The Real Bodice Rippers

This list is for the dark, edgy, un-PC, envelope-pushing bodice rippers of the 70s and 80s. "Dark, down 'n' dirty" are guidelines. Themes include slavery, rape, incest, abuse, and other stuff you won't find in today's romances.

PLEASE DO NOT ADD BOOKS TO THIS LIST!! If you'd like to see one added, post a comment with the title (bookcover image works fine) and a reason or two why you think it qualifies. A previous list became filled with Johanna Lindsey and Lisa Kleypas titles, rendering it practically useless. I will update it ASAP.

Suggested reasons (and a high or intense quantity of them is encouraged)
--rape
--gang rape
--multiple abuses by hero (a slap doesn't count)
--slavery & the abuses/degradation that come with it
--incest
--child abuse
--random extreme stuff like castration (Hello, Stormfire!)
--very under-aged heroines
--violence and/or gore
--necrophilia

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All Votes Add Books To This List

1	The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss 4.13 avg rating — 18,603 ratings score: 6,848, and 70 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
2	The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss 4.05 avg rating — 17,977 ratings score: 5,924, and 61 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
3	Stormfire by Christine Monson 3.60 avg rating — 1,668 ratings score: 5,708, and 58 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
4	Sweet Savage Love by Rosemary Rogers 3.94 avg rating — 3,986 ratings score: 5,041, and 52 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
5	The Silver Devil by Teresa Denys 3.69 avg rating — 2,718 ratings score: 4,727, and 49 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
6	Fires of Winter (Haardrad Viking Family, #1) by Johanna Lindsey 3.98 avg rating — 15,015 ratings score: 4,609, and 48 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
7	Wicked Loving Lies by Rosemary Rogers 3.91 avg rating — 2,059 ratings score: 3,279, and 34 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
8	Devil's Embrace (Devil, #1) by Catherine Coulter (Goodreads Author) 3.80 avg rating — 3,963 ratings score: 3,250, and 34 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
9	The Conqueror (deWarenne Dynasty, #1) by Brenda Joyce 3.91 avg rating — 4,379 ratings score: 3,134, and 33 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
10	Skye O'Malley (O'Malley Saga, #1) by Bertrice Small 4.27 avg rating — 5,105 ratings score: 2,371, and 25 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
11	The Flesh and the Devil by Teresa Denys 3.92 avg rating — 624 ratings score: 2,367, and 26 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
12	Dark Fires by Rosemary Rogers 3.98 avg rating — 1,182 ratings score: 2,228, and 24 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
13	This Other Eden (Eden, #1) by Marilyn Harris 3.70 avg rating — 1,152 ratings score: 2,197, and 23 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
14	Lady Vixen (Louisiana, #5) by Shirlee Busbee 3.87 avg rating — 1,596 ratings score: 1,996, and 21 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
15	Lemonade by Nina Pennacchi 3.72 avg rating — 1,385 ratings score: 1,964, and 21 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16	Savage Surrender by Natasha Peters 3.94 avg rating — 833 ratings score: 1,865, and 21 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17	Island Flame by Karen Robards (Goodreads Author) 3.67 avg rating — 1,813 ratings score: 1,840, and 20 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
18	Gypsy Lady by Shirlee Busbee 3.79 avg rating — 1,106 ratings score: 1,611, and 18 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
19	Caress and Conquer by Connie Mason 3.48 avg rating — 627 ratings score: 1,585, and 18 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
20	Adora by Bertrice Small 4.05 avg rating — 1,800 ratings score: 1,565, and 18 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
21	Savage Ecstasy (Gray Eagle, #1) by Janelle Taylor (Goodreads Author) 3.93 avg rating — 1,271 ratings score: 1,543, and 17 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	The Love Slave by Bertrice Small 4.09 avg rating — 2,269 ratings score: 1,498, and 17 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
23	The Sheik by E.M. Hull 3.30 avg rating — 1,507 ratings score: 1,492, and 16 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
24	Dangerous Obsession by Natasha Peters 4.02 avg rating — 224 ratings score: 1,359, and 16 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
25	Captive Passions (Captive, #1) by Fern Michaels (Goodreads Author) 3.93 avg rating — 960 ratings score: 1,314, and 14 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
26	Forever My Love by Rebecca Brandewyne 3.91 avg rating — 391 ratings score: 1,237, and 14 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
27	The Black Swan by Day Taylor 4.14 avg rating — 719 ratings score: 1,179, and 14 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
28	Tender Fury by Connie Mason 3.18 avg rating — 384 ratings score: 1,005, and 12 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
29	Seized by Love by Susan Johnson (Goodreads Author) 3.65 avg rating — 753 ratings score: 1,003, and 11 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
30	Love and War (Coltrane, #1) by Patricia Hagan 3.76 avg rating — 324 ratings score: 1,000, and 12 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
31	The Taming (Cameron, #1) by Aleen Malcolm 3.76 avg rating — 312 ratings score: 999, and 12 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
32	No Gentle Love by Rebecca Brandewyne 3.82 avg rating — 331 ratings score: 985, and 12 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
33	Unconquered by Bertrice Small 3.99 avg rating — 1,119 ratings score: 887, and 11 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
34	The Raging Hearts (Coltrane, #2) by Patricia Hagan 3.95 avg rating — 80 ratings score: 854, and 10 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
35	Rose of Rapture by Rebecca Brandewyne 4.07 avg rating — 309 ratings score: 846, and 10 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
36	The Copeland Bride by Justine Cole 3.42 avg rating — 559 ratings score: 827, and 10 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
37	The Demon Lover by Victoria Holt 3.61 avg rating — 2,003 ratings score: 681, and 8 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
38	The Rain Maiden by Jill M. Phillips 3.49 avg rating — 107 ratings score: 668, and 9 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
39	The Frost and the Flame by Drusilla Campbell (Goodreads Author) 3.39 avg rating — 49 ratings score: 643, and 9 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
40	The Savage Sands by Christina Nicholson 3.62 avg rating — 53 ratings score: 618, and 8 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
41	Bound by the Heart by Marsha Canham (Goodreads Author) 3.93 avg rating — 1,021 ratings score: 614, and 7 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
42	Purity's Passion (Purity, #1) by Janette Seymour 3.50 avg rating — 62 ratings score: 553, and 7 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
43	Tender Torment by Jane Archer 3.35 avg rating — 92 ratings score: 505, and 7 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
44	Deceive Not My Heart (The Louisiana Ladies, #1) by Shirlee Busbee really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 1,095 ratings score: 482, and 6 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
45	Valentina by Fern Michaels (Goodreads Author) 3.76 avg rating — 140 ratings score: 475, and 6 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
46	The Power and the Passion by Christina Nicholson 3.44 avg rating — 27 ratings score: 470, and 6 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
47	This Ravished Rose by Anne Carsley 3.16 avg rating — 37 ratings score: 435, and 5 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
48	Anise by Patricia Phillips 3.17 avg rating — 18 ratings score: 427, and 6 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
49	Indigo Nights by Olivia O'Neill 3.22 avg rating — 23 ratings score: 420, and 6 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
50	Cynara by Janis Flores 3.56 avg rating — 34 ratings score: 412, and 6 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
51	Pleasure's Daughter by Marilyn Ross 3.11 avg rating — 9 ratings score: 389, and 6 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
52	Marilee by Con Sellers 3.18 avg rating — 38 ratings score: 387, and 6 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
53	Silken Savage by Catherine Hart 3.94 avg rating — 628 ratings score: 381, and 6 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
54	Glynda by Susannah Leigh 3.66 avg rating — 32 ratings score: 369, and 6 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
55	Beloved Enemy by Amanda York 3.43 avg rating — 35 ratings score: 366, and 5 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
56	Barbary Bride (El-Kifer, #1) by Melissa Masters 2.55 avg rating — 11 ratings score: 360, and 5 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
57	Alexa by Maggie Osborne 3.42 avg rating — 31 ratings score: 357, and 6 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
58	Bitter Passion, Sweet Love by Patricia Ott 3.50 avg rating — 32 ratings score: 356, and 5 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
58	The French Passion by Diane Du Pont 3.75 avg rating — 59 ratings score: 356, and 5 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
60	Royal Seduction (Royal #1) by Jennifer Blake (Goodreads Author) 3.71 avg rating — 1,051 ratings score: 355, and 4 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
61	Defiant Captive by Christina Skye 3.28 avg rating — 120 ratings score: 349, and 5 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
62	Monique by Madelyn Cunningham 3.74 avg rating — 31 ratings score: 339, and 5 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
63	Savage In Silk by Donna Comeaux Zide 3.11 avg rating — 27 ratings score: 333, and 5 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
