This review is of Virginia Vixen by Kay McMahon. Published in May 1989, this book is part of a series connected to four other books by Ms. McMahon. The book begins in Williamsburg, Virginia, circa 1774. Rebecca Wilde, a reporter for the Virginia Gazette and the heroine of the book, is investigating the murder of a slave who was a childhood friend of hers. Arriving at the same time is Alec Stone, the hero of the book, who has come to Virginia from England for two purposes; to find his father’s identity and to investigate the disappearance of one of his employees. 2 1/2 stars
Zebra romance
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: Savage Ecstasy by Janelle Taylor
This review is of Savage Ecstasy by Janelle Taylor. The year is 1776, and English expatriate Alisha Williams, 20, has journeyed west to find happiness with her only surviving relative. One day, the “men” in her settlement bring a captured Oglala Lakota Indian brave into their camp, named Gray Eagle. Gray Eagle and Alisha develop romantic feelings for each other. 3 stars
Historical Romance Review: The Forever Passion by Karen A. Bale
This review is of Karen A. Bale’s 1979 Zebra romance The Forever Passion. Lisa Jordan, 18, chafing under the demands placed on her in her native Boston, has decided to head west to live with her brother, Tom. She arranges to travel by wagon train and falls in love with the train scout, Josh Wade. Then things take a turn for the worst. 3 stars
Dueling Review: Desperado Dream by Karen A. Bale #1 (Blue Falcon)
In this new segment, we have two reviewers offering their opinions on a single romance. Blue Falcon gives Karen A. Bale’s Desperado Dream a positive review and found the book emotionally captivating. Introvert Reader, on the other hand, explains her negative perspective of the historical romance in her review. 4 1/2 stars
Dueling Review: Desperado Dream by Karen A. Bale #2 (Introvert Reader)
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
Historical Romance Review: Passion’s Treasure (aka Just Say Yes) by Betina Krahn
This review is of Passion’s Treasure (later republished and retitled as Just Say Yes), a standalone from March 1989 by Betina Krahn. The book begins in the town of Culpepper, Maryland Colony, 1748. We meet Treasure Barrett, one of 10 children born to Aniss and Buck Barrett. 3 stars
Historical Romance Review: Midnight Captive by Penelope Neri
This review is of Midnight Captive, a standalone Zebra historical romance from March 1989 by Penelope Neri. The book begins ominously. A man finds a cache of gold and wishes everything he touches would turn into it. 5 stars
Historical Romance Review: Tangled Web by Janice Bennett
This review is of Tangled Web a Zebra Regency romance by Janice Bennett from 1988 that unfortunately, fails to have any charm. 1 Star
Covers of the Week #13: Walter Popp
For the week of July 5 to July 11, here are a few Walter Popp romance covers to appreciate. Walter Popp was a fantastic artist, part of the original pantheon of pulp genre masters who would later go on to create covers for Gothic, Regency, Historical romances, including bodice rippers and epics.








