Stormfire...a book review not to be missed

Welcome, Guest. Please login or register. Login with username, password and session length

16233 Posts in 790 Topics- by 64 Members - Latest Member: elaine

February 08, 2012, 01:43:20 PM

The Mystic Castle

So many books, so little time.

Admiration for the written word.

Stormfire...a book review not to be missed

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Pages: [1] Go Down

1708 Views

	Adair Goddess Karma: 14 Offline Posts: 912

Stormfire...a book review not to be missed ( on: May 08, 2010, 03:22:09 PM)

One of the ladies over at Ripmybodice.com has read and reviewed Stormfire. The review is an absolute hoot. I laughed my self silly reading it. Surprisingly she ended up liking the book as much as I do (and it is one of my favorite romances). Anyway if you find yourself in need of a good laugh...go to www.ripmybodice.com and read the Stormfire review...it's on the homepage about 3 or 4 down.

Logged

1708 Views

	Princess Poopy Pants Society Administrator King Shoz! Karma: 8 Offline Gender: Posts: 719

Re: Stormfire...a book review not to be missed ( Reply #1 on: May 08, 2010, 10:27:57 PM)

She had fun writing the review! Embarrassed

Also, WHITNEY, MY LOVE the reprint is whitewashed? I read the reprint! Cruel post. Now I have to hunt the original 1970's WHITNEY MY LOVE in all its CLAYTON THE JERK glory.

Logged

I'll be right here when your world starts to fall.

1708 Views

	Adair Goddess Karma: 14 Offline Posts: 912

Re: Stormfire...a book review not to be missed ( Reply #2 on: May 09, 2010, 04:00:09 AM)

Quote from: Princess Poopy Pants on May 08, 2010, 10:27:57 PM

She had fun writing the review! Embarrassed

Also, WHITNEY, MY LOVE the reprint is whitewashed? I read the reprint! Cruel post. Now I have to hunt the original 1970's WHITNEY MY LOVE in all its CLAYTON THE JERK glory.

The original Whitney, My Love was phenominal. The new version...BORING!!! Really they took the teath out of it...Clayton wasn't 1/2 the alpha type jerk he was in the original. Heck I'm glad I didn't throw out the original. (almost did - that was the reason I bought the new release...I was just smart enough to read it before I discarded my very worn original. Threw out the new one instead.

I loved the title of the review too. And yeah she had way too much fun writing that one...I figured she was drinking lots of margaritas or martinis or maybe both!

Logged

1708 Views

	Princess Poopy Pants Society Administrator King Shoz! Karma: 8 Offline Gender: Posts: 719

Re: Stormfire...a book review not to be missed ( Reply #3 on: May 09, 2010, 09:19:08 AM)

Okay, I read the new version and I remember posting about how disappointed I was. I mean this was for a book that EVERYONE raved about!

Logged

I'll be right here when your world starts to fall.

1708 Views

	Persephone Global Moderator Karma: 15 Offline Gender: Posts: 611

Re: Stormfire...a book review not to be missed ( Reply #4 on: May 09, 2010, 10:26:41 AM)

Quote from: Princess Poopy Pants on May 08, 2010, 10:27:57 PM

She had fun writing the review! Embarrassed

Also, WHITNEY, MY LOVE the reprint is whitewashed? I read the reprint! Cruel post. Now I have to hunt the original 1970's WHITNEY MY LOVE in all its CLAYTON THE JERK glory.

I also read the reissue of Whitney, My Love since soooo many people swear it's the be all end all of historical romance. I think Clayton the jerk was pretty much in all his glory even in the reissue. I wanted to hit him in the face with a shovel. Talk about the antithesis of a hero, and Whitney was one of those TSTL heroines. By the end of the book I couldn't give two shits that they ended up together. Angry

Logged

1708 Views

	Mystic Witchy Society Administrator Karma: 12 Offline Gender: Posts: 545

Re: Stormfire...a book review not to be missed ( Reply #5 on: May 21, 2010, 11:06:44 AM)

LOL Persophone, your post made me chuckle...LOL. I haven't seen you that fired up since... well way back in the day. Wink

I think they chopped out 50 some odd pages of the book and she rewrote a good portion of it as well. I remember the bruhahaha this book caused when it was done.

