So… Johanna Lindsey’s Tender Is the Storm. If you’re familiar with your romance history, then you must know of this book, even if you haven’t read it. The cover is the infamous one designed by Robert McGinnis with the naked hero standing tall as the heroine kneels before him, her ample breasts pressed firmly against his–er…dongle. 3 stars
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.
In this new segment, we have two reviewers offering their opinions on a single romance. Here, Introvert Reader explains her negative perspective of Karen A. Bale’s historical romance, Desperado Dream. Blue Falcon, on the other hand, gave it a positive review and found the book emotionally captivating. 1 star
Savage Conquest, the 9th and final book—although the 6th published—in the Ecstasy/Gray Eagle series by Janelle Taylor is a solid Native American romance. 4 stars
Janelle Taylor’s Sweet Savage Heart, a Zebra Lovegram historical romance, begins in Dakota Territory, May 1867. It is here that an Oglala Indian maiden, Wild Wind, the heroine of the book, is troubled, for she is arguing with her brother, Lone Wolf, over her future. Bottom Line: Sweet Savage Heart is one of Janelle Taylor’s best books. 5 stars
This review is of Captive Melody, a standalone Zebra from January 1989 by Nadine Crenshaw. If it were possible to give less than one star to a book, Captive Melody would be the one.
Catherine Creel’s Texas Torment is a Zebra historical romance with a secret-marriage plot we’ve seen before in her more superior Passion’s Chains. 2 stars
Harlequin Historical 5#7 In Kristin James’ (aka Candace Camp) The Yankee, Andrew Stone is a former Union soldier now living in Texas.
Rosalyn Alsobrook’s Runaway Bride was about Katherine, a pregnant woman who left her drunk, abusive husband to find love with a rancher. 1 star
Veronica Blake’s Texas Princess was a forgettable Zebra Heartfire. Tasmin is betrothed to the leader of her Roma tribe, a kind and handsome man. However, she falls for a gadjo cowboy drifter, Blayde and follows him across the West. 1 1/2 star