64	Under Crimson Sails by Lynna Lawton 3.21 avg rating — 39 ratings score: 332, and 5 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
64	Last Flower by Con Sellers 3.43 avg rating — 14 ratings score: 332, and 5 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
66	Never Call It Love by Veronica Jason 3.30 avg rating — 208 ratings score: 317, and 4 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
67	Satan's Mistress by Rachel Cosgrove Payes 2.90 avg rating — 41 ratings score: 314, and 5 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
68	Dynasty of Desire by Elizabeth Zachary really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 7 ratings score: 301, and 4 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
69	Alyx by Lolah Burford 3.03 avg rating — 66 ratings score: 291, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
70	Silver Jasmine by Janet Louise Roberts 3.76 avg rating — 59 ratings score: 290, and 5 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
71	Desert Hostage by Diane Dunaway 3.77 avg rating — 334 ratings score: 279, and 4 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
72	The Pirate and the Pagan by Virginia Henley 4.01 avg rating — 2,021 ratings score: 274, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
73	Love, Remember Me by Jessie Ford 2.96 avg rating — 26 ratings score: 267, and 4 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
74	Blackmaddie by Jean Innes 3.79 avg rating — 39 ratings score: 266, and 4 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
75	Jemma by Beverly Byrne 3.81 avg rating — 26 ratings score: 235, and 4 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
76	Natalya by Ann Brooke Currie it was ok 2.00 avg rating — 4 ratings score: 227, and 4 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
77	Tame the Rising Tide by Virginia Morgan 3.91 avg rating — 23 ratings score: 226, and 4 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
78	Bold Blades Flashing by Lorinda Hagen 2.54 avg rating — 13 ratings score: 224, and 4 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
79	Woman of Fury by Constance Gluyas 3.19 avg rating — 31 ratings score: 219, and 4 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
80	Into Passion's Dawn (The Loves of Angela Carlyle, #1) by Michele Dubarry 3.77 avg rating — 43 ratings score: 211, and 4 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
81	Across Captive Seas (The Loves of Angela Carlyle, #2) by Michele Dubarry 3.57 avg rating — 23 ratings score: 208, and 4 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
81	Toward Love's Horizon (The Loves of Angela Carlyle, #3) by Michele Dubarry 4.28 avg rating — 18 ratings score: 208, and 4 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
83	Love's Fiery Dagger by Flora Hiller 3.38 avg rating — 16 ratings score: 204, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
84	Wildfire Woman by Marianna Spring 2.57 avg rating — 7 ratings score: 198, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
85	Passion's Sweet Sacrifice by Melissa Hepburne 3.50 avg rating — 12 ratings score: 183, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
86	Ecstasy's Captive by Nelle McFather 2.93 avg rating — 14 ratings score: 181, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
87	Passion's Proud Captive (Van der Lind #1) by Melissa Hepburne 3.29 avg rating — 35 ratings score: 170, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
88	Zanzara by Gloria Vitanza Basile 3.56 avg rating — 9 ratings score: 169, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
89	Purity's Ecstasy (Purity, #2) by Janette Seymour 3.37 avg rating — 30 ratings score: 164, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
90	Embrace and Conquer by Jennifer Blake (Goodreads Author) 3.71 avg rating — 686 ratings score: 162, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
91	Caress & Conquer by Donna Comeaux Zide 3.82 avg rating — 22 ratings score: 160, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
92	This Triumphant Fire by Anne Carsley 3.67 avg rating — 3 ratings score: 151, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
93	Dawnfire by Lynn Erickson 3.39 avg rating — 31 ratings score: 150, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
94	Love's Wicked Ways by Diana Summers 2.79 avg rating — 14 ratings score: 142, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
95	Moment of Desire by Rachel Cosgrove Payes 3.55 avg rating — 11 ratings score: 141, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
96	Fountains of Glory by Fiona Harrowe 3.81 avg rating — 16 ratings score: 137, and 2 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
97	The Pagan (Voyager, #2) by Simon Finch 3.47 avg rating — 19 ratings score: 135, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
97	Romany Passions by Alexandra Ellis 3.14 avg rating — 7 ratings score: 135, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
97	This Tender Prize by Nancy Morse 3.47 avg rating — 17 ratings score: 135, and 3 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
100	Forbidden Magic by Catherine Emm 3.03 avg rating — 35 ratings score: 98, and 1 person voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

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116 books · 252 voters · list created February 15th, 2012 by Karla (votes) .

Tags: 1970s, 1980s, abuse, bodice-rippers, dark, rape, romance, un-pc

218 likes · Like

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Comments Showing 1-50 of 70 (70 new)

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message 1: by Karla (last edited Feb 15, 2012 05:04AM) (new)

Feb 15, 2012 05:02AM

My eyes glazed over towards the end, but I have begun this list with 38 books which I consider to be real bodice rippers. Each book has a comment saying why I think it qualifies.

I hope I'm not being an asshole by saying "DON'T ADD TO THIS LIST!" but I'd like to be able to mod this one at least a little bit. :P

Anyway, if you want to add a book, post a comment with a couple reason why you think it qualifies.

TO REITERATE:
Suggested reasons (and a high or intense quantity of them is encouraged)
--rape
--gang rape
--multiple abuses by hero (a slap doesn't count)
--slavery & the abuses/degradation that come with it
--incest
--child abuse
--random extreme stuff like castration (Hello, Stormfire!)
--very under-aged heroines
--violence and/or gore

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message 2: by Sharon (last edited Feb 15, 2012 12:23PM) (new)

Feb 15, 2012 12:13PM

I can't remember

The Taming (Cameron, #1) by Aleen Malcolm

as a BR.

A suggestion:

I loved that one. Has anyone read it?

Edit Revision

Well hell now I see the voting section on the left of the screen. Very cool Karla.

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message 3: by Tammy (last edited Feb 15, 2012 03:58PM) (new)

Feb 15, 2012 03:55PM

um, can you add The Flame and the Flower, or is it too obvious (or not extreme enough)? It was the book that started it all, after all.

It has abduction, rape, a very young heroine with a Hero in his 30s, a crazy ex-mistress, a murder plot, and one of the best original alpha Heroes.

(says Tammy from her crazy Woodiwiss corner)

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message 4: by Sharon (last edited Feb 15, 2012 09:13PM) (new)

Feb 15, 2012 08:34PM

Dangerous Obsession fits the criteria.

It's been a few years since I read this one...I think I sent it to you Karla through BookMooch...anyway, the book begins with the rape of Rawhnie, probably about 15 or 16 yrs. old (underage heroine) and...(I think he carried the rape thru), her Uncle, that is (Incest) All the while the H, Seth? (who is the son of the main characters in Savage Surrender sits in the parlor listening to whole shabang. Just prior to that, Uncle (beat)Rawhnie in front of Seth before dragging her upstairs to rape her for her mouthiness.

Seth witnesses this, takes it all in, then just gets up and leaves. But Rawhnie sneaks away from Uncle and catches up with Seth (who is actually a stranger to her)... Turns out, Seth is one cold blooded, cruel SOB. He makes Rawhnie become his mistress and continues thru the entire story as cruel and rotten to the core.

Definitely should be on the list.

Edit.....Ok, Rawhnie is Rhawnie and she was probably 14 or 15 yrs old

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message 5: by April (last edited Feb 28, 2012 12:39PM) (new)

Feb 28, 2012 12:39PM

Tender Fury by Connie Mason

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message 6: by Karla (new)

Feb 28, 2012 12:48PM

I've updated the list. :)

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message 7: by Karla (last edited Feb 28, 2012 12:53PM) (new)

Feb 28, 2012 12:52PM

April wrote: " Tender Fury by Connie Mason"

April, I've added the book, but can you give me a couple reasons why you think it's down & dirty?

Jeanine, same with you. I don't know the qualifications for The Love Slave & Bold Blades Flashing off the top of my head.

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message 8: by April (new)

Feb 28, 2012 01:01PM

Karla (Mossy Love Grotto) wrote: "April wrote: " Tender Fury by Connie Mason"

April, I've added the book, but can you give me a couple reasons why you think it's down & dirty?

It pretty much meets all the qualifications on the bodice ripper checklist. Ridiculously beautiful heroine who almost every man pants after, kidnappings, rape or coerced sex by hero and others, evil villains galore (like the whole world is out to do the heroine wrong), verbally abusive and selfish hero, unpredictable plot with bizarre twists and turns, many scenery changes.

