Do you read *gasp* Romance Novels???

[Sha259]

Okay,

Following along the other "what are you reading" thread I feel guilty because I have no grand enlightening book to add to the list. I hate non-fiction, and like either exciting or relaxing reading. And I refuse to believe that I am the ONLY one who reads romance. :rolleyes:

So who else reads romance novels? Who have you read? Which author is your favorite, your least favorite? What genre of romance do you love?

And if no one responds I will know that I am all alone, and sulk away. :p

[camberne]

I'm all about the "lurid novels" as my 10th grade English teacher referred to my reading. :) I love Jude Deveraux and Brenda Joyce among the many!

[paiger]

you are not alone!! i happen to love to take a long bath w/ a good romance novel. it's the best. i haven't read one in a while, b/c once i start reading one, i can't put it down until i'm done. i'll stay up all night reading!! i don't do this w/ any other type of book except a Mary Higgins Clark mystery. they are just such an easy read and a totally mindless escape!

i really have enjoyed reading Nora Roberts especially her trilogy the Jewels of the Sun, Tears of the Moon and Heart of the Sea. Do you know what I'm talking about? They are set in Ireland (which I'm a big fan of). I also like Lauren Royal who wrote Emerald, Amber and Amethyst. Also, Elizabeth Lowell's Pearl Cove, Midnight in Ruby Bayou and Amber Beach. (I've been on amazon looking up author's and titles, just so you know.) I also really like Catherine Coulter, but can't remember the titles.

There are several other authors that I like, but I can't remember names right now or titles. These that I own, I also reread and reread!

As you can see from my books, I definitely have a type. I like historical romance novels or ones w/ a mystery w/ it...it's even better if it's both. I also look for books over 300 pages that are all about 2 people (not the 3 in one trilogies), since it takes me no time to read them. However, I do like trilogies that are in different books like the groups above.

So, I'm a RN junkie, myself. I've joined several libraries just for borrowing RN, since the cost can really add up for me b/c I read them so fast.

[Amaye]

<raising hand> I am a romance novel reader and am very proud of it! :D I usually have one with the really cheesy covers but I am done with hiding them away.

My favorite authors are:

Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz (same person)
Linda Howard
Stephanie Laurens
Lori Foster
Julia Quinn
Julia Garwood
Mary Balogh
Sherrilyn Keynon (alternative romance)

For some reason, l have never really gotten into Nora Roberts though l like her books under the name J.D. Robb. I love historical romances but with very strong and assertive heroines. I like some modern day but am specific to the author.

[scarlett]

I read them. I go in cycles with them though. Sometime they get a little repetitive for me so I have to stop for a while and read some other kind of book. Right now my favorite author is Victoria Alexandria. I love when an author writes a bunch of books and some of the peripherial characters are the same. Or when the couple of one book makes a guest appearence in another.

[hockeybrat]

I used to love the historical romance novels. Judith McNaught was really good, it brought tears to my eyes a couple of times.

[Sha259]

Ahhh, so I am not alone. How good it feels to know that :p I am a romance novel junkie. But I must admit, like scarlett said, I go into cycles. I alternate reading them with Dean Koontz. I also try to vary in the authors I read, but I must admit I started with what I consider the "classic" romance authors: Jude Deveraux, Katherine Woodwiss, Nora Roberts, and Sandra Brown (although I really am not much of a Brown fan now).

Now I try to stay fairly loyal to my favorite authors Catherine Coulter, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Shannon Drake (aka Heather Graham Pozzessere), and Johanna Lindsey. However, I will not deny I have Bertrice Small, Susan Johnson, Thea Devine, and Robin Schone in my collection (all the naughty authors).

I was a loyal member of my neighborhood free library until DH and I moved, now I have to get aquainted with my new library, so I can start checking out their inventory.

ardathpaige

I've joined several libraries just for borrowing RN, since the cost can really add up for me b/c I read them so fast.
You ain't lying. :rolleyes:

i really have enjoyed reading Nora Roberts especially her trilogy the Jewels of the Sun, Tears of the Moon and Heart of the Sea. Do you know what I'm talking about?
I sure do, I have read all three, and my favorite of all was tears of the moon. I actually bought that book, and for me, the Free Library Queen, that is saying alot. It was such a sweet story *sigh*.

Also, Elizabeth Lowell's Pearl Cove, Midnight in Ruby Bayou and Amber Beach.
Read those too. I love books that come in trilogies, because that usually means the characthers get to develop over the course of all of the books.

And I totally agree with getting books with 300+ pages. Usually, anything less means that there is not much charachter development, and/or the story gets cut short.

Oh, and my very first romance novel was Jude Deveraux's "A Knight in Shining Armor", when I was 16. That book blew me away, I love it so much that I still go back and read it from time to time.

[Katy]

I used to love to read Catherine Coulter and Heather Graham (although since the onslaught of ChickLit, I've not gone back to them). I do still read Nora Roberts. I see she has a new series out (I tend to wait until the second book is out before I start so I can devour them without so much time in between). I loved her Three Sisters Triogy - it was one of my faves. Otherwise, I'm a pure, unadulturated fan of chicklit! :D

[evagatesgreen2]

I used to read bodice rippers. :o I haven't touched them in a while but have a bookcase full of them. Thank you Friends of the Library book sale. :p

I read Nora Roberts books for the most part. I just finished Montana Sky but my favorites are the Three Sisters and the Quinn brothers series. :)

[jennylou]

I like a good Danielle Steele book. :)

As well as a few of the other authors mentioned here.

I like to buy books from the goodwill for a quarter. I've picked up some decent ones and some really bad romance ones. Oh well, such is life. :)

[bookworm]

I see she has a new series out (I tend to wait until the second book is out before I start so I can devour them without so much time in between).

I've read the first two in this "garden" series, and although I am a devote of the trashy novel, this series is poor. I've read them, I'll read the 3rd...but get them from the library or a used bookstore.

I got started on trashy novels via Jude Deveraux as well...mine was "Sweet Liar," and I still re-read it occasionally.

[camberne]

Originally posted by Sha259:
Oh, and my very first romance novel was Jude Deveraux's "A Knight in Shining Armor", when I was 16. That book blew me away, I love it so much that I still go back and read it from time to time.That is one of my favorite books. I've read it a few times!!

My first romance (I was 15, and it was given to me by a friend's mother) was "Once More, Miranda" by Jennifer Wilde. I still have that book!! I also loved Bertrice Small's "Skye O'Malley". Should I be hideously embarrassed to admit that my son is named after Geoffrey Southwood's character? I fell in love with the name Geoffrey after reading that book in the 9th grade.

[Kaleidoscope]

Okay...I'll admit it, I like to read *gasp* romance novels from time to time. I absolutely LOVE Johanna Lindsey and anything from Amanda Quick before the year 2000 when she started to write mysteries that I just couldn't get into...

[evagatesgreen2]

Has anyone read books by LaVyrle Spencer ?

[bookworm]

Has anyone read books by LaVyrle Spencer ?

I have! Separate Beds was my favorite. I read a few, but at some point I stopped liking them. Maybe it's time to try one again...

[quest]

I like Susan Elizabeth Phillips. The first book I read of hers is still one of my faves...Fancy Pants. She's coming out with a new one Aug. 9th and I'm trying to tell myself that I really should wait for paperback or see if the library gets it. But it's another one related to the Chicago Stars and I just *heart* those :o

[evagatesgreen2]

I have! Separate Beds was my favorite. I read a few, but at some point I stopped liking them. Maybe it's time to try one again...

I haven't read that one yet. The first book I read by her was Morning Glory and I've read That Camden Summer and Small Town Girl.

[Sha259]

Originally Posted by camberne
My first romance (I was 15, and it was given to me by a friend's mother) was "Once More, Miranda" by Jennifer Wilde. I still have that book!! I also loved Bertrice Small's "Skye O'Malley". Should I be hideously embarrassed to admit that my son is named after Geoffrey Southwood's character? I fell in love with the name Geoffrey after reading that book in the 9th grade.

