The Flame and the Flower

by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
The Flame and the Flower cover
Good Books rating 3.0
Romance
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  • ID: 6480
  • Added: 2025-11-18
  • Updated: 2025-11-18
  • ISBN: 9780061743696
  • Publisher: Harper Collins
  • Published: 2009-03-17
  • Reviews: 3

Heather Simmons, a woman doomed to a life of unending toil, finds herself in a desperate situation that forces her to flee and seek refuge with a virile and dangerous stranger. Captain Brandon Birmingham, a lusty adventurer married to the sea, abducts the beautiful fugitive from the tumultuous London dockside. Determined to make her his own, he carries her off to uncharted realms of sensuous, passionate love. This debut romance by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss is a New York Times bestseller, known for its vivid storytelling and intense emotional depth. The novel explores themes of love, passion, and the transformative power of desire, set against the backdrop of historical adventure.

Reviews
Common Reader · 2022-04-10
pioneering 4.00

The book is credited with revolutionizing the historical romance genre and detailing physical intimacy between protagonists. It is seen as a pioneering work that set new standards for the genre.

This review praises 'The Flame and the Flower' for its pioneering role in the historical romance genre. The reviewer highlights the book's detailed portrayal of physical intimacy between the protagonists, which was groundbreaking at the time. They also note that the book set new standards for the genre, making it a classic that continues to influence romance novels today. The review emphasizes the book's historical significance and its enduring impact on the genre.

Quick quotes

    Woodiwiss is often credited with creating the first bodice ripper or the first 'modern historical romance novel.'

    The book revolutionized the historical romance genre with its detailed portrayal of physical intimacy.

    Its impact on the genre is undeniable, making it a classic that continues to influence romance novels today.

Mrs. Giggle's Book Reviews · 2016-07-20
problematic 2.00

The review criticizes the book's portrayal of rape as romantic and highlights unintentionally humorous moments. The reviewer finds the book problematic but acknowledges its historical significance.

This reviewer takes a critical stance on 'The Flame and the Flower', particularly regarding its portrayal of rape as romantic and acceptable if the perpetrator is attractive and wealthy. They point out several unintentionally humorous moments that detract from the book's serious themes. Despite its problematic content, the reviewer acknowledges the book's historical significance in shaping the romance genre. The review serves as a cautionary tale about the evolution of romance novels and the importance of modern sensibilities in literature.

Quick quotes

    In this story, it seems like rape is only okay, and even romantic, if the rapist is hot and loaded.

    There are also plenty of unintentionally humorous moments that make the book feel more like a parody than a serious romance.

    The book's historical significance cannot be denied, but its content is deeply problematic by today's standards.

All About Romance · 1998-08-25
controversial 3.00

The book is seen as a prototype of the historical romance genre, with dramatic prose and controversial elements. It is noted for its impact on the genre despite its stereotypes.

This review highlights that 'The Flame and the Flower' is a groundbreaking novel that set the stage for the historical romance genre. The reviewer acknowledges its lush, dramatic prose and the novel's significant influence on the genre. However, they also point out that it includes many negative stereotypes, such as ripping bodices and raping heroes, which are now considered controversial. The book's impact on the genre is undeniable, but its content may not align with modern sensibilities.

Quick quotes

    It is a true prototype, complete with ripping bodices, raping heroes, and lush, dramatic prose.

    In fact, every negative stereotype I've ever heard about romance novels is present in this book.

    The book's influence on the genre is undeniable, but its content may not align with modern sensibilities.

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