I haven’t read a historical like this in years – I used to love these books back when I was in middle school and high school, featuring real people and real history.  Not many of them are as well written as this one, though. The Conquered Heart by Denée Cody(1995, Medieval)  7/15/12Grade: 4 Eve MacMurrough,… Continue reading The Conquered Heart by Denée Cody

This one has been lurking in my TBR for a long time – glad I finally got to it! Heart of Deception by Taylor Chase(1999, Elizabethan)  7/14/12Grade: 4.5 When Rafe Fletcher discovers his family has been implicated in a plot against Queen Elizabeth, he disguises himself as a simple fencing teacher and joins the thieving… Continue reading Heart of Deception by Taylor Chase

Jane Goodger started out writing very unusual books – they don’t quite fit into the genre.  This one was strangely compelling but also close to being a wallbanger – it definitely wasn’t a typical romance.  I haven’t read any of her newer books, but I’ve heard they’re more conventional.  I’m not sure if that’s a… Continue reading The Perfect Wife by Jane Goodger

Still plowing through my remaining paper books – now down to only 12 paper historicals (plus one bookshelf of Regencies).  Amazing when I look back on the numbers I had just a year or two ago! Morning Song by Kimberly Cates(1997, Victorian)  7/9/12Grade: 3.5 Hannah Gray is on the run with her sister’s son, Pip,… Continue reading Morning Song by Kimberly Cates

I used to love these meaty historical romances, but I think I’ve become shallow in my old age… 400 pages of history is a bit much these days! Bartered Bride by Anne Avery(1999, Medieval)  7/8/12Grade: 4 Lady Alyce Fitzmartin finds herself married to cloth merchant Robert Wardell, for the price of 100 silver coins and… Continue reading Bartered Bride by Anne Avery

I read Lynn Kurland way back in the early 90’s when I was obsessed with time travel books, but this is the first time I’ve read her since then. This Is All I Ask by Lynn Kurland(1997, Medieval)  7/5/12Grade: 4.5 When Gillian is betrothed to Christopher, the Dragon of Blackmour, she is relieved to escape… Continue reading This Is All I Ask by Lynn Kurland

Hooray for Susan Kay Law – she restores my faith in romance (and in my reading taste). Home Fires by Susan Kay Law(1995, American)  7/4/12Grade: 4 Amanda’s marriage was the envy of New York high society. But in truth, her life was unbearable. Gathering her courage, Amanda escaped and sought refuge far away, in a… Continue reading Home Fires by Susan Kay Law

I’m starting to wonder if the problem is me…. but this book really did have serious problems.  I need a good book, though!  It’s beginning to get discouraging. The Reluctant Tutor by Paula Hampton(2000, American)  7/4/12Grade: 2 Set at the turn of the century, this is the story of Kate Delaney, who has made arrangements… Continue reading The Reluctant Tutor by Paula Hampton

I remember reading Civil War romances when I first started reading romances as a teenager, but they seem to be out of fashion now.  (American romances in general, actually, except possibly Westerns.)  It’s always surprising to me that American romances aren’t more popular with American readers, especially when historical sites and nonfiction continue to be… Continue reading The Prisoner by Cheryl Reavis

Karen Harbaugh’s Regencies were hit or miss for me – loved some of them, others were only OK, but they were all readable – except this one.  Possibly my own fault – the tiny type in this one made it hard to read.  (Or maybe just my aging eyes!)Miss Carlyle’s Curricle by Karen Harbaugh(1999, Regency) … Continue reading Miss Carlye’s Curricle by Karen Harbaugh