Wow, now that's what I call reader dedication! :p But Geoffrey is a very genteel, sophisticated name. The only thing that gets me about Bertrice Small's stories, is that no woman can stay with the same guy throughout her life. Either they die young of some tragic accident, or the heroine gets kidnapped somehow and eventually has to cheat on her husband.:rolleyes: I would like it if just once, there could be some fidelity on the part of the female lead.

Oh, and I still have the same copy of Kight in Shining Armor thatI read all those years ago. The pages are yellowing, and it is on its way to falling apart it has been read so much.

[Jane&Andy]

I love cheesey romance books! :o :p :)

My favorite authors:

Catherine Coulter
Johanna Lindsay
Katherine Woodiwiss
Bertrice Small
Lavryle Spencer
Judith McNaught
Celeste DeBlasis
Lael St. James (I think she's also Linda Lael Miller)

And I know I've read some by Julia Quinn and Julie Garwood but I can't think of their specific books right now.

I pretty much read only historical romances. I got started on Danielle Steele but haven't read her books in years and years.

[hub1176]

I do! My first novel was a Catherine Coulter but then (and I forget the title) she had two first cousins get married and I just could wrap myself around that :eek:

Jude Deveraux & Julie Garwood are my favorites.

[Sha259]

hub - I know what book that was too. It was the Wyndham Legacy, where Marcus marries the Duchess. I always thought that was alittle strange, but chalked it up to the fact that it was a period romance, and that sort of stuff happend back then anyway.

[evagatesgreen2]

Has anyone read A Share of Earth and Glory?

[ginastorm]

DH teases me because I read romance books. I love Nora Roberts & Jude Devereaux. I haven't found a new author that I like in quite a while. I'll have to check out some the authors that you guys recommended! I'm a sucker for a time travel story.

[Sha259]

eva - I haven't heard of that book...who wrote it??

[evagatesgreen2]

Katherine Giles wrote it. It's an older book I can't remember where I found my copy. I tried finding info on it from Amazon and the best I could find was a review which doesn't go into details. :(

Excellent book!, July 18, 2000

I read this book when I was a senior in high school, I had checked it out of the library. I'm 31 now and to this day I still remember how much I loved it and how much it affected me. It is pure humanity; all the joys, sorrows, hopes, dreams, pain, and wonder of being human and experiencing life. The good as well as the bad. It is one of the purest, most incredible love stories I have ever read or seen in any movie. I had forgotten the title of this book, I could not remember it regardless of how hard I tried. Sadly, I was unable to ever find it again. Today, I was browsing through my journal from high school, and to my delight, I wrote how much I was enjoying the book and yes-it's title was there! Here is the excerpt from my journal: "I'm reading this book that I checked out at the school library a few days ago. It's so wonderful! It's one of the best books I've ever read in my life (and reading is my passion). And it's so sad. I cried. That's how sad it was. It's called, 'A Share of Earth & Glory.' It's beautiful! I love it. I have been going to bed at about 2 a.m. every night because of it. It's great." I put in an order immediately and I will treasure my very own copy and reading it again for the first time!

[Sha259]

evagatesgreen2 - Thats great that you found your long lost favorite book!!! Make sure to take very good care of it so that it will last you for years. I may have to see if I can find this book now. It sounds fantastic. :)

[bethnjim]

Yes, I do read romance novels...GASP!! My favorite authors are:

1. Julie Garwood
2. Johanna Lindsey
3. Joan Wolf

[hub1176]

It was the Wyndham Legacy, where Marcus marries the Duchess. I always thought that was alittle strange, but chalked it up to the fact that it was a period romance, and that sort of stuff happend back then anyway.

That's it! It wouldn't have been so bad except she keeps pointing out that their first cousins - maybe my family is unusally close but my first male cousins are like brothers to me :eek:

although I don't consider her "true" romance(no bodice ripping :D ) Rosamunde Pilcher is sometimes classified as such and she is my favorite.

[Heather719]

Originally posted by Sha259:
Oh, and my very first romance novel was Jude Deveraux's "A Knight in Shining Armor", when I was 16. That book blew me away, I love it so much that I still go back and read it from time to time.

This was my first romance, as well. Honestly, it's still my favorite romantic novel! I'm a sucker for:

- Sandra Brown
- Nora Roberts
- Jude Deveraux
- Judith McNaught
- Catherine Coulter (her contemporary novels- can't stand her historical stuff).
- Linda Leal Miller (love Pirates)

Basically I'll read just about anything as long as it's well written. I cannot stand cheesy dialogue OR those terrible novels were the maiden gets abducted and raped but falls in love with her captor. There is nothing romantic about that. Historical or contemporary setting doesn't matter to me as long as the characters are compelling.

[evagatesgreen2]

Basically I'll read just about anything as long as it's well written. I cannot stand cheesy dialogue OR those terrible novels were the maiden gets abducted and raped but falls in love with her captor. There is nothing romantic about that. Historical or contemporary setting doesn't matter to me as long as the characters are compelling.

I can't stand those either! I've picked up a few books that have that "type" of romance. :mad:

[paiger]

My first romantic books were Harlequin's. A girl in my 8th grade social studies class would bring them to school and let me borrow them. I could read one a day pretty much. I used to always get caught reading it instead of my actual reading assignment in class!! I don't know how she got them. Then, she gave me one of the ones w/ the raunchy covers in like 9th grade. I don't remember the name, but it was captivating for me eventhough I know it was cheesy. I loved it, and my mom took it away from me when she saw it in my bedroom. Later on in high school, I found that book in Walmart and bought it and finished it. From then on, I would just get ones w/o the crazy covers.

The night this thread was started DH and I were flying back to my hometown. The Raleigh airport has a used bookstore that we walked down to visit. I had forgotten about alot of authors that I saw there, and I come back to the thread to see that y'all have mentioned them.

I'm glad to know that I've read popular authors without knowing they were popular!! I am going to have to join the library here in Raleigh, b/c now I have a hankering for a new book. I haven't read a romance novel since I got married a year ago.

Someone mentioned ~ Nora Roberts Montana Sky ~ I saw this in the bookstore. Is it good? I did like her book 'the Villa'. It looked long, which is right up my alley.

Anyone else, what are some good ones to get back into the Romance Novel world? I do love a good historical romance story as well!

[evagatesgreen2]

I wasn't that impressed with Montana Sky. :( First off a bit gory for my tastes. And in my opinion it would have been easier to care about the characters if it had been spread out over three books. Also I am comparing it to the other Nora Roberts books I've read where she goes more into character development. It reads as if she wasn't trying very hard on this one.

[paiger]

I wasn't that impressed with Montana Sky. :( First off a bit gory for my tastes. And in my opinion it would have been easier to care about the characters if it had been spread out over three books. Also I am comparing it to the other Nora Roberts books I've read where she goes more into character development. It reads as if she wasn't trying very hard on this one.
thanks!! maybe it is a new style of hers, b/c while i liked the Villa, i can also see where it was lacking in character development. you only got a brief feel for each character instead of really getting to know 2 or 3 characters.

[evagatesgreen2]

I read The Villa as well. :) My mom and I swap Nora Roberts books all the time. Have you read the Ireland series? Born in Fire, Born in Ice and Born in Shame? My mom loaned the set to me and I can't decide if I like it as much as I do the others.

And I was just on Amazon, I am really behind on her latest releases.

[paiger]

I read The Villa as well. :) My mom and I swap Nora Roberts books all the time. Have you read the Ireland series? Born in Fire, Born in Ice and Born in Shame? My mom loaned the set to me and I can't decide if I like it as much as I do the others.

And I was just on Amazon, I am really behind on her latest releases.
I have picked those books up so many times, but they seem so short. I said in my first post that the Jewels of the Sun, etc Ireland series is some of my all time favorites, so I have never been able to get myself excited about reading that Ireland series. If I got it from the library, I would read it as Ireland is one of my fave locations for Romance Novels, but I definitely wouldn't buy them.

[evagatesgreen2]

There was one set I bought as one big book, can't remember the name right now but I couldn't get into it. I'm always a bit disappointed when I read a new book by an author I like and it doesn't quite live up to the standard of their old ones. :o

[bethnjim]

Does anyone want to "trade" their romance books?? I have quite a few Joan Wolf's that I would be willing to trade.