Adair--- that review was good. I think my favorite line out of the whole thing is...

"Sean Culhane, hero/ anti-hero of “Stormfire”, is a psychopath with a capital P. P for Pissing Off Every Feminist Out In The Wide Blue Yonder."

Logged

1708 Views

	Adair Goddess Karma: 14 Offline Posts: 912

Re: Stormfire...a book review not to be missed ( Reply #6 on: May 21, 2010, 05:31:54 PM)

The Ladies (?) at Rip My Bodice do have a way with words. Reason why I go over there pretty regularly to read their reviews. Even when I disagree with the review...I still get a good chuckle out of reading it.

The Stormfire review was just classic. The one they did of The Conqueror by Brenda Joyce is equally as good (and if I remember correctly, funny).

Persephone...many many years a young author made a mistake of writing a book that was waay too close to Whitney My Love for Ms. McNaught comfort. The book was Defiant Angel by Stephanie Stevens. Defiant Angel was 20 times better than Whitney My Love...and there was clear differences in the story line. Regardless Ms. Stevens was sue for plagerism (which wasnt' there), loss the case and was forbidden from every writing a romance book again. Which is/was a traversity. She was incredibly talented. As much as I like Ms. McNaught historicals...I've never quite forgiven her or her publishers for taking an incredibly talented author out of the marketplace. If you ever find a copy of Defiant Angel pick it up and read it. It's what Whitney my Love should have been.

Logged

1708 Views

	Persephone Global Moderator Karma: 15 Offline Gender: Posts: 611

Re: Stormfire...a book review not to be missed ( Reply #7 on: May 29, 2010, 10:52:30 AM)

Quote from: Adair on May 21, 2010, 05:31:54 PM

Persephone...many many years a young author made a mistake of writing a book that was waay too close to Whitney My Love for Ms. McNaught comfort. The book was Defiant Angel by Stephanie Stevens. Defiant Angel was 20 times better than Whitney My Love...and there was clear differences in the story line. Regardless Ms. Stevens was sue for plagerism (which wasnt' there), loss the case and was forbidden from every writing a romance book again. Which is/was a traversity. She was incredibly talented. As much as I like Ms. McNaught historicals...I've never quite forgiven her or her publishers for taking an incredibly talented author out of the marketplace. If you ever find a copy of Defiant Angel pick it up and read it. It's what Whitney my Love should have been.

While I can (sort of) understand JM being concerned about her work being plagiarized, I feel for Ms. Stevens. I was reading Amazon reviews (which I don't take much stock in) for Defiant Angel and some stated that it was a poor imitation of WML. Not to sound judgmental, but I think JM's fans are blinded by their devotion to her. There are two sides to every story, and hearing only one side isn't enough to sway me. If it was just the plot that was similar, that is not enough to accuse one of plagiarizing. That's how I feel anyway.

Ms. McNaught's writing didn't impress me much, certainly not enough to warrant reading another of her novels. Maybe it was because I detested Whitney, My Love, but if it had been more well written, I might have given her another shot. After what you've said, I definitely have no interest in reading another of her novels.

If I find Defiant Angel, I will be sure to pick it up.

Logged

1708 Views

	Adair Goddess Karma: 14 Offline Posts: 912

Re: Stormfire...a book review not to be missed ( Reply #8 on: May 29, 2010, 01:17:02 PM)

If you find a copy of Defiant Angel..and read it, you'll have to tell me what you think. I just don't see the plagiarism. Similar plot however I like both the hero and the heroine better. And the supporting characters...especially the hero's brothers...I would have loved to have read their stories. I've always been upset over that court case. Felt like a promising author was denied a voice. She was in college at the time...I feel like she got railroaded. Funny how you can hold onto something like that for years. It's like Christina Dodd. Where she has written some good books in the past and I've enjoyed them, I've never forgiven her for being so catty towards Nancy Richard-Akers nor her remarks with Ms. Akers was murdered by her husband. Completely uncalled for.

As to Ms. McNaught, she has written a couple of good historicals with Kingdom of Dreams being my favorite. Never did get the hoopla around Whitney My Love...I didn't think it was her best book.

Logged

1708 Views

	Woodstock Society Reviewers Karma: 9 Offline Gender: Posts: 976

Re: Stormfire...a book review not to be missed ( Reply #9 on: May 29, 2010, 08:58:25 PM)

Stormfire is one of my alltime favorites. Wish I'd read Whitney My Love!

