Rating: 
Summary: What Do Americans Know About Russia
Review: I coudn't even begin to imagine such a dully-packed narrative, especially with "historical" underground. It would be only ridiculous to read about high life of Russian "boyarinas", about counteses and capitans especially of foreign origin in the XVIIth century Russia (!), about large pools in Russian "banya" (bath-houses) and many other absurdities including an awfull story of tsarevich Dimitry killed by his own father Ivan Grosny (in fact, Dimitry was slaughtered some years AFTER his father's death)... But I was deeply offended by the author's neglect to my country and our history. I see that Kathleen Woodiwiss happened to visit Moscow, perhaps, with a group of tourists. But it is the height of impudence to think that this is enough. You, Americans, have no right to say whatever you want about Russia! And if you are not able to read a couple of books before composing your foolish reading-matter for lust, then better write on you own 2-century history. It's much more easier and up to your capabilities.
Rating: 
Summary: A very standard romance book
Review: I expected to like this book. I like the author, I studiedRussian, and enjoy a lot of romance novels. In this story, I find myself having to suspend my disbelief more than I can normally tolerate. (Even disregarding the Russian setting.) And I have to admit, I'm only about a third of the way through and I probably won't finish it. This is highly unusual for me. However, the female character and her circumstances are inconsistent and she tries so hard to be a victim despite the best possible circumstances in her life up to the start of the novel.So far, the premise is that the tsar wants the countess to go live with her (nasty) relatives in Moscow, ostensibly for her protection. Yet she is a wealthy country property owner who has control over her own wealth and properties. The author never explains if she is to become a ward of the aunt and uncle indefinitely or just until she attains her majority. It seems to me that her majority would be in less than a year, and hardly worth the bother to remove her from her properties, the management of which she seems to perform well. If it is indefinitely, this is counter to the terms of her inheritance and nonsensical for the background presented. There is also no explanation as to why her relatives are allowed to set up any sort of marriage agreement. If it is the case that she didn't in fact own the money or property of her inheritance, this makes sense. Her aunt and uncle don't own her property, yet are allowed to sign it away without the tsars input when any other male is required to petition the tsar to ask to date her. This makes no sense. There is never any explanation for why the relations are allowed to keep her a virtual prisoner. One would expect the tsar, who went through the bother of arranging all of this because of his concern for her welfare would at least expect a formal visit, if not also social visits, thereby making sure she gets out of this deus ex machina hellhole. Lastly, she decides to use the English captain in some totally hairbrained scheme. Hairbrained, here, means she wants to set them both up to get caught (not "quite" inflagrante delicto) by known, violent people who have nearly raped and killed her about 4 times by page 200. What does she expect, that they'll all get a good laugh out of this?...
Rating: 
Summary: Oh Dear
Review: I gave this novel the old college try, but it just wasn't working for me. Why, I'm not sure. The writing was too thick instead of being narrative. I did give this two stars for being set in Russia--it always seems like everything is set in England. I made note of the reviewer from Russia and the reviewer who also made note of the Russian reviewer. Myself I haven't studied much about Russia, but I did think the names were rather odd. Really, if you're going to the trouble of writing a huge novel, what does it take to spend a day or two in the library researching yourself?
Rating:
Summary: Sorry Ms. Woodiwiss, not this time.
Review: I have been a Woodiwiss fan for many years, but this book just didn't do it for me. The main characters continually torture each other. Synnovea even allows Tyrone to be whipped and beaten after SHE tries to seduce HIM, yet in the end they find an undying love between them. Come on! One minute they're at each other's throats then the next they fall into bed together and declare their undying love. Synnovea was a spoiled, immature, selfish brat who treated him horribly. Tyrone seemed to lack the self respect required to save himself and get away from her. I had a hard time finishing this one, and had it not been for "Petals On The River" or "A Rose in Winter", I may not have been trusting enough to read other Woodiwiss books. Too many great stories (many by Woodiwiss) available to warrant struggling through this one.
Rating:
Summary: I absolutely loved this book, just wonderful.
