James’ writing, Crimson Obsession was a bit of a disappointment, although if penned by another author, I daresay I might not have been so critical. 3 & 1/2 stars