On Twitter, @Mcvane and @Sonomalass were challenging each other to list their favorite books, movies and songs. Somehow this became a challenge to post our favorite 16 romances on October 16, which is the birthdate of a romance foremother, Kathleen Winsor (1919-2003).
Minnesota born, Berkeley bred Winsor was the author of Forever Amber, published in 1944. Here’s the synopsis:
Abandoned pregnant and penniless on the teeming streets of London, 16-year-old Amber St. Clare manages, by using her wits, beauty, and courage, to climb to the highest position a woman could achieve in Restoration England-that of favorite mistress of the Merry Monarch, Charles II. From whores and highwaymen to courtiers and noblemen, from events such as the Great Plague and the Fire of London to the intimate passions of ordinary-and extraordinary-men and women, Amber experiences it all. But throughout her trials and escapades, she remains, in her heart, true to the one man she really loves, the one man she can never have.
The Massachusetts Attorney General, exhibiting a streak of “prurient interest” if there ever was one, combed the book and found, according to Winsor’s Guardian obituary, “70 references to sexual intercourse, 39 illegitimate pregnancies, seven abortions, 10 scenes in which women undressed in front of men who were not their husbands, and nearly 50 ‘miscellaneous objectionable passages’ – and announced that the book would be banned (an action overturned on appeal).”
For her part, Winsor protested:
“I wrote only two sexy passages … and my publishers took both of them out. They put in ellipses instead. In those days, you know, you could solve everything with an ellipse.”
Forever Amber was reissued in 2002, with a foreword by Barbara Taylor Bradford. That same year, Forever Amber received a positive review in the Guardian by feminist literary critic Elaine Showalter.
Winsor went on to publish other novels, but none garnered the sales or critical notice of Forever Amber, which was made into a film. She opined, somewhat unflatteringly, that her readers “like to read about the past because it has no threats for them”.
Writers should take note that forever Amber was originally a 2500 page manuscript, pared down by editors into a “modest” 1000!
Some other bloggers are joining the fun. If you are one of them and I did not list you, let me know!
And if you don’t have a blog, just put your list in a comment.
What Kate’s Reading
Kristie(j)
Sonomalass
Keishon
Keira Soleore
Nadia Lee
Lusty Reader
Megan Frampton
JMC_bookrelated
Wendy the Super Librarian
Phyls Quilts and Books
Jill the Romance Rookie (with a review of Forever Amber!)
Jessica’s List:
According to my LibraryThing account, I have only read about 200 romance novels. So, for me, 16 is actually the top 13% of romances I have ever read.
How did a book make the list? Basically, there had to be a moment (or more) in the book that knocked my socks off, that was unforgettable, that made the book come totally alive, the characters seem to get up and walk off the page. I did not pick the romance novels that I felt were the best written — not even the best written by the author in question — although of course, I harbor a secret hope that my tastes track aesthetic excellence at least a little. These are just my favorites, in the most personal, goofiest, least defensible sense of the word.
Today.
This minute.
(And I kept making last minute subs!)
And they are listed, you might notice, in alphabetical order by title.
Black Dagger Brotherhood, JR Ward (first 4 books. These were the first romance novels I read)
Black Silk, Judith Ivory
Demon Moon, Meljean Brook
Devil in Winter, Lisa Kleypas
Dirty, Megan Hart
Flowers from the Storm, Laura Kinsale
Manhunting, Jennifer Crusie
More Than A Mistress, Mary Balogh
Mr. Impossible, Loretta Chase
Outlander, Diana Gabaldon
Private Arrangements, Sherry Thomas
Seize the Fire, Laura Kinsale
Slightly Dangerous, Mary Balogh
To Have and to Hold, Patricia Gaffney
To Love a Thief, Julie Ann Long
Viscount Who Loved Me, Julia Quinn
Maili’s list:
Heart of Deception – Taylor Chase [Elