The Ravishers in Bodice Ripper Readers Anonymous

Oct 08, 2011 Willow rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, romance, rome

Every once in a while I adore reading old seventies historical romance books. There’s something so wonderfully nostalgic about them. I actually get warm fuzzies while reading. I know it sounds crazy. Consequently, I rather loved sitting down and reading The Ravishers. This novel has an old epic feel to it, which fits so perfectly with the time period that Duval is trying to capture. Like Karla(Mossy Love Grotto) pointed out in her excellent review above (which you should definitely check out) t Every once in a while I adore reading old seventies historical romance books. There’s something so wonderfully nostalgic about them. I actually get warm fuzzies while reading. I know it sounds crazy. Consequently, I rather loved sitting down and reading The Ravishers. This novel has an old epic feel to it, which fits so perfectly with the time period that Duval is trying to capture. Like Karla(Mossy Love Grotto) pointed out in her excellent review above (which you should definitely check out) this book does have a feel of an old Roman Technicolor movie. I could see everything so clearly in my mind. I found the characters were well rounded as well. The hero and heroine are mature, intelligent people. The heroine never does anything that makes her TSTL (To Stupid To Live.) The villains aren’t totally and completely evil and have their reasons and motives for working against our romantic couple. Unlike the other reviews, I didn’t mind the politics. I found the history lesson rather fascinating. Jeanne Duval obviously knew a great deal about the Roman period and it shows in her writing, making her world rich with all kinds color and nuance.

I will admit though, I do think the book went on a little too long. Duval tried to follow history, so her book spans a long period of time in just a few chapters. I believe she did this so she could start off with Nero and the year of the four emperors and then end the book with the eruption of Mount Vesuvius (which she describes in amazing, frightening detail.) The thing is, by doing this she drags out her romance, which actually is the main focus of the story. So the book feels longer than it should. I also have to admit, Max and Sandra are sort of bland characters. They are both good, decent people, and I really didn’t want anything to happen to them, yet I’m not sure they are terrible interesting. I don’t think there was enough conflict between them.

I did enjoy The Ravishers immensely though. I’m so glad I joined Goodreads, because I probably wouldn’t have checked this book out otherwise. :D
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Jun 20, 2011 Sarah Mac rated it liked it

Shelves: grammatical-yodeling, zzz-2011, mixed-bag-o-mediocrity, zzz-departed-vintage, tedious-lint-picking, cover-lust-fail, read-regifted, cover-me-black, zz-publisher-signet

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Jun 21, 2011 SmittenKitten marked it as wish-list-maybe

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Jun 30, 2011 Lynn marked it as to-read

Shelves: bodice-ripper, own, ancient-rome

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Jun 30, 2011 Wendy, Lady Evelyn Quince marked it as wishlist

Shelves: romance, bodice-ripper, historical-romance, ancient-rome, cover-artist-manuel-sanjulian

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Oct 07, 2011 Kelli marked it as to-read

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Feb 12, 2012 Rabbit {Paint me like one of your 19th century gothic heroines!} marked it as to-read

Shelves: need-to-buy-get

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Mar 19, 2012 Sandi *~The Pirate Wench~* marked it as books-own-not-yet-read

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Aug 30, 2012 Alda marked it as to-read

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Jun 09, 2013 Jennifer marked it as to-read

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Jun 15, 2013 Nona marked it as to-read

Shelves: on-my-book-shelves, ancient-rome

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Mar 01, 2014 BookLuva28 marked it as to-read

Shelves: signet

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May 23, 2015 Beverly marked it as to-read

Shelves: bodice-rippers, no-ebook-edition, oldies-but-goodies, rape, cheaters, insta-love, older-man, karla-s-picks, historical-romance, eras-roman-ermpire

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