Readers who like “sweet, clean romances” may find something to like in Lois Arvin Walker’s Reckless Heart. Those of us who like a lot more will have to look elsewhere. 2 Stars
Tag: Zebra
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: Brazen Ecstasy by Janelle Taylor
Brazen Ecstasy is the best of Janelle Taylor’s first four books in the “Ecstasy/Gray Eagle” series so far; not flawless, but very, very good. 5 Stars
Historical Romance Review: Velvet Night by Jo Goodman
Velvet Night is a very pale sequel to Passion’s Bride/ The Captain’s Lady. Jo Goodman’s previous Zebra historical was far superior to this lukewarm romance novel. 2 Stars
Historical Romance Review: Forbidden Ecstasy by Janelle Taylor
This review is of Forbidden Ecstasy (“Ecstasy/Gray Eagle Series #3″) by Janelle Taylor. The “Stockholm Syndrome romance” between Gray Eagle and Alisha keeps me from giving Janelle Taylor’s Forbidden Ecstasy a five-star rating. 4 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
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: Yankee Mistress by Ashley Snow
This review is of Yankee Mistress a standalone from May 1989 by Ashley Snow, published by Zebra/Kensington as a Zebra Heartfire. 1 star
Historical Romance Review: Texas Fire by Caroline Bourne
This review is of Texas Fire by Caroline Bourne. This book, published by Zebra/Kensington in March 1989, is the sequel to her book Texas Conquest. 2.5 stars
A Brief Look at Category (aka Series) Romance
Category lines, or series romance, are one of the cornerstones of the romance novel industry. As we document the genre’s past on Sweet Savage Flame, we’ll delve deeper into each individual line. Category romance, as their name implies, are sorted into category lines and defined by tropes.
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: Runaway Bride by Rosalyn Alsobrook
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