[Jane&Andy]

I would. But since there is a new "Swap" section in the classifieds forum we should probably post a Romance Book Swap in there instead of here.

[Katyanne]

I can't believe it took me so long to find this thread!!

I used to read Catherine Coulters novels just because my name is only a few letters different ;)

I have three all time favorite authors, I guess these authors could be described as alternative. They don't write the "typical" romance, it involves vampires, trolls, fairies and other types of fantasy.. I really enjoy them and suggest these authors to everyone.
Sherrilynn Kenyon
Christine Feehan
Melanie Jackson

Katie

[LittleFredPunkinHead]

I like a good regency romance... They're getting harder and harder to find though.
My favorite romance authors are Georgette Heyer, Mary Balogh, Joan Smith, and Patricia Veryan. Well, and of course, the best of the best, Jane Austen. ;)

[alootikki]

LittleFred , try Marion Chesney too. She's a Regency author with a good (if predictable) sense of humor. The School for Manners and Six Sisteres series were my favorites!

[mierin]

Okay, I admit it. :o I started reading romance novels when I was in seventh grade. I don't read much anymore, but I have a large collection of favorites.

When Jude Deveraux is good, she's wonderful. I've read A Knight in Shining Armor many many times. My copy is falling apart. When I'm feeling dirty, I read a little Bertrice Small. I actually just picked up her new one, which is going to be a fantasy series, and it wasn't bad. Penelope Williamson has had some really great ones, but I haven't seen anything new from her in ages. I have almost everything ever written by Judith McNaught, but I like her older stuff better. I also like some of Johanna Lindsey's books and I have most of Elizabeth Lowell's books, but mostly like her older novels. Especially the Untamed series.

Oh! I almost forgot Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I love Fancy Pants, Honey Moon and Hot Shot. Especially Hot Shot.

[Jane&Andy]

Other authors I like:

Lisa Kleypas
Stephanie Laurens

[MsPeachy]

Ahhh - women after my own heart. :) I love romance novels and "bodice rippers" even if they can be repetitive or formulaic. IMO, that's part of the charm. I don't really get into chick-lit or anything heavy so I guess that's why I like the escapism in these types of stories.

I would have to say my favorite genre is Victorian or Historical romance. I also have a special soft spot for those stories featuring studly Scots (thank you Outlander series for this! ) I've read and enjoyed some Nora Roberts but tend to stay away from stories set in modern times.

Fave Authors include:
Kat Martin
- My favorite of hers is Night Secrets which is a reimagining of the story behind the song Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)

Karen Marie Moning
- All good time traveling romance involving strapping Scots ;)

For humorous, contemporary romance, I like Katie MacAllister

And I recently read a novel called The Dark Queen by Susan Carroll which was a historical romance set in late 16th century France and involving the rule of Catherine de Medici and some magic/mysticism. It was the first in a series about 3 sisters so I'm probably going to check out the other 2 as well.

[kanga1622]

Romance novels are all that I read. I just need an escape into a happier world.

My fave authors are:
Catherine Coulter
Julie Garwood
Dorothy Garlock
Nora Roberts
early Sandra Brown
Jayne Ann Krentz

I love the Sherbrooke and Nightengale serieses by Catherine Coulter. Someday I'm going to own all of them so I can read them over and over.

Most of my books come from the free section at the library. (There is one rack that people donate books to and other patrons can take the books home with no due date. I'm horrible at remembering due dates.) I'm also quite the junkie at rummage sales during the summer. Last weekend I got 8 books for $1 and I've already read 6 of them. :o When I finish with them, I try to donate 80% of them to the free section of the library for others to enjoy. :)

[mierin]

I also have a special soft spot for those stories featuring studly Scots (thank you Outlander series for this! )
Jamie is the hottest Scott there is, without a doubt. :D

[Sha259]

Strapping Scots...Outlander series??? What on earth have I been missing??? :eek: I too have an afinity to stories set in the Scottish days of old. :o I tend to lean toward regency or historical romance, but I am not averse to a really good contemporary.

I love the Sherbrooke and Nightengale serieses by Catherine Coulter. Someday I'm going to own all of them so I can read them over and over.

I think I have all those books!! I won't lie, Catherine Coulter writes a mean historical romance, you know, the kind you might actually pay full price for once in a while.

When Jude Deveraux is good, she's wonderful.
Don't I know it!! I think that is the reason I own so many of her books. However, I must say, the newer ones are leaving much to be desired :rolleyes: I don't know what happened to her. Anyway, After Knight in Shining Armor, I think Rememberance has to be my next favorite Jude book. The ending was alittle too weak for my taste, but the story in between had me straight up bawling!! I guess for that I can forgive that wussy ending, I guess.

[mierin]

Strapping Scots...Outlander series??? What on earth have I been missing???
Outlander is the first book in an ongoing series by Diana Gabaldon. The last couple books have been a little slower, but the first few are great. It's sort of a time travel/historical romance, but there's a LOT of history and they don't really fall under your usual Romance heading, although they're with the other romance novels in the bookstore. You need to at least read the first one. So good.

Don't I know it!! I think that is the reason I own so many of her books. However, I must say, the newer ones are leaving much to be desired
I meant to add that when Jude Deveraux is bad, she's really terrible. Not just kind of bad, but I-can't-even-finish-this-book bad. I loved Rememberance and The Conquest and some other ones that I can't remember.

[MsPeachy]

Jamie is the hottest Scott there is, without a doubt. :D
Oh my Dear - you are sooooooo right! Yummy! :D

[vikib]

Honestly I go through cycles too. I don't really like non-fiction either. I subscribed to Harlequin Historicals a few years ago and I got 6 books a month for like $13. I still have at least 30 of them I haven't read to i put my subscription on hold until I read them all. I'm not picky about authors, I'll read anything, but I'm more into the historical ones rather than current time ones.

[vikib]

Oh, and I got through the first book in the Outlander series after I read so many great reviews and then I bought the whole series and got my mom hooked on them too. I'm just starting the second book. Can't wait to get through it!

[MsPeachy]

I don't think there's too many people who haven't gotten hooked on Outlander ;)

If any of you read The Other Boelyn Girl, would you classify it as a romance? I'm not sure if I think it is or if it just falls into regular historical fiction.

[jen]

Barbara Delinsky is GREAT! I think she started out way more romancy than she's ended up.... I really enjoy her books.

[Renrel]

I am was a rhetoric and lit major in college and love love love books. It is always a bit of an emotional stuggle for me to put down my book when DH turns to me at night for some affection. I do enjoy classics and "good books" but I also am slight embarrassed to admit love the occassion really really bad romance novel. I particularly like the ones that deal with magic, time travel and other worlds and I usually pick them up at the drug store for under $5. I actually converted a relative recently. On vacation she finally realized that as wonderful as a "good" book (like the biography she had taken with her) can be sometimes it is nice to not really think at all and just excape into a easy to follow story with no symbolizm or hidden meaning or anything and that is what she read on the beach. Good for her!

[Jane&Andy]

I wouldn't say The Other Boleyn Girl was a romance. But it was an excellent book. I'd call it historical fiction, like you said.

I love the Outlander books too. :)

[bookworm]

Renrel, if you like time travel romances, I have to recommend A Knight in Shining Armor (which has been mentioned on this thread) by Jude Devereaux. She has another time travel one too, but I can't remember the name of it (I do remember it being not quite as entertaining, so perhaps I have blocked it out...).

[curlyjr]

I admit it, I read romance novels too, I love Nora Roberts books, though I do get annoyed at her inconsistancies and repetive phrases at times. I love holiday romance novels the most I think, not sure why, I will admit, maybe it's weird but I often skip the sex scenes, especially in Nora Roberts books.

[cowgirl]

I have been reading alot of Nora Roberts books because I love series and she has a few trilogy or series. I have also enjoyed Elizabeth Lowell and Sandra Brown.

[Kaleidoscope]

I just wanted to say thanks to the ladies that mentioned Julie Garwood. I was starting to run out of books to read from my favorite authors so I decided to try Julie Garwood based on several mentions in this thread and I really enjoyed her work (I read Saving Grace).

Can't wait to read my next Garwood novel :)

Thanks again!

[ktina0803]

Raising my hand. I can't remember when I read my first book. But my favorite author is Julia Quinn - I love her Bridgerton series. I have a book store around the corner from me that I can buy the books used at a discount and then sell them back. Unfortunately the library near me doesn't really carry romance books.

My favorite authors are:

Julia Quinn
Victoria Alexander
Stephanie Laurens

[LynzeyAHL]

My husband calls them my mindless brain fluff novels but I usually throw one in between a few hard reads just to give my brain a break. I have loved sandra brown/erin sinclair since high school. I've read almost all of Lavyrl Spencer's stuff too. I like how Sandra B has changed from just romance to some mystery to her plots recently though. Make for a good who done it.

[evagatesgreen2]

I was straightening up yesterday and pulled out one of my "bodice ripper" books to read. :o

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0821760556.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIlitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,32,-59_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Rebel Heart (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0821760556/qid=1124211139/sr=8-4/ref=pd_bbs_4/103-6017131-1552605?v=glance&s=books&n=507846)

[gnatters]

I admit, I an yet another Jude Deveraux fan. I have to say her older books were much more...um...graphic then her later ones. The book which hooked me with her style was The Conquest which I "borrowed" my mother's copy at 15 on a trip and began reading that. I actually completed my collection of Jude Deveraux and have all of her works.

Other others I love are Judith McNaught and the Nora Roberts books of the scottish family that lived in Cape Cod (the name of the series escapes me at the moment.).

One other whom I have fallen in love with is Josie Litton. She is fairly new to the romance scene and has only written nine books, but she writes in trilogies. Her first trilogy inolves with Vikings and Norman England. It's not too often a romance author writes in that time period. She is due for her next trilogy soon...but I can't find a confirmation of the new book street date.

~Natalie

[bunnybeth]

I used to read romance novels practically non-stop back in high school and college days. But now my book-borrowing-and-giving friends have moved far away and I'm left with what the library has and what I can find second-hand. I tend to like historical stuff, especially Regency.

Absolute favorites:
Julie Garwood
Carla Kelly

I also will read just about any Signet Regency Romance. Those tend to be tame and not at all graphic, but still have all the fluffy, cheesy, romance novel goodness.

[twinnyme]

I admit that I have, and still occasionally do. Read a ton of them in high school and college, and occasionally since - particularly on the subway/public transportation - easy reading, though I always pick less risque covered ones! I have liked Catherine Coulter and can't think of the others off the top of my head....

[mrsface]

I'm not normally a romance reader, but due to some weird circumstances, started and am having fun.

The wife of one of my husband's professors is a writer. She recently needed some help designing the cover of her latest book, so she asked DH to work with her. (We're pretty friendly with both professor and wife etc) DH worked for a day or so, playing around in Photoshop and came up with a cover design that she absolutely loved and that will probably be the final product. So, yes, my husband designs romance novel covers....

Anyway, her name is Lynn Kurland and her books are fun- she has a very witty writing style and the books are very smart. I found myself laughing out loud a number of times and wanting to read lines to DH.

As soon as my library re-opens I think I'll check out some of the other authors you've all recommended. Sometimes a girl just needs to read fluff, right?

[Call_Me_Scarlett]

Stephanie Laurens is one of my favorites. I've been reading her books for years. Sigh, if only I could find myself a nice, tall, dark, & handsome Cynster male of my own. ;)

[MsPeachy]

Sometimes a girl just needs to read fluff, right? Exactly!! I always try to put a romance or two in between my more "serious" books. You can't be all serious all the time - where's the fun in that?

mrsface - That's cool about your hubby & your friend. I'll add her to my list of authors. Are her books modern romances or historical?

If I were a writer, I would want to write romance novels. I think it would be fun :D

[mrsface]

MsPeachy ~ Ummm, the ones I've read were both modern and historical- set in today but then the time warps get them... One of my favorite lines is- "I liked you better in the Middle Ages." :p

Lynn actually hates being labeled as a Romance Novelist, because she thinks they're historical fiction with a romantic twist.

[MsPeachy]

MsPeachy ~ Ummm, the ones I've read were both modern and historical- set in today but then the time warps get them... One of my favorite lines is- "I liked you better in the Middle Ages." :p

Oooo - I love time travel ones!! :D

[MsPeachy]

After seeing all of the different authors and stories suggested here, I was curious about something and thought I'd pose it to you all as a sort of discussion topic.

For you, what elements make a good romance novel? What should the story have to make you put it in your "keeper" or reread list? Based on that, is there anything you look for as you're browsing for a new book to pick up?

I have my own answers of course, but I want to give you guys a chance to pipe in first. ;)

[mierin]

For you, what elements make a good romance novel? What should the story have to make you put it in your "keeper" or reread list? Based on that, is there anything you look for as you're browsing for a new book to pick up?
I actually find it very difficult to find books like I like. Once I stumble on an author that I enjoy, I tend to read everything she's written. I think there are a lot of really awful romance writers and I sometimes wonder how they get published. I think the most important thing to me is a skillful writer and a good, engrosing story line. After that, there needs to be chemistry between the leads and, maybe this is just me, but I like a good love scene. I can't STAND it when the rest of the book is good, but the author just skips over the sex or it's written poorly.

[Sha259]

I haven't been over to see this thread in ages and am oh so pleased that it hasn't died!!!:D

For you, what elements make a good romance novel? What should the story have to make you put it in your "keeper" or reread list? Based on that, is there anything you look for as you're browsing for a new book to pick up?
I tend to be very particular about what I am looking for in a book. And because of this I tend to not be as adventurous in seeking out new authors. If I have read a good book by a particular author, I will read most of their books.
It needs to be a very well developed storyline, no little 150 pg book for me. I like for the male and femal leads to build a history in the story (which is one of the reasons I like series novels). Fantastic chemistry is a must, I mean it is fantasy right? And yes, at least one good love scene, because it isn't realistic to have two people be so madly in love and lust and have them not do it. I like to feel as if I am getting to know the characters as people. I love a book when you are reading and you think to yourself, "oh lord I just know the male lead is going to flip out over this". You sort of become attached to the charachters, and that is why I think you would keep a book to read over and over.

On another topic:
I went to my neighborhood library the other day and got a library card. Well, needless to say they have a really crappy fiction selection in general, and a dismal romance selection in particular. I hate to say that I think I will have to resign myself to buying new books.:( The Philadelphia Free Library had such a good stock of romance novels. They always had what was new like a month after it came out in store. Why oh why did I leave the city!!!:(

[Rose]

Well, needless to say they have a really crappy fiction selection in general, and a dismal romance selection in particular. I hate to say that I think I will have to resign myself to buying new books

My local library doesn't have a great selection either, but I can request anybook from the county libraries and pick it up at my local one. Maybe yours has that option.

[Etoile]

I love romance novels too! I like Jackie Collins, Jude Devereaux, and Danielle Steel.

I have a theory that reading a lot of romance novels opens you up to romance in your life. When I met DH, I had been reading a lot of romance novels for the month previous.

[MsPeachy]

Since it isn't fair for me to ask a question without answering it too, I'll add my 2 cents.

For me, a good romance has to be a total escape. I don't want to see the characters deal with the same trials and tribulations I would have to deal with in real life. There has to be some element of unattainable fantasy. I have to fall in love with the characters and want to see them end up together. I hate wishy-washy female leads too. The story must have good, well written love scenes. If I don't feel a little hot and bothered after reading one, then that's not living up to expectations. ;)

Like many of you, once I find an author whose style I enjoy, I will continue reading their books. I find the romance section of a book store to be a bit daunting because there are so many choices and there's such a possibility of hit or miss when trying someone new. Sometimes good cover art can inspire me to buy. I also research authors and stories on Amazon.com because you can read reviews, synopses, and sometimes excerpts from the book.

