"OFF THE SHELF"
HISTORICALS I
Romance novels set before World War I are classified as Historicals. This genre has may sub categories, including Indian romances, Westerns, Civil War, ante-bellum, and pirate romances. Award winning, best selling authors of historicals include Catherine Coulter, Jude Deveraux, Julie Garwood, Brenda Joyce, Johanna Lindsay, Judith McNaught, Amanda Quick, and Jannelle Taylor.
Historical romance novels set in Regency England between 1800 and 1820 are categorized as Regency Romance. Rengencies usually describe a "sweet" romance where the love scenes are not graphically described. Readers of the Regency novel are sticklers for details, readily spotting any errors the author might make regarding material inappropriate for the time period. Clothing, housing, mannerisms, political climate must all conform to the dictates of the Regency period.
Author Amanda Quick (aka Jayne Ann Krentz and Jayne Castle) consistently appears on the New York Times bestseller list. Through her endearing characters, gripping romances, and fast paced mysteries, she takes the reader on a magical journey. Her highly recommended historical novels "Mystique", "Mistress", "Deception", "Dangerous", "Reckless" and "Seduction" are included in our OFF THE SHELF reviews.
Our particular journey through the glitter and pagentry of the historical genre will focus on authors Judith McNaught and Julie Garwood. Future updates of THE PINK PAGES will add additional historical romance novels. If you have favorites you would like added in these reviews, e-mail the book title and author. We are here to share the wonderful world of romance. |
JUDITH MC NAUGHT
A KINGDOM OF DREAMS
"A Kingdon of Dreams" tells the tale of the first Duke of Claymore, tall, dark, handsome Royce Westmoreland. Dubbed "The Wolf" by Henry VII, the very mention of his name strikes fear into the hearts of his enemies. Although he is a warrior who has won many battles, all he seeks is a woman who accepts him for the man he is and not the legend. Jennifer Merrick agrees to her father's wish that she marry Royce. She and her step-sister Brenna are kidnapped by Stefan Westmoreland, "The Wolf's" brother. Royce is captivated by her fiery beauty and comes to want her as he's wanted no woman before. After failed attempts to escape, Jennifer and Royce strike a bargain. Several plot twists leave each of them bitterly hurt and humliated. Jennifer ponders where her loyalties really should lie-with her husband or her family. The story will make you laugh and cry and has some of the most tender love scenes. It's a novel for a special spot on your keeper shelf. |
ALMOST HEAVEN
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Golden haired Elizabeth Cameron was orphaned at a very young age and left to handle her father's gambling debts. As Countess of Havenhurst, she had to make an adventageous match in order to save her home from the auctioneer's block. Her chances are ruined when her attraction to Ian Thornton causes a scandal and she becomes an outcast in society. When they meet again, Ian is rough and cold, believing Elizabeth betrayed him. When he realizes his error, he concocts a scheme to gain society's acceptance for Elizabeth. It's a beautiful love story of a couple realizing their love for one another and the triumph of love over fate, ultimately conquering all. Ian Thornton isn't your usual hero. Aside from being a self made man and a deadly marksman, he is a genius. He also isn't afraid of falling in love, and expressing his affection for Elizabeth in public. ALMOST HEAVEN is one of my all time favorites, serving a torrent of emotions that overwhelm you as you read this novel.