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message 9: by Karla (new)

Feb 28, 2012 01:05PM

Thanks, April! :)

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message 10: by Twiggy (new)

Mar 01, 2012 01:37PM

Tender torment by Jane archer
Island Flame by Karen Robards
Gypsy Lady by Shirley Bushbee

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message 11: by Twiggy (new)

Mar 13, 2012 12:58PM

Which is your favourite?

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message 12: by Karla (new)

Mar 13, 2012 01:00PM

Is that question for me? Or everybody? :D

Well, mine is:

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message 13: by Twiggy (new)

Mar 18, 2012 04:12PM

I've only read about 10 of these but I think I would have to go with the Shiek as I read it as a teenager and have fond memories. Gypsy Lady and Lady Vixon were the books that introduced me to the more hard edged BR.

Thank you for the list.

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message 14: by Sita (new)

Mar 31, 2012 10:22PM

I would not have considered The Pagan a bodice ripper..

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message 15: by Karla (new)

Apr 01, 2012 04:24AM

Sita wrote: "I would not have considered The Pagan a bodice ripper.."

In my review, I likened Vesuvio the hero to one of those old-school BR heroines who get used and abused. In an odd way, I thought it worked. LOL

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message 16: by Sita (last edited Apr 03, 2012 08:03PM) (new)

Apr 03, 2012 08:02PM

Karla (Mossy Love Grotto) wrote: In my review, I likened Vesuvio the hero to one of those old-school BR heroines who get used and abused. In an odd way, I thou..."

I guess that was why I was confused. For me, a man getting used and abused wouldn't fall into the "bodice ripper" category. But that is just me.

In any case. I love the list and am glad a monitored one is here. :D

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message 17: by Keri (new)

Jul 24, 2012 09:15AM

What about Laurie McBain's Tears of Gold, Devil's Desire and Moonstruck Madness? Lisa Gregory's Bitterleaf dealt with slavery.

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message 18: by UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish (new)

Aug 02, 2012 10:18PM

Well, I can't vote because I haven't read any of these, but 'down and dirty'? I'm checking the books on the list. Twice.

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message 19: by Stacy (new)

Aug 24, 2012 06:03PM

I'd recommend Silver Jasmine by Janet Louise Roberts. Island of Desire by the same author, now that I reflect on it. Both have rape or attempted rape, Voodoo, abuse, marriage by force, all of that horrifically delicious stuff you find in a good BR.

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message 20: by Karla (new)

Aug 24, 2012 06:35PM

Thanks for the rec, Stacy. I've got both of those in the TBR. Will add to the list when I'm on an actual computer instead of a tablet (love it, but sometimes so ponderous).

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message 21: by Isabel. (new)

Sep 20, 2012 08:09AM

The heart of war by Lisa Beth Darling could be on this list , though it's not from the 70's or 80's , it still has child abuse , humiliation, gore, and the use of a snake to torture. The list goes on but that would be spoilers.

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message 22: by BRNTerri (last edited Oct 24, 2012 04:07PM) (new)

Oct 24, 2012 04:07PM

Keri wrote: "What about Laurie McBain's Tears of Gold, Devil's Desire and Moonstruck Madness? Lisa Gregory's Bitterleaf dealt with slavery."

Sorry, but Tears of Gold isn't a bodice ripper at all.

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message 23: by Rachel (last edited Nov 09, 2012 12:35PM) (new)

Nov 09, 2012 12:22PM

What about The Copeland Bride by Justine Cole?
(view spoiler)

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message 24: by Roses (new)

Nov 10, 2012 05:29AM

What about The French Passion by Diane Du Pont? It was published in 1977 and has a young heroine raped by the hero and kept by an abusive "guardian" as his mistress until he has her imprisoned in the Bastille.

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message 25: by Cem73 (new)

Dec 08, 2012 12:58PM

No Gentle Love, by Rebecca Brandewyne (the title say it all lol )

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message 26: by Melissa (last edited Feb 04, 2013 09:59PM) (new)

Feb 04, 2013 09:43PM

A Pirate's Love, by Johanna Lindsay (h is raped by H, who is a pirate and abducts her)

Hearts Aflame, by Johanna Lindsay (h is abducted and made a slave, forced to have sex with H who owns her)

Secret Fire, by Johanna Lindsay (h is abducted and drugged, forced to have sex with Russian aristocrat and basically taken as a slave. She's later whipped for disobedience.)