Logged

1708 Views

	Persephone Global Moderator Karma: 15 Offline Gender: Posts: 611

Re: Stormfire...a book review not to be missed ( Reply #10 on: May 29, 2010, 11:04:32 PM)

Quote from: Adair on May 29, 2010, 01:17:02 PM

That is a shame. I wonder what she's doing now?

Quote from: Adair on May 29, 2010, 01:17:02 PM

Funny how you can hold onto something like that for years. It's like Christina Dodd. Where she has written some good books in the past and I've enjoyed them, I've never forgiven her for being so catty towards Nancy Richard-Akers nor her remarks with Ms. Akers was murdered by her husband. Completely uncalled for.

Do tell?!

I just read an article about the murder, that is very sad. I can't imagine anyone being catty about such a tragedy.

Sometimes, I'd rather not know too much about an author. Hearing things like that would make me unable to enjoy their work, because I wouldn't be able to like them as a person. I'm reminded of that scary/crazy debacle that Deborah MacGillivray caused just a short time ago. Of course, in her case there might (hopefully) have been some psychosis involved. Cause that was some disturbing stuff. Authors really need to learn how to behave online, one slip up and it's out there forever.

I realize they are human and make mistakes, but there are some lines that you just shouldn't cross, no matter how outspoken a person may be. I'm a grudge holder by nature, and I don't forget slights made towards me or someone I like/enjoy. I'd hold onto that for the rest of my life. Call it a failing, but I just can't help it.

ETA: I just read another article that quoted you Adair. Anyone who is interested can find it here. Your quote is very true.

Logged
May 30, 2010, 02:23:50 AM by Persephone

1708 Views

	Dorie 切り子の岡さん Society Administrator Karma: 10 Offline Gender: Posts: 284

Re: Stormfire...a book review not to be missed ( Reply #11 on: May 30, 2010, 03:36:01 AM)

I remember on the old Brenda board how a certain poster that shall remain nameless...cough *ravine* was obsessed with finding and reading Stormfire. Though I can't seem to recall if she read it or not now.

The plot seems very similar to a lot of novels written around that time, and I have to admit to liking a few of them. I have a certain weakness for the whole "captive" plot. But I might want to read it, if I can ever find it.

I'm in the middle of reading The Flame and the Flower, a book Terri enjoyed and wanted me to read and so far it's not bad, though Brandon can be a little irritating, to say the least. But I'm all for alpha males who piss you off, just maybe not the Clayton variety. I read Until You by McNaught and I liked it, and Clayton had a cameo in the book, and he was an asshole who referred to the heroine as a bitch because he didn't trust her, which didn't make me like him much. I don't know if I'd want to read Whitney My Love, after reading that little bit about him, but if I did I'd want to read the original.

Adair, what would you say are the top five bodice rippers in your opinion? I want to know if I've read any, lol.

Quote from: Woodstock on May 29, 2010, 08:58:25 PM

Stormfire is one of my alltime favorites. Wish I'd read Whitney My Love!

You can still read it, Maria, it's out there. Grin

Logged

1708 Views

	Woodstock Society Reviewers Karma: 9 Offline Gender: Posts: 976

Re: Stormfire...a book review not to be missed ( Reply #12 on: May 31, 2010, 09:05:16 PM)

The original Whitney? Gonna start my amazon hunt tomorrow!

Logged

1708 Views

	Persephone Global Moderator Karma: 15 Offline Gender: Posts: 611

Re: Stormfire...a book review not to be missed ( Reply #13 on: June 01, 2010, 07:08:54 AM)

Quote from: Woodstock on May 31, 2010, 09:05:16 PM

The original Whitney? Gonna start my amazon hunt tomorrow!

You should be able to find a copy here. They're used of course, but not bad price wise.

I'd give you my copy, but it was the reissue.

Logged

1708 Views

	Woodstock Society Reviewers Karma: 9 Offline Gender: Posts: 976

Re: Stormfire...a book review not to be missed ( Reply #14 on: June 01, 2010, 06:44:31 PM)

Thanks. I'm anold fashioned romance reader- love them!