Sha - Have you looked for a used book store or book exchange? You might be able to find a better selection than at the library.

Side Note: Has anyone ever read the Beauty series by A. N. Roquelaure (aka Anne Rice) ? It's not for everyone as it's a little, er, rough but it is interesting.

[Sha259]

MsPeachy - I have a thrift store close to my home that I go to every now and then, but they are hit or miss on the romance section. Mostly all they carry are the 100 page Harlequin novels.:rolleyes:

And no I haven't read the Beauty series by Anne Rice, but I am an Anne Rice lover, so it is on my list of somedays. My mother has read it and told me it was really interesting, raunchy, and waaaayy sexual. I, however, cannot seem to find those books anywhere except at select book stores. I am cheap so I really don't want to have to buy them.

[kanga1622]

The most important part of the story for me is to feel like the characters are real. I don't need all the day to day random crap, just something that helps me relate. If there isn't any trouble in either of their lives, it just won't draw me in. I also really enjoy books in series because you get a glimpse of the characters in a couple books and then there is one story completely about them. Of course, my luck holds that I read the last book in a series before I know it is a series. :rolleyes:

I know this sounds kinda odd, but I skip the sex parts of the book. DH thinks I'm nuts (that must be the only reason to read them according to him) but it is all about the romance/relationship for me and not about sex.

[bunnybeth]

Side Note: Has anyone ever read the Beauty series by A. N. Roquelaure (aka Anne Rice) ? It's not for everyone as it's a little, er, rough but it is interesting.

I couldn't even finish it, I just did not like it at all. Way too s&m for me.

[greenbunny]

My grandmother was a member of SIX romance book clubs. When she died, there were piles of books throughout her house stacked to the ceiling. I took some home and read them. I'd never had an interest before, but I felt like I was peeking into her mind a bit.

I liked the historical ones, the kind that are so over-the-top that you know they're completely ridiculous. But I didn't like the modern ones. They seemed so baby-centered. So many of them were all about this single mother trying to find a baby daddy, or a pregnancy from a one-night stand that ends in marriage, etc., etc., etc. I was really turned off by those.

Sha, if you're still in PA, you can get an access sticker on your card. That means you can borrow from any library, public or school, in the state. My township library bites, I always go to the next town over.

[Sha259]

greenbunny - I do have an access sticker on my Library card!!!:D So I guess that means I can go check out my old library haunts in Philly.

Also, I don't like the baby centered ones either. It makes you feel that the two characters wouldn't be together at all if it wasn't for that. And also, I like it when the characters get to know each other and grow together before they have to start thinking about kids.

[Lanapoo]

I love it when a romance author gives me a good family to read about over the course of several or more books. Like Johanna Lindsey's Mallory family, or Jude Deveraux's Taggert and Montgomery families, Catherine Coulter's Sherbrooke family, Nora Roberts is good with families too. It just makes me care about the characters a lot more.

Upon the recomendation of a lot of the gals in this thread I finally bought Outlander. It was on sale at Wal-Mart for $2.93! I think I may have read it once upon a time but forgot about it. I haven't read any of the other books in the series though...

[MsPeachy]

I love it when a romance author gives me a good family to read about over the course of several or more books. You might be interested in checking out the Wideacre series by Philippa Gregory (author of The Other Boleyn Girl) It's a 3 book series based on a family over a couple generations, their land and the things they do for their land.

