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
trope adultery
Historical Romance Review: Violet Fire by Jo Goodman
Violet Fire by Jo Goodman has got a gorgeous cover. It’s a Zebra masterpiece with purple and orange hues. Alas, this historical romance fails to live up to the G. A. Bush artwork. 2 Stars
Category Romance Review: The Shining of Love by Emma Darcy
The Shining of Love by Emma Darcy is an emotionally charged and captivating Harlequin that explores forbidden love and the pursuit of happiness. 5 Stars
Historical Romance Review: Prairie Embrace By Rosanne Bittner
Prairie Embrace by Rosanne Bittner is a Western and Native American Zebra historical romance involving abuse, love, and resilience. 4 stars
Historical Romance Review: Eugenia’s Embrace by Cassie Edwards
From the start, Eugenia’s Embrace by Cassie Edwards is a disaster with a hapless fool for a heroine and a cheating slimeball hero. However, it does end with a surprising Sapphic twist. 1 Star
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
Historical Romance Review: Rapture’s Ransom (aka Not Quite Married) by Betina Krahn
This review is of Rapture’s Ransom by Betina Krahn.
The book begins in the South of England in 1787. It is here that Brien Weston, the heroine of the book, lives–a better term might be exists–with her father, Lord Lawrence Weston, the sixth Earl of Southward. The relationship between father and child is strained and becomes even more so when Lawrence, after a trip to France, announces he has affianced Brien to a man, Raoul Trechard, whom she has never met. 4 stars
Category Romance Review: The Marriage War by Charlotte Lamb
The Marriage War by Charlotte Lamb may not have the worst hero in Harlequin Presents history, but he certainly ranks up there in the top. .5 stars
Historical Romance Review: Tender Savage by Phoebe Conn
This review is of Tender Savage, a standalone Zebra Lovegram by Phoebe Conn. Tender Savage starts in Wilmington, Delaware, in June 1862. The book spans from June 1862 to September 1863 during the American Civil War. 3 stars
Category Romance Review: Mansion for My Love by Robyn Donald
Harlequin Presents #567 Mansion for My Love is one of those Robyn Donald books where you can’t believe what the supposed hero does to the heroine. 3 stars