Logged

1708 Views

	Adair Goddess Karma: 14 Offline Posts: 912

Re: Stormfire...a book review not to be missed ( Reply #15 on: June 02, 2010, 07:58:42 PM)

Persephone..thanks for the article that quoted me. I had forgotten about giving out that quote many years ago. I never met Nancy Richard-Akers, however I am still a big fan of her work and I always felt like her best novel would be the next one, like she was on the brink of a break out novel that would change the world of romance writing for the better. She wrote in a way that few did before she came along. And her death was very upsetting. If you haven't read a novel by her...you should. And don't ask me which one..I loved them all.

As to the top 5 bodice rippers..that is one tall order. So let's go for a few of the oldies I read over and over again:

1. Stormfire
2. Wicked Loving Lies (Rosemary was in her element back in the late 70's and early 80's - and you easily add to that list with books by her like The Wanton)
3. The Wolf and Dove (my first romance and still one of my favorites)
4. No Choice But Surrendor (and anything else by meagan mcgready)
5..Princess of Fire or any of the novels by Shannon Drake

You have to add to this list Prisoner of My Desire and the other early novels by Johanna Lindsey (before they tamed her.)

Now going into the 90's you have to have read:
1. The Conqueror by Brenda Joyce
2. The Saxon Bride by Tamara Leigh
3. The Warrior by Nichole Jordan
4. My Lord Conqueror by Samantha James
5. Defiant Captive by Christina Skye

Okay you said 5 there are many left out of the list...however within the limitation I did the best I could. Can't believe I left off Savage Ectasy by Janielle Taylor.

Logged
June 02, 2010, 08:01:47 PM by Adair

1708 Views

	Dorie 切り子の岡さん Society Administrator Karma: 10 Offline Gender: Posts: 284

Re: Stormfire...a book review not to be missed ( Reply #16 on: June 03, 2010, 04:45:54 AM)

Quote from: Adair on June 02, 2010, 07:58:42 PM

As to the top 5 bodice rippers..that is one tall order. So let's go for a few of the oldies I read over and over again:

1. Stormfire
2. Wicked Loving Lies (Rosemary was in her element back in the late 70's and early 80's - and you easily add to that list with books by her like The Wanton)
3. The Wolf and Dove (my first romance and still one of my favorites)
4. No Choice But Surrender (and anything else by meagan mcgready)
5..Princess of Fire or any of the novels by Shannon Drake

You have to add to this list Prisoner of My Desire and the other early novels by Johanna Lindsey (before they tamed her.)

Now going into the 90's you have to have read:
1. The Conqueror by Brenda Joyce
2. The Saxon Bride by Tamara Leigh
3. The Warrior by Nichole Jordan
4. My Lord Conqueror by Samantha James
5. Defiant Captive by Christina Skye

Okay you said 5 there are many left out of the list...however within the limitation I did the best I could. Can't believe I left off Savage Ectasy by Janielle Taylor.

I only said five because I wasn't sure how many you could come up with. Grin

I'd be happy to hear more.

Out of the list I've only read one of the books (The Conqueror) so I must be really behind on my bodice rippers. Sad

And though I am reading The Flame and the Flower, The Wolf and the Dove sounds right up my alley. I love the time period it's set in and it sounds like it's full of all the good stuff, like intrigue and conflict.

I've heard of Meagan McKinney, and I'd love to try one of her books. I think I might possibly have one of her books, though I'm not certain. Margaret sent me a bunch of Victoria Holt books and I remember another book being there, but I have to go look through the box and see.

I have read plenty of Johanna Lindsey books, but haven't had the chance yet to read Prisoner of My Desire, but I've heard good things about it. I don't know why I never read it, sort of like Love Only Once, which I want to read but have just never gotten the book.

Thanks for the list, I hope to find some of them and give them a try.

Maybe I'll come up with a list of mine...

Logged

1708 Views

	Mystic Witchy Society Administrator Karma: 12 Offline Gender: Posts: 545

Re: Stormfire...a book review not to be missed ( Reply #17 on: June 03, 2010, 05:34:11 AM)

Just to hijack the thread for a second...

Adair -- Janelle Taylor is coming out with another book in July called Cherokee Storm. I am not sure if it's related yet or not but I imagine it is. Here is the back cover blurb. I loved this series way back in the day. Savage Ecstasy was one of my first romance books. I was in complete awe with it at the time and bought everything by her I could get my hands on. I still have them all somewhere....