The books, in order, are:
Wideacre
The Favored Child
Meridon

~~~~~~
Just finished rereading Dragonfly in Amber and bawled as usual over the last 50 pages or so. :rolleyes: It's always so emotional for me to read this series. I have to put a quick, light n fluffy read in between each book.

[mierin]

Just finished rereading Dragonfly in Amber and bawled as usual over the last 50 pages or so. :rolleyes: It's always so emotional for me to read this series. I have to put a quick, light n fluffy read in between each book.
Me, too. There's really some heavy stuff in those books. I mean, the things poor Jamie has to go through. It makes me sick every time. :( They're really wonderful books, though.

[evagatesgreen2]

I picked up Wideacre at a used book sale a while back, I didn't realize it was part of a series. :o

[jimmysgirl424]

I love it when a romance author gives me a good family to read about over the course of several or more books. Like Johanna Lindsey's Mallory family, or Jude Deveraux's Taggert and Montgomery families, Catherine Coulter's Sherbrooke family, Nora Roberts is good with families too. It just makes me care about the characters a lot more.


Just chiming in here! I love Jude Deveraux's Taggert and Montgomery families! My personal favorite is "Sweet Liar"; I own the book and have read it probably a dozen or more times over the years.

Does Danielle Steele count as a romance novelist?? If so, guess I join these ranks, because I do love her books. Especially the historical ones like Jewels , No Greater Love and Thurston House.

[MsPeachy]

I picked up Wideacre at a used book sale a while back, I didn't realize it was part of a series. :o That's okay - but if you liked it, you might try the other two. For me, my favorite of the three is the 2nd book, The Favored Child.

[bunnybeth]

You might be interested in checking out the Wideacre series by Philippa Gregory (author of The Other Boleyn Girl) It's a 3 book series based on a family over a couple generations, their land and the things they do for their land.

The books, in order, are:
Wideacre
The Favored Child
Meridon
.

I'm in the middle of Wideacre right now. (That Beatrice sure is a naughty girl and she's still only 17 years old! ) I checked it out since my library was out of it's copies of The Other Boleyn Girl, which was recommended to me. Hoping the library has the other 2 now that I know it's a series... I'm already wondering that else this family is going to do in the future!

[MsPeachy]

bunnybeth - at least you started with the first one! I hate it when you read a book, then find out it's part of a series, and it's in the middle so you have to go bcak and catch up.! ;)

[justHB]

As much as it pains me to admit, yes ... I love romance novels. My favorite is the Outlander series (a mix of sci-fi and romance) written by Diana Gabaldon, followed up by any novel that involves men of nobility and spunky heroines. Judith McNaught is always reliable, as is Kathleen Woodiwiss. Truthfully, I'm not a fan at all of the modern romances as I really don't care to read about a woman who is having trouble at work but falls in love with the police officer who saved her son or whatever cockamamey storyline comes up. I guess you could say I'm a fan of historical romance novels.

[KarenS]

Great thread. I love to read romance novels (my MIL calls them "lust in the dust books"). I don't read them exclusively, but I do have favorite authors and, like someone else said earlier in the thread, I sort of alternate between them and other genres.

For you, what elements make a good romance novel? What should the story have to make you put it in your "keeper" or reread list? Based on that, is there anything you look for as you're browsing for a new book to pick up?
I love books where there's strong character development. I also don't like books where men are the villians or are cast as the mean, macho, egotistical character who the female hates and then loves. I don't mind hving characters who fight or argue or have differences of opinion, but not the whole "I hate him/I love him" thing. I like strong women. I want humor in my books. I want *well* written dialogue. Nothing makes me put down a book faster than stale, stiff, unrealistic dialogue and I'm very picky about it. I like well written love scenes and anything about "his throbbing manhood" or stuff like that just totally turns me off of the book. I don't mind euphamisms, but enough is enough! :)

I'm not a big fan of historicals except for Regency romances and some of the ones set at the turn of the 20th century. I love Regency and more particularly Georgette Heyer novels. I think that because I'm a historian, the problem with historicals for me is that frequently they're poorly researched or the author will resort to something completely anachronistic to move the plot forward, which annoys me. I understand that most serial authors are not going to put months and months of research into a short book, but it still bothers me.

My favorite authors are:
Diana Gabaldon (love the depth of her research and her character development in the Outlander series)
Georgette Heyer (the Queen of Regency romances)
Nora Roberts (including the books written as JD Robb which are semi-sci-fi type mystery/romance set in the near future)
Muriel Jensen (she tends to write for Harlequin mostly, most of her stuff is set in Oregon)
Essie Summers (she died several years ago and her books are hard to find, but they're set in the 60's/70's New Zealand and they're beautifully written; a little more innocent than modern writers)
Anne Stuart (although her more recent books have gotten a little ... hardedged ... for me)

I also like some of the books by:
Sandra Brown (I find she's inconsistent)
Elizabeth Lowe (great sex scenes)
Dorothy Garlock (most of her books are set in the 1930's and they're brilliantly researched, although at times her efforts to portray an accent make for some awkward dialogue)
Catherine Marshall (Her fiction books are loosely based on the lives of her mother, grandmother, and herself. There's a strong thread of Christianity running thru them, but they aren't preachy and they are well done historically and character wise.)

Karen

[MsPeachy]

Wow - good recs everyone.

Karen - thanks for saying the settings/types of books the authors typically write. I hear ya on the historical flubs some writers use to move plots. I'm not an expert by any means but if the storyline is good, I try not to get too picky about all the details.

HB - I agree with your statement about the modern romances. They're not escapist enough for me.

[paiger]

Elizabeth Lowe (great sex scenes)

I'll give ya a 'hell yea' on that!!

I'm not a big fan of historicals except for Regency romances and some of the ones set at the turn of the 20th century. I love Regency and more particularly Georgette Heyer novels. I think that because I'm a historian, the problem with historicals for me is that frequently they're poorly researched or the author will resort to something completely anachronistic to move the plot forward, which annoys me. I understand that most serial authors are not going to put months and months of research into a short book, but it still bothers me.
I've read a couple of RN that I can't remember the names, but the authors put in the back all the facts about the history she put in there. They had added her characters, but tried to keep the facts correct. A couple of times in conversation, I've used what I've learned. DH always looked at me a little funny, and I whisper that I learned that in a RN. He cracks up!! Now, w/ all the info I get off CC, he just doesn't even try to figure out where I found something out.

[Lanapoo]

Thanks for the rec on the Philippa Gregory series. I really liked The Other Boleyn Girl and I'm sure I'll like this series just as much.

Just finished Outlander. VERY good. I think I should make a trip to the bookstore for more...

[ivansbabe]

I can't believe I missed this thread. I admit I love reading romances too. My mother has read practically everything out there and can tell me what it's about and if it's good or not :p She also worked at a book store growing up so she was able to get tons of freebies so needless to say I can just go over to her place and find something interesting.

What makes a good romance to me is having a liking towards both the lead male and female characters. It's not so much the storyline, but whether the author writes well. I like historical, mostly set in England and it really doesn't matter what time period. I got started reading Regency in sixth grade because I liked the drawings of the women on the covers. Marion Chesney was and is a sentimental favorite. The Six Sister series and The School for Manners series are a couple of my favorite from her. I then moved on to Jude Devereaux like so many of you and read the Velvet series which I still love, especially Highland Velvet...I've always loved the name Brownwyn because of it :) I also read Knight In Shining Armour and passed it along to each of my friends to read because I enjoyed it so much.
I can handle some modern romances, like Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Heaven, Texas is actually my favorite of hers. It's so sweet and funny.
I recently went through a Karen Robards phase and I'm waiting on the third and final in a series (Banning sisters trilogy) that has been very good. Scandalous and Irresistable...they're set in Regency England and I thought the sex scenes were better than most. Alright...back to work, and then Harry Potter when I get home ;)

[MsPeachy]

ivansbabe - I'm kinda disturbed you used the terms "sex scenes" and "Harry Potter" in the same paragraph. That's not the kinda thing I want to think about together!!! ;) heehee j/k - it just stuck out at me as I was reading your post.

[ivansbabe]

LOL! That is kinda weird huh? I just finished Harry Potter last night so now I can get back to a romance I was reading before I picked up HBP. I have to say though that there were some parts in the lastest book that made me raise my eyebrows slightly...I guess they're in their late teens, pretty cute stuff.

[ladyco4]

Here's another romance novel reader!!
I have been reading romance novels since I was in high school. (And no I won't tell you how long ago that was! LOL!)
I started out reading Georgette Heyer. I loved her regency romance novels!
Now I subscribe to 3 different series of Harlequin Novels. My favorite is the historical series with the intrigue series second in line.
My all around most favorite author is Johanna Lyndsey! I own every book that she has written and read most of them at least 5 times!
It is really nice to find other women who read the same type of books that I do.:)

[Dan's*Girl]

I'm with all of you in loving romance novels, but more specifically Historical Romance Novels :) I like the lords and ladies, the rogues and the damsels in distress in the castles and the Highlands. I read a lot of Jude Devereaux, some Kathleen Woodiwiss and Nora Roberts.

My favorite book ever that I have 3 copies of (1 hardback and 2 paperbacks) is The Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Devereaux. I cry each and every time I read it, and I do that several times per year. :)

