Kathleen Woodiwiss | Romance novelist, 68

Kathleen Woodiwiss, 68, a pioneer of the modern historical romance novel marked by strong heroines, detailed period settings, and steamy sex scenes, has died.

Mrs. Woodiwiss died Friday of cancer at a hospital in Princeton, Minn., her son, Sean Woodiwiss, said.

Her first book, The Flame and the Flower, became an instant best-seller in 1972.

Mrs. Woodiwiss published 13 novels during the last 35 years, and all made the New York Times list of best-sellers, her publisher said. Her books featured longer plots, controversial situations and characters, and impassioned sex scenes. - AP