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
Viking Romance
Historical Romance Review: Hearts Aflame by Johanna Lindsey
With her 14th book, Lindsey was on a roll, writing blockbuster romance after blockbuster romance. Hearts Aflame was the sequel to Lindsey’s third book, Fires of Winter.
Romance Cover Model: Fabio Lanzoni
Historical Romance Review: The Lord of Hawkfell Island by Catherine Coulter
In The Lord of Hawkfell Island by Catherine Coulter Mirana is a young, unmarried woman who lives with her brother in a massive fortress. When he’s away, their home is attacked by Viking raiders seeking vengeance against him, as the Viking leader Rorik blames him for the death of his wife and child. Usually, a hero grieving over his lost love is grounds for me to dislike a historical romance, but thanks to Rurik, I had plenty of other reasons to despise this “love story.” 2 1/2 stars
15 Old School Historical Romances That Revolutionized the Genre
These 15 Historical Romances published before 2000 either caused radical changes in the romance novel industry or they are so pivotal and unforgettable, they are must-reads. Please note, we at Sweet Savage Flame may not have read all books ourselves, but recognize their importance to the genre. Our aim is to review all books on this list if we haven’t already.
Historical Romance Review: An Offer of Marriage by Jo Ann Ferguson
An Offer of Marriage by Jo Ann Ferguson suffers from uninspiring storytelling, repetitive dialogue, and a title that doesn’t match its historical setting. 1 star
Author Spotlight: Janelle Taylor
Janelle Taylor was part of the pantheon of the Zebra romance’s “Leading Ladies of Love.” Her Native American, Fantasy, western and contemporary romance novels sold millions.
Historical Romance Review: Sea Jewel by Penelope Neri
Sea Jewel by Penelope Neri is a bodice-ripper Viking romance with a resilient heroine. While it also has some troubling problematic plot elements, it ultimately deserves a five-star rating. 5 Stars
Historical Romance Review: Storm Maiden by Mary Gilgannon
Mary Gilgannon’s Storm Maiden is a Viking historical romance novel about a captor and his captive set in medieval Ireland and Norway. It features a strong heroine, but the injured hero is too beta for my tastes. 2.5 Stars
Historical Romance Review: Tara’s Song by Barbara Ferry Johnson
Tara’s Song by Barbara Ferry Johnson is yet another middling Viking romance that disappoints. Written in the late ’70s at the height of the bodice ripper era, you’d expect this Viking romance to rapacious and fun, but I found it rather ho-hum. 2 stars