I'm going to get some of the books you wonderful ladies have recommended to me, thanks!!

[graciebella]

This is a guilty pleasure for me...don't have time for them much anymore.

Favorites are:

Kathleen Woodiwiss, the older ones I will read over and over. Contemplated naming any daughers I had Shanna, Brianna, Alaina, or Aislinn. I sneaked reading Ashes in the Wind from my mother in elementary school.

Janet Dailey, especially the Calder Series

Jude Devereau....mainly ones set in Scotland, but most of the Montgomery in America ones too.

[Dan's*Girl]

Graciebella~ My future daughters name is Aislinn.... after my favorite book of hers, how funny!!!!! :) You are the only other person that has ever mentioned that name before that I've heard!!

My current read, that I recommend VERY MUCH is:

Kingdom of Shadows by Barbara Erskine

[graciebella]

unfortunately now I can't use it, one of my best friends has an Ainslee.

[graciebella]

Would you consider Barbara Taylor Bradford romance? She's my alltime favorite. I love to read the Emma Harte series.

[MsPeachy]

*Bump*

Anyone read any good romances lately??? :)

[betsyboop]

As much as it pains me to admit, yes ... I love romance novels. My favorite is the Outlander series (a mix of sci-fi and romance) written by Diana Gabaldon, followed up by any novel that involves men of nobility and spunky heroines. Judith McNaught is always reliable, as is Kathleen Woodiwiss. Truthfully, I'm not a fan at all of the modern romances as I really don't care to read about a woman who is having trouble at work but falls in love with the police officer who saved her son or whatever cockamamey storyline comes up. I guess you could say I'm a fan of historical romance novels.


My sentiments exactly. I have just recently discovered the author Lisa Kleypas whose books are super quick reads, but are pretty good. I do not tend to worry about historical accuracy though, so maybe they wouldn't pass muster for a lot of you!

[MsPeachy]

Currently I'm reading a trilogy called Yukon Quest by Tracie Peterson. It's 3 books in one: Treasures of the North, Ashes and Ice and Rivers of Gold.
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0764202146.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg
It's alright. Technically I suppose the stories would classify as historical romance since it's set in late 19th century during the Alaskan/Yukon gold rush. But it's very religious. All the characters talk about is letting God into your life, praying for direction, how can I be a better Christian. It's not exactly my cup o tea but you may like it if you are into "inspirational" stories. Apparently these books were bestsellers. There are no sex scenes, only implied "relations" between a lawfully wedded man & wife IYKWIM.

[cosmic]

I love romance books as long as they have an exciting edge. My favorite ones are by Ellora's Cave (http://www.ellorascave.com). Now I hardly want to read anything else!

[ignutzz]

Ooh, I never saw this thread before! I'm a closet RN reader. :p And I do try to mix them in with the heavier stuff although I haven't done much reading of any kind lately.

It brings back such memories to see A Knight in Shining Armor mentioned; it was one of the first romances I read too. :D

I think I'll be "stopping by" Amazon to look up some of the books mentioned in the thread.

MsPeachy If you want to read other books similar to the Beauty series, Laura Reese someone to look for.

I do have some of the Harlequin Blaze books, mainly to tag a scene and hand it to DH to read. :o (did I just say that? ;))

ETA: I forgot to mention one of my favorite novels (probably more of a fantasy vs. true romance novel): Queen of Camelot (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345445872/sr=1-1/qid=1145369753/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-0971481-6788802?%5Fencoding=UTF8&s=books) by Nancy McKenzie.

[MsPeachy]

cosmic - those look like some steamy books! :eek: Did you order them from the site or were you able to find them in the bookstores?

ignutzz - Thx for the recs. Sometimes I'm not sure how I felt about the Beauty series. Interesting but at times, a little too much. KWIM?

[lawyergirl25]

I do have some of the Harlequin Blaze books, mainly to tag a scene and hand it to DH to read. :o (did I just say that? ;))
Have done this. Glad I did too! ;)

[ignutzz]

MsPeachy I hear ya and I've felt the same way. LR takes it a little further than ANR so...


ETA: Lawyergirl25 :D It's certainly one way to get someone interested in reading. :D:D:D

[Amaye]

Cosmic Ha!! I thought l was the only one who read books from Ellora's Cave. l have a mini-collection of them now....:o ;)

MsPeachy They sell them in my local Barnes and Noble but you can easily find them on amazon too.

[MsPeachy]

MsPeachy They sell them in my local Barnes and Noble but you can easily find them on amazon too. Ooo - I just happen to have a B&N GC so maybe I'll take a ride over there this weekend ;)

[MsPeachy]

I ordered French Quarter (Ellora's Cave Presents, Hot in the City) from Amazon this weekend. Looking forward to giving it a try based on the recs here. :)

Also picked up Jude Deveraux Rememberence from Borders.

[cosmic]

cosmic - those look like some steamy books! :eek: Did you order them from the site or were you able to find them in the bookstores?


LOL... I just order them from Amazon or Ebay. :) Can't wait to hear your review, MrsPeachy. I've been eyeing that book.

[cosmic]

Cosmic Ha!! I thought l was the only one who read books from Ellora's Cave. l have a mini-collection of them now....:o ;)

So do I. *chuckle* I was hooked after the Empress' New Clothes (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?link_code=ur2&tag=africanamer04-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&path=external-search%3Fsearch-type=ss%26index=books%26keyword=empress%20new%20cl othes) and that whole series. What a great story!

[MsPeachy]

I ordered French Quarter (Ellora's Cave Presents, Hot in the City) from Amazon this weekend. Looking forward to giving it a try based on the recs here. :)

Also picked up Jude Deveraux Rememberence from Borders.
Okay so I finished reading French Quarter and I have to say, I was pretty disappointed. The book was more erotica than anything else and while I don't necessarily mind that, I would have liked some characters with development and depth and a plot that was more than a backdrop for sex. I couldn't get in to the characters and the sex scenes, though explicit, were lacking something in that they made me feel nothing. Considering this book cost $9 and was not even 300 pages I was hoping for more and it didn't deliver.

Rememberance, on the other hand, I quite enjoyed. The story was well written and compelling with a nice combination of both modern, historical and time travel romance elements. It was a little chaste - as in, no sex. Well, there was a little sex but it was more a suggestion than an actual described scene IYKWIM.

I have a Karen Marie Moning book on deck but I don't read romances back to back so I'll be back later with comments on it. However, I'm sure it will be good - her books have sexy heros and well written, hot love scenes.

[cosmic]

Aw... well I'm glad you had at least one book you enjoyed. :)

Sounds like you would also like Dangerous Desires by Julia Templeton, as well as books by Lora Leigh and Jaci Burton.

[LaughAtlantis]

Originally posted by Sha259:
Basically I'll read just about anything as long as it's well written. I cannot stand cheesy dialogue OR those terrible novels were the maiden gets abducted and raped but falls in love with her captor. There is nothing romantic about that.

I am generally not a romance reader at all, but a friend of mine recently lent me a book with a similar ridiculous plotline... ( His Wicked Promise by Samantha James, in which Glenda's coldhearted brother-in-law Egan acts as her escort to her castle keep in Scotland then forces her to marry him in order for her to keep her land.) Let me tell you, I have never laughed so loud as I did reading this incredibly ridiculous story with these awful characters. I knew it was a crappy book, but it was so absurd that I simply couldn't put it down. I'm a really quick reader - it probably took me three hours to polish that one off - but it was time well spent for me to laugh that much. And then my friend and I would do these ridiculously funny little takes on the book...

Glenda: Oh Eeeeeeeeeeeeegan.
Egan: Oh Glennnnnnnnnnnnnda.
G: I cannot tell you that I love you.
E. I cannot tell you that I love you.
G: Look! I have an evil neighbor that wants to steal my land for no reason at all!
E: I will marry you because I love you, even though I can't tell you that I love you.
G: My evil neighbor wants to rape me, for no reason at all!
E: I will save you because I love you, even though I cannot tell you that I love you.
G: Let's have lots of sex! That'll be great, because I love you even though I cannot tell you that I love you.
E: Oh Glennnnnnnnda!
G: Oh Eeeeeeeeeeeegan!
E: Oooh. Ahh. Yeah. Was it good for you?
G: I'm pregnant! Yay! A baby is a sign of my love for you, even though I still cannot tell you I love you.
The Evil Neighbor: I will steal your baby, for no reason at all!
E: I'll save our baby, because I love you and the baby, but I still cannot tell you that!!
G: The servant girl saved our baby, but at least you tried. And for that, I can tell you I love you.
E: And now I can tell you that I love you.
G: Oh Eeeeeeeeeeeeeegan.
E: Oh Glennnnnnnnnda.
The End.

That's funny shit.

[cosmic]

hahaha! that sounds terrible!

[MsPeachy]

LaughAtlantis - LOL - Good Skit!!! :) Sometimes I don't mind books like that tho - the pure mindlessness of it is good for the beach or an airplane ride or something.

cosmic - Hey that's cool. The thing that was confusing for me about Ellora's Cave books is that there are a lot of different authors that write for them. Are all the authors about the same? Are all the books primarily erotica? It was difficult to know when choosing. But I couldn't understand why the books were so expensive. I'll keep those writers in mind - thanks for the recs. :)

[cosmic]

cosmic - Hey that's cool. The thing that was confusing for me about Ellora's Cave books is that there are a lot of different authors that write for them. Are all the authors about the same? Are all the books primarily erotica? It was difficult to know when choosing. But I couldn't understand why the books were so expensive. I'll keep those writers in mind - thanks for the recs. :)

Sorry I'm just seeing this. Most of the books I've read are Romantica, in that they revolve around a man and a woman and have just as much love and romance and sensual stuff. The books are trade paperbacks so they're bigger and more expensive than say Harlequin. But you can find some GREAT deals on ebay. The authors can be very different. The books I've enjoyed are by Lisa Marie Rice, Cheyenne McCray, Lora Leigh, Marly Chance, and Julia Templeton. Good stuff!

[paulinaaa]

Janet Dailey, especially the Calder Series