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SOMETHING WONDERFUL
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Once again, Judith McNaught offers a enthralling romance in a Regency setting in her novel SOMETHING WONDERFUL. Swept into a fascinating new world, Alexandra Lawrence, a naive innocent country girl, weds rich, powerful Jordan Townsende, Duke of Hawthorne. Amid the glittering lights of London society, Alexandra becomes ensnared in a tangled web of jealousy and revenge, stormy pride and overwhelming passion. Jordan hides behind a cold, arrogant mask, but Alexandra remembers the tender, vital, sensual man she married. Now, she must fight for his very life and reclaim the rapturous love they shared. |
ONCE AND ALWAYS
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Hot passion sizzles though this searing historical romance. Judith McNaught combines breathtaking mystery and the magic of romance in this novel. Orphaned and alone, Victoria Seaton sails to England to claim an long-lost inheritance. She is awed by the elegance of Wakefield, the sumptuous estate of her distant cousin, the notorious Lord Jason Fielding. Bewildered by his arrogant demeanor, yet drawn to his panther-like grace, she came to sense the searingly painful memories that smoldered in the depths of his jade-green eyes. Unable to resist her spitfire charm, Jason ravishes her with his kisses, arousing in her a sweet, insistent hunger. Wed in desire, they are enfolded in a fierce, consuming joy, free at last from the past's cruel grasp. Then, in a moment of blinding anguish, Victoria discovered the shocking treachery that threatened their love. |
WHITNEY, MY LOVE
WHITNEY, MY LOVE, Set against the background of Regency England's country charms and glittering society, the novel takes saucy hoyden Whitney Stone on the journey to romance. Wisked away to Paris to address her teenage crush on a neighbor, Whitney blossoms into a ravishing beauty and becomes the darling of Parisian society. She returns to England to win the hear of Paul, her childhood love but finds herself bargained away by her bankrupt father to the handsome Duke of Claymore, Clayton Westmoreland. Outraged, she defies her new lord, refusing to relinquish her dream of perfect love. Clayton's dark, languorous eyes reveal his smoldering passion and seduce Whitney into a gathering storm of desire. Before Whitney can explore her attraction to the Duke, a series of misunderstandings threaten her future happiness. Clayton wants Whitney and plans to have her, despite a number of obstacles. Judith McNaught's first bestseller, is a classic example of the quality of her writing and the resulting enjoyment of her fans. It's a romance not to be missed!
JULIE GARWOOD
RANSOM
Julie Garwood weaves an intricate tapestry of intrigue and emotion in this daring new novel. Two unforgettable heroes from her novel "The Secret", Scottish chieftains Ramsey Sinclair and Brodick Buchanan, return to help an exqusite English beauty fight for her home, her family, and her father's reputation. Barely five and seven years old, Gillian and her sister Christen witness the brutal slaying of their father by the evil Baron Alford. Alford is determined to recover the jeweled box King John left in Gillian's father's care. He is furious when the box slips through his finger, only to be lost for more than a decade. Fourteen years later, Gillian has forged a life for herself, but vows to find her long lost sister and the precious treasure box. Under the protection of the Scottish lairds, Gillian and her new ally, Bridgid KirkConnell fight the unscrupulous Baron Alford. With her special storytelling gifts in full force, Julie Garwood spins an unforgettable page-turner of passion and loyalty, justice, honor, and love. |
THE WEDDING
Kidnapped on the way to an arranged marrage, Lady Brenna finds herself married to quick tempered laird Connor MacAlister, without hopes of love from her new husband. On their wedding day, he had assured her that she could return to her home in England as soon as she had given him a son. Brenna is unaware that her marriage is merely the first act of vengeance against her bethrothed, Connor's sworn enemy. She remembers when she proposed to Connor ten years ago, when she was just a child dazzled by his charming smile. She sets out to win his heart. When a legacy of revenge ensnares Brenna in a furious clan war, only her faith in her gallant hero can save her. Soaring adventure and dazzling romance make this a delightful tale worthy of listing as a New York Times bestseller. |
SAVING GRACE
Herione Lady Johanna-an abused and battered wife, wed to Baron Raulf, a vassal of King John of England-is pleased when the news comes that her husband is dead. The sixteen year old widow vowed that she would never marry again. However, King John demanded that she marry and selected the bridegroom, until her beloved foster brother suggests that she wed his friend, handsome Scottish warrior Gabriel McBain. It soon became apparant to the entire Highlands that their laird had surrendered his heart completely and Johanna found herself falling in love with her gruff new husband. There is a little of the testing of wills between the two, lots of time between the sheets, and a bit of drama to thrill the reader. This is Garwood's hardcover debut. |
THE SECRET
This delightful novel is one of Julie Garwood's best. Beginning with the developing friendship between Judith, an English girl, and Frances Catherine, a Scot lass. both are only four years old when they meet at a border fair. Over the years they share their deepest secrets. Frances Catherine fears giving birth and when she becomes pregnant by her Highland husband, Patrick, she send for Judith. Laird Iain Maitland, brother to Patrick, is elected to fetch her. When he meets Judith, he finds her polite, stubborn, sweet, tender-hearted, brave and beautiful. He is surprised by his growing desire for the Englishwoman. Judith feels attracted to the huge, scowling Scot, despite his bluster. She sees an intelligent man with a kind heart, an arrogant confidence in his abilities, and a fierce handsomness that makes her heart pound. Even though they agree nothing can come of their attraction, desire and fate keep throwing them together. Judith's past is filled with secrets that make the road to romance difficult and threaten to ruin her relationship with Iain. The Secret" is a definite keeper. Pick it up the first chance you get. It's a touching, funny and memorable love story. |
THE BRIDE
Another of Garwood's bestselling romance novels is THE BRIDE. King Henry has commanded Baron Jamison to marry off two of his daughters to Alec and Daniel Ferguson, lairds of their own Highland clans. Captivated by the exceptional beauty of the youngest daughter, Jamie, Alex weds her against her father's wishes. Jamie encounters hostility from Alec's clan and must overcome their distrust. She brings Mary Kathleen, Alec's daughter from his first marriage, to live with them. Her ready and open acceptance of Mary Kathleen endears her to just about everyone and Alec admits that she has stolen his heart. the couple's passion for each other is an integral part of the story. Alec becomes possessive of Jamie's body, mind, and heart. Jamie is a mix of vulnerability and competence, with an endearing flw of a poor sense of direction. She has a temper that matches her husband's. Their banter and insults are stinging but affectionate. You won't be able to put this book down. It will make you howl with laughter and shed "happy" tears.