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message 27: by Melissa (new)

Feb 04, 2013 10:05PM

My favorite is probably The Flame and the Flower

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message 28: by Mermarie (last edited Aug 08, 2013 02:36AM) (new)

Aug 08, 2013 02:27AM

I added Under Crimson Sails to the list because of the sexual slavery, rape, and sexual depravity the heroine suffered at the hands of every man she came in contact with. XD

Edit: Woops, I should learn to read...says not to add books... XD

I am deleting it now, if someone wants to check it out and see if it qualifies.

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message 29: by Karla (new)

Aug 08, 2013 05:17AM

I TRUST YOU. :D But since you deleted it, I'll add it. I'm super-curious about that one.

It's because my old BR list had every Lindsey & Kleypas imaginable on it. FFS, people. -__-

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message 30: by Mermarie (new)

Aug 08, 2013 12:18PM

Karla (Mossy Love Grotto) wrote: "I TRUST YOU. :D But since you deleted it, I'll add it. I'm super-curious about that one.

It's because my old BR list had every Lindsey & Kleypas imaginable on it. FFS, people. -__-"

XD Good ole JL.... The Quaker's version of BRs. lol I honestly don't even think I've read anything by Kleypas, either. o.o Who..is that?

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message 31: by Karla (new)

Aug 08, 2013 12:27PM

I haven't read anything by her, but I've got a couple of her early romances that will never see the light of reissue day because they supposedly don't toe the PC line.

However, Kleypas' idea of BR-ness sounds even more tame than JLs. LOL (Quaker's version... *sporfle*)

She's got her devoted fans, though. Regency crap. You know the drill. :P

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message 32: by Kimberly (new)

Oct 12, 2013 06:07PM

I really think Tame the Rising Tide should be added to this list. I believe it meets a lot of the criteria Heroine is raped gives birth children are stolen away, falls for a man the main Hero,but doesn't stay with him after many men later married to a much older man and raped again she finally finds her way back to her love.

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message 33: by Karla (new)

Oct 13, 2013 03:34AM

Thanks for the suggestion, Kimberly. I've got that one on the TBR and it certainly looks like it'd qualify. I'll add it. :)

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message 34: by Krystle (new)

Dec 23, 2013 01:00PM

I'm hoping someone here can help me with my search. I remember reading a novel in the mid-90s, so I'm guessing it was a '70s or '80s release date. I remember one of the character's names was Olympia St. James. She was the sister of the abductor. The main character was a young woman from London who did not want to go forward with the arranged marriage her parents set up with an American living near New Orleans. She ran away and ended up on a ship, and fell in love with the captain, who just happened to be her betrothed. When they landed in New Orleans, he left her alone in the hotel, intending to return and tell her who he was. Instead, his cousin, Olympia's brother, abducted the woman. Does this ring a bell for anyone? I haven't read the novel in almost 20 years and would really like to re-read it. Thanks!

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message 35: by Karla (last edited Dec 23, 2013 02:29PM) (new)

Dec 23, 2013 02:24PM

Hi Krystle! I think it might be In Passion's Shadow by Sandra Dubay.

There's a partially visible version here which appeared in Google results for Olympia's name.

Another option: You can check the Openlibrary link and see if it's available to borrow (if your state participates in the lending program).

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message 36: by Krystle (new)

Dec 24, 2013 08:10AM

Karla, thank you so much! That's it. I immediately recognized the cover of the book.

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message 37: by Nenia ✨ I yeet my books back and forth ✨ (new)

Jan 30, 2014 02:59AM

Nenia ✨ I yeet my books back and forth ✨ Campbell

I'd like to nominate

It's pretty intense. Lots of rape or threats of rape in the beginning. The other love interest gets a hand cut off. And the villain has a necklace woven from the pubes of all the women he's ever slept with.

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message 38: by Elzette (last edited Mar 06, 2014 05:32AM) (new)

Mar 06, 2014 05:27AM

Id like to nominate

Into Passion's Dawn (The Loves of Angela Carlyle, #1) by Michele Dubarry

Across Captive Seas (The Loves of Angela Carlyle, #2) by Michele Dubarry

Toward Love's Horizon (The Loves of Angela Carlyle, #3) by Michele Dubarry

Into Passion's Dawn Across Captive Seas Toward Love's Horizon
I added the series because i haven't read a more violent bodice ripper besides storm fire. The difference is she gives back as good as she gets.
multiple beatings and rapes by different men.
not an easy read. But well worth the experience

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message 39: by Karla (new)

Mar 06, 2014 05:44AM

I just finished reading the first book in that trilogy and I totally agree.