The last thing I want to do is ruin a favorite author for you, but I can't read her books since she was caught plagiarizing and then blamed it on a psychological condition.

http://www.chron.com/cgi-bin/auth/story/content/chronicle/features/books/97/08/03/romances.html

[Katyanne]

Anyone read Christine Feehan?

Her first hard cover which is a reunion book of sorts with different characters from one of her series was released last week. Its called Dark Celebration.
Anyone read it?

I finished reading it and am anxious to chat about it or find out what others thought of it.

Katie

[artist]

:D

Funny thread topic!

No, I don't. But I have *gasp* read PEOPLE magazine! So, about the same amount of substance!

[justHB]

I think I've read every Julie Garwood, Judith McNaught, and Julia Quinn novel available. I love historical romances and would like to read some more. My friend lent me a bunch of "romance novels" but most of them were contemporary, and truthfully, I'm not all that into reading about a woman in her 40s whose husband leaves her and she has to move back to her hometown where she falls in love with the local contractor. I want Dukes, Earls, and Viscounts, or Highlanders (loved the Outlander series until the last three). Any additional recommendations following that criteria?

[ivansbabe]

:D

Funny thread topic!

No, I don't. But I have *gasp* read PEOPLE magazine! So, about the same amount of substance!

Hey hey now...some romance books are pretty decent so if you haven't read any then you really can't add your opinion.

I tend to use reading as a sort of entertainment, get away from the real world sort of thing and it really irks me when people get high and mighty and say it's fluff and whatever. I don't like the thought that if a book isn't depressing or about certain topics it's not real literature.

[scarlett]

I think I've read every Julie Garwood, Judith McNaught, and Julia Quinn novel available. I love historical romances and would like to read some more. My friend lent me a bunch of "romance novels" but most of them were contemporary, and truthfully, I'm not all that into reading about a woman in her 40s whose husband leaves her and she has to move back to her hometown where she falls in love with the local contractor. I want Dukes, Earls, and Viscounts, or Highlanders (loved the Outlander series until the last three). Any additional recommendations following that criteria? Try Victoria Alexander. I love her books especially because they all tie together. One book will be about a woman and a man and the next willl be about the woman's sister, then the next will be about the second guy's best friend or something. It's fun to see the couples before they get together and after (with kids) through the other books.

[bookworm]

Judith McNaught's books are my favorite escapist fiction :). Others to try (not as good, but from the period) might be Johanna Lindsey or Amanda Quick.

I'm looking over at my bookshelf, and another one (different time period) to try might be "Till We Meet Again" by Judith Krantz. It spans WW1 - WW2, and a bit after (so modern, but not contemporary?). Not strictly a romance novel, but some good junky fiction.

[Amaye]

I think I've read every Julie Garwood, Judith McNaught, and Julia Quinn novel available. I love historical romances and would like to read some more. My friend lent me a bunch of "romance novels" but most of them were contemporary, and truthfully, I'm not all that into reading about a woman in her 40s whose husband leaves her and she has to move back to her hometown where she falls in love with the local contractor. I want Dukes, Earls, and Viscounts, or Highlanders (loved the Outlander series until the last three). Any additional recommendations following that criteria?

You have definitely come to the right place. I LOVE Julia Garwood and Julia Quinns and most historical romances.

Here are my recommendations

Stephanie Laurens (The Cynster series - start from book one. Really good)
Mary Balogh (Bedwyn family series - Slightly Married, etc.)
Christina Dodd
Amanda Quick (also known as Jayne Ann Krentz). Start with the older books. Very entertaining.
Sabrina Jeffries
Victoria Alexander
Lisa Kleypas (new author I'm just discovering. So far so good).
Eloisa James (really like the 4 sisters series)

Katyanne I read Christine Feehan and I really liked the Christmas book - Dark Celebration. I had almost given up on her "Dark" series (have read them since book 1) as it was becoming repetitive but I really like this one.

[Jessica]

I think I've read every Julie Garwood, Judith McNaught, and Julia Quinn novel available. I love historical romances and would like to read some more. Any additional recommendations following that criteria?

I have to second and third some of the suggestions given here:

-Victoria Alexander (read them in order)
-Lisa Kleypas
-Sabrina Jeffries
-Eloisa James (she's actually a professor at Columbia)

Just started reading Gaelen Foley and I've liked her books so far. Again, I'd read them in order.

[Dotsie]

I Love, love, love historical romances. Especially ones set in the Regency period.

Like many pp's have said I have some of the same favorites.

Stephanie Laurens - Cynster series is the BEST
Amanda Quick
Julia Quinn
Lisa Kleypas

I also really like Amanda Ashley. She writes romance that deals with vampyres.

[ivansbabe]

Dotsie I mentioned the books in an earlier post but have you ever read Karen Robards "Scandalous" or "Irresistible" ? They're the first two in a three book series that takes place in Regency England. They're very good, at least I thought so. Supposedly you can pre order the third in the series on amazon. I'm so excited since I've waited a couple years for it.

[Dotsie]

I have read them and they are good. I've got so many books my DH is threatening to put them to the curb to make more room. I didn't know the 3rd was coming out. I will def. have to get it.

[Katyanne]

Anyone a fan of Christine Feehan? Her latest book in the Drake series (7 magical sisters) was released Wednesday. Its Hannah and Jonas's book, anyone read it? I thought it was the best book in the series I read it in about a day but now I'm slowly re-reading it again. Anyone want to chat about it?

Katie

[maxandmolly]

I haven't picked it up yet, but it's definitely on my weekend to-read list!

[Katyanne]

have you read it yet???? What did you think?

Katie
:D

[Dotsie]

I just picked up "The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever" by Julia Quinn. I really think I'm going to like this book. I am so stoked to lie in bed and read tonight :D

[maxandmolly]

have you read it yet???? What did you think?

Katie
:D

Yup, I finished it. I thought it was better than the other Drake sister books. I liked that they had their own wedding instead of going in on the group wedding the others seem to be planning.

[Katyanne]

I agree, I thought it was the best one out of the whole series. And I loved their wedding. I don't know if Its my favorite because I've been waiting so long for Hannah and Jonas's book or if I liked it so well because it really was better than every other book.

[conneals]

I just saw on Julie Garwood's website that in December she will be releasing a new historical romance...set in Scotland! Thank goodness. I love the historical romances so much better than her modern stuff.

This one ties in with Ransom too!

[Kaleidoscope]

Thanks for that bit of information conneals! I love Julie Garwood's historical romances so I shall be impatiently waiting December's release. :D

[conneals]

I just finished Julie Garwood's latest novel. It goes back to the Highlands. I think most readers of hers will be happy with it. It isn't as good as some of the others, but I still enjoyed it...heck I finished it in one day!

[Dan's*Girl]

Ok ladies, great book alert!

Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Devereaux (sp?)

I cried at the end. Man that is a good one.

I, like JustHB love the Dukes, Earls, Knights and Ladies. I want to read about castles and corsetts, not cars and board meetings. Bah on modern day romance novels (no offense ;) )

[ivansbabe]

Dan's*Girl - that is one of my favorites. I read that about 8 years ago and I made two of my good friends (who enjoy romances) read it too.

[ee_chick]

I've read a lot of romance novels. They're a great guilty pleasure. When I was visiting my mom at Christmas she passed on Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas. It was the second book by Kleypas that she'd given me, and I've been pleasantly surprised. :)

[ivansbabe]

Oh, I forgot to add this to my post! I found this site...

Smart Bitches Trashy Books (http://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com/index.php/C12/)

I guess it's a blog of sorts but these very witty women make fun of (which can be easy to do) romance novel covers. OMG! If you've ever read a romance I think you could get a laugh or two out of it.

[cosmic]

I'm reading the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward right now. So far, it is the best romance stuff I've read in a LONG time!

[gayle]

I went through a phase in my 20's where I read them. Then I read too many and got burned out.

The only author I really liked was Kathleen Woodiwiss. She really got her historical info down, and wove a great story. They would have been good even without the bodice ripping. LOL

Just recently, I have read a couple Regency romances. I am considering them more as reasearch however, as I am in the process of writing a novella that has been brewing in my head for some time, which sort of fits into the Regency Romance genre.

[Amaye]

I'm reading the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward right now. So far, it is the best romance stuff I've read in a LONG time!

I love that series! I've read all the books and can't wait for the new one to come out in June!

[cosmic]

Same here, Amaye!

[curlyjr]

I'm totally into the JD Robb (Nora Roberts) In Death series, it is more mystery/thriller than total romance but they are awesome.

[Smiley124]

I normally read historical romance but I'm reading the Black Dagger Brotherhood series too and it is so good! After I finish book 5 I am going to give Outlander a try.

For anyone looking to feed their reading addiction, I am hooked on paperbackswap.com

I have gotten SO many books there that I can't keep up. I probably have a pile of 75-100 books that I need to read but I just can't stop ordering more. It's a sickness, but I've gotten interested in so many new authors and books that I just can't help myself, lol!

[cosmic]

Anyone reading the newest in the Black Dagger series? It's been out since June but I just started it this weekend.

[PGirl26]

Does anyone read Jennifer Cruisie novels? I loved Bet Me.

[Amaye]

Anyone reading the newest in the Black Dagger series? It's been out since June but I just started it this weekend.

Yep! I read it. What do you think about it?

[cosmic]

lol...
I have to admit I put it down for a while to finish "4 Hour Work Week". I picked it up again last night, though, so I'll be able to discuss in a few days. :)

[Amaye]

Cool. I'll wait to see what you think! :)