Cherokee Storm:

Travelling west of the colonies with a small party in 1756, Shannon O'Shea loses her way in the wilderness, soon drenched by driving rains and forced by powerful winds into the shelter of a cave. Stripping quickly, she is drawn to the flickering warmth of a fire deep within, but she stops cold - surely she must be dreaming. Before her stands a Cherokee brave, tall and broad-shouldered, scarcely clothed. Storm Dancer whispers that she knew him once...long ago. He vows to keep her safe. By morning, he seems to vanish, yet Storm Dancer will remain with Shannon, in every way a flesh-and-blood man who awakens her every womanly longing. For their spirits call to each other. Storm Dancer's vow is kept. He is more honourable by far than the white man Shannon must wed, and time will prove that only he can save her from violence and treachery...and that he is the only man she will truly love.

Logged

1708 Views

	Adair Goddess Karma: 14 Offline Posts: 912

Re: Stormfire...a book review not to be missed ( Reply #18 on: June 17, 2010, 02:45:34 AM)

Witchy/Laurel...do you think they'll let Janelle Taylor write a true bodice ripper...you know like the books she use to write...or will the publishing world tune her town for the wimpy sensibilities of the youngsters? I'll look at it in the book store (ie read some of it) and if it's wll written with some nice bits in it..I'll bring it home and tear through it. I really would love to read a new bodice ripper.

Did you ever read Love Stone by Deanna James? Bit tame for my taste but light years ahead of todays books.

Dorie, when I have time I'll come up with another list of "must reads" bodice rippers for you.

Logged

1708 Views

	Mystic Witchy Society Administrator Karma: 12 Offline Gender: Posts: 545

Re: Stormfire...a book review not to be missed ( Reply #19 on: June 17, 2010, 07:23:53 AM)

I sure hope so... that's what made her books the best. The fact that it was so true to what happened way back in the day and it was not glossed over and made sappy and unrealistic. It may be tamed down. I am definitely reading it when I get a chance to buy it just because I remember those books so well and have not read a good Indian/Western romance in years.

I have not heard of that author, I will look for her book though too.

Logged

1708 Views

	Adair Goddess Karma: 14 Offline Posts: 912

Re: Stormfire...a book review not to be missed ( Reply #20 on: June 17, 2010, 03:40:54 PM)

Deanna James wrote in the early 80's if I remember correctly. Definitely bodice rippers and some interesting characters. I remember the book because the heroine went from being chained in a dungeon to be put in golden chains in the hero's bedroom. And the hero had a female name...Rhiannon if I remember correctly. never understood the authors choice in naming the hero...guess that's also a reason why the story stuck with me all these years.

You are right about Janelle Taylor...her writing was true to the error...a bit brutal and I liked her for that reason too. It'll be interesting to see if her new book is a throwback.

Logged

1708 Views

	Persephone Global Moderator Karma: 15 Offline Gender: Posts: 611

Re: Stormfire...a book review not to be missed ( Reply #21 on: June 17, 2010, 04:39:20 PM)

Quote from: Adair on June 17, 2010, 03:40:54 PM

I remember the book because the heroine went from being chained in a dungeon to be put in golden chains in the hero's bedroom.

That sounds similar to Johanna Lindsey's Hearts Aflame. Great book, definitely not something most women today would enjoy, sadly. I get that they don't consider it a romance if the women are treated shabbily by the hero through most of the book, but that is what makes it realistic. I don't always enjoy what goes on in some bodice rippers, but what they all have in common usually (even the bad ones) is that they are one heck of a memorable story! The same can't be said for 90% of the books out there now.

Logged

Pages: [1] Go Up

A Wishing Moon

The Sexy Girl's Guide to Cowboys

Untamed Highlander

The Guardian

My Irresistible Earl

Claimed by the Highlander

The Color of Heaven

Primal Bonds

Deadly Vows

Feature Novel

Prelude to a Scandal

Deadly Illusions

The Rebel

His Magick Touch

Newsletter Registration

Testimonials

Don't Take Our Word For It!

Kimberly Killion, Author of Highland Dragon

Monthly Contest

Coming Soon

Author Goodies

Like our services?