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message 40: by Elzette (new)

Mar 06, 2014 06:03AM

Karla (Mossy Love Grotto) wrote: "I just finished reading the first book in that trilogy and I totally agree."
I think The loves of Angela Carlyle is a very under rated bodice ripper series. It was a very difficult read as she is put through so much violence. But what makes this book stand out from most is that she doesnt seem to swoon for him, instead she fights him, and even shoots him.
Thank you for responding.
I was starting to think i was only person who have read it.
What did you think?

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message 41: by Karla (new)

Mar 06, 2014 06:13AM

I read it more like a trainwreck. The writing overall left me so cold in spots. There were periods of dullness where I wanted the plot to get moving. But then when Scott would show up, things didn't seem to improve in the drama department beyond simple shock value and repetitious back-and-forth/hot-and-cold fighting. It was a mixed bag, though it reminded me greatly of Savage Surrender in tone and the bone-headed determination of the heroine to keep plugging along through various situations.

By the end Scott was giving off the same vibes as Anthony Welles in Devil's Embrace with his "kidnap and rape you til you realize we're made for each other" attitude. I didn't like that book for a wealth of reasons, so it kind of harshed my buzz towards the finale to be reminded of it.

I'm still going to read the rest of the trilogy, though. I had a take a break from it because it exhausted me with its bludgeoning tone of futile bickering and sexual warfare. I thought Angela was constantly vacillating about him (love-hate-love-hate), which sounds like a different take than what you had.

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message 42: by Christina, but with tea (new)

Jul 05, 2014 09:08AM

What about Silver Jasmine by Janet Louise Roberts and Silken Savage by Catherine Hart?

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message 43: by Karla (new)

Jul 05, 2014 12:07PM

I'm familiar with Silken Savage, but what elements make Silver Jasmine bodice rippery?

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message 44: by Christina, but with tea (new)

Jul 05, 2014 08:53PM

If I recall correctly (it's been ages since I read it), the hero wins the heroine in a card game, rapes her, then takes her to America to live on a southern plantation. I think one of the secondary characters is also raped later in the story. There's slavery, murder, and violence, especially against women.

I may not be remembering this bit right or I could be confusing it with another book I read, but I think one of the female characters (a slave) is either scarred on her face or else scarred in some way so that she can't have children. I think the former plantation owner or overseer did this to her.

Like I said, I could be confusing this with another book. I don't have a copy of this anymore, so I can't fact-check. Sorry!

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message 45: by Karla (new)

Jul 05, 2014 09:36PM

I think I have a copy, so I'll thumb through it to make sure, but it sounds good! I'll add it anyway and edit if necessary. :)

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message 46: by [deleted user] (new)

Jan 17, 2015 04:27AM

I can't believe I'm missing out on these great books just because it's written decades before me. :( These books aren't available in print now..... I'm just dissapointed there's no way I can read this unless it's for sale in amazon or something

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message 47: by Karla (new)

Jan 17, 2015 04:39AM

Some of them can be had at book sales or used book stores, if you have those options in your area. Thriftbooks and Abebooks are also good online sources! And the internet has quite a few of the permanently-out-of-print pricey ones. ;)

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message 48: by AlexandraB95 (new)

Mar 18, 2015 10:04AM

The Masquers by Natasha Peters
These Golden Pleasures by Valerie Sherwood
Jasmine on Wind by Mallory Dorn Hart
So Wild a Rapture by Andrea Layton
Lovesong (Song Trilogy #1) by Valerie Sherwood
Imperial Nights by Olivia O'Neill
Dare to Love by Jennifer Wilde
Elena by Marilyn Granbeck

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message 49: by Jessi (last edited Mar 27, 2015 12:53AM) (new)

Mar 27, 2015 12:50AM

I wanna say "LOVE, WILD AND FAIR". But i understand if you don't wanna add it... Not as " SKYE O'MALLEY" seems to be more what your looking for. Maybe i am remembering it wrong but cat certainaly gets passed around a fair bit! OMG! OMG! I forgot to say by bertrice small!! (But i feel like skye omalley is a pretty well known book!! No?)

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message 50: by Haelhaelhael (new)

Nov 06, 2015 04:18AM