Review: I haven,t read a historical romance novel in a very long time. I started reading them when i was in High School. I just thought they were younger women. But 20 years later let me try to read Kathleen Woodiwiss again and she still didn't disappointment me. Romance is not dead.
Rating: 
Summary: A rare one
Review: I titled my review „A rare one" because I was pleased to read a romance finally not situated in England, but in other country. I appreciate it, but I agree with the reviewer from Russia, who wasn't content with the names of the main heroes. I couldn't get used to such a hard name - Tyrone - and what about Synnovea ... WHAT'S THIS??? I studied Russian for 5 years, half of my life I was living in a communist country and never heard such an absurd name!!! Why not Elizaveta, Natasha, Alexandra, Tamara, maybe Anastacia or Katarina? And the second names - well again I agree with Maria from Moscow: I don't know whether Woodiwiss wanted to write father's names (because Russian are addressed with given name and father's name) or surnames. If she wanted to use surnames, she shouldn't have written „Andrejevna" (because that's father's name), but „Andrejevova", not „Zenkovna" but „Zenkovova", not „Taraslovna" but „Taraslovova". Fortunately in Slovak we have it correctly, as surnames. In spite of that fact, the story is interesting and I would welcome more romances situated in non-English-speaking countries. But I think it takes to know something about their history - I think the good example of US-writers is Bertrice Small, her „Adora" introduces real historical events and real historical characters. Sometimes it would be nice to put more history into HISTORICAL romance, what do you say, Ms. Woodiwiss? (I'm not talking about „The wolf and the dove", „So worthy my love" or „Ashes in the wind", of course.) Please think about it. PS: Potential readers, be warned: there are two editions of this book, and the second one is a bit different from the first one, especially in the second part of the book. My review refers to the first one, but as I read both of them, I can compare and recommend the first one. It's more realistic - especially within Synnovea and Tyrone's relationship and also more witty. But if you prefer more erotic scenes, read the second one. Or read them both and then decide, which one is better.
Rating:
Summary: very disappointed
Review: I'd advise the authour to read at least a book on Russian history before taking such arrogance and write "historical" novels. It's rudiculouse to read about socializing "boyarinas" and pools in Russian banyas (bathhouses). It was much more fun to understand that the authour doesn't even realize the difference between Russian first-name, father's-name and family name, not speaking about the fact that she investigated absolutely absurd names for the characters. So, the fiction is a coplete slapdash and besides, it is absolutely boring, vulgar and in fact, serves only for shameless lust.
Rating: 
Summary: Not the Woodiwiss I remember
Review: Maybe my memory is just fading with age, but I remember Kathleen Woodiwiss' books having much more passion and excitement than this one. Going back 20 or so years ago, Woodiwiss and Rosemary Rogers were my favorite historical romance writers. The hardback book was over 500 pages. I enjoyed about the first 350 pages but then I just couldn't wait to finish it. I bought it while on vacation as a used library edition for $1.75. Since it was no big investment, I left it in the hotel for the maid. I was disappointed in this book. I think I'll re-read by favorite Woodiwiss, Shanna.
Rating:
Summary: You might want to pass this one up.
Review: Sorry, but I am agreeing with several of the other reviews who don't seem to care for this book too much. I got lost in the detail. I questioned the names, and the bathhouse seemed to be the most popular of places in this book. I loved the idea of the setting being Russia instead of England. I have always enjoyed Woodwiss books but this is definitely not my favorite.
Rating:
Summary: Great male character
Review: When Synnovea's wards try to marry her off to an old man, Synnovea looks to Colonel Rycroft to ruin her reputation and prevent the match. Her deceit, however, turns the love the Colonel felt for her into rage, and she must live with the consequences of her actions or try to win his heart again. This is the standard Woodiwiss fare: tempestuous and well done. Synnovea is not one of my favorite Woodiwiss characters, but our cheers go to the Colonel. As usual, a lively side character, Natasha, adds some spark to an otherwise lackluster story line.
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