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THE LION'S LADY
Christina Bennett arrives in London in the early 1800's and is in total control of her new life...until she meets Lyon, the Marquis of Lyonwood. He causes her to loose all control...but that can't happen because he would find out about her secret past. You can read "Guardian Angel" to continue the saga of Lyon and Christina. |
GUARDIAN ANGEL
The powerful Marquis of Cainewood (Caine) is determined to avenge his brother's death. He poses as the pirate who he believes killed his brother to draw him out. Instead, he draws the beautiful Jade. She needs protection and he's willing to give it to her...but, exactly who is protecting whom? Find out in this novel set in London in 1815. The saga of Caine and Jade continues in "The Gift".
THE GIFT
In an attempt to bring peace between two feuding families, the king arranges a marriage between Nathan St. James, 14, and Sara Winchester, 4. Fourteen years later, Nathan must claim his bride in order to claim the riches that were promised in the marriage contract. He has never trusted women and refuses to let Sara into his heart. Sara, who has dreamed of loving Nathan for years, works hard to earn the loyalty of the crew of Nathan's ship, but invariably botches things. Despite it all, she gradually wins a place in everyone's heart and learns that, despite what her mother told her, making love can be as satisfying for a woman as it is for a man.
PRINCE CHARMING
Lady Taylor's grandmother refuses to die until her granddaughter is safely married. Therefore, she arranges the wedding to Lucas Ross, a mountain man from Montana Territory who desparately needs the money to free his younger half-brother. They plan for the marriage to be in name only, but fall in love and find themselves with an instant family. They travel to Montana territory where Taylor realizes that her prince charming is the greatest gift her grandmother could ever have given her.
FOR THE ROSES
When four streetwise boys find a baby girl in a New York City alley, they make a pact to raise her the way they should have been raised. They travel west and secure a ranch in Montana where they become a mismatched, but loyal family...until Harrison MacDonald comes along and attempts to return Mary Rose to her father. The difficult situation becomes more difficult when Harrison falls madly in love with Mary Rose.
ONE WHITE ROSE
Douglas Clayborne's intolerance of cruelty of any kind has made him a champion of the defenseless. When he arrives at Isabel Grant's ranch to pick up a stallion he's purchased and discovers the danger that threatens her, he refuses to leave the vulnerable woman alone. Convincing the strong-willed beauty that she need him is another matter. douglas can stop the men from stealing her ranch, but her cannot stop Isabel from stealing his heart. Note: "One Pink Rose" and "One Red Rose" complete the Clayborne Brides Trilogy, telling the story of two other "brothers" introduced in "For The Roses".
COME the SPRING
The sequel to "For the Roses" is "Come the Spring". The saga continues as quick-draw Cole Clayborne is forced to become a U. S. Marshall. It's Daniel Ryan, a hard man set on vengeance, who desparately need Cole's help with a gang of malicious murderers. Their quest leads them to three beautiful women. One of them witnessed the murders...but which one? Daniel and Cole do what it takees to find the real witness, but thy didn't bargain on falling in love in the process.
For a listing of Judith McNaught and Julie Garwood novels, check BOOKMARKS .
For more "OFF THE SHELF" historical romance reviews, visit Historicals II and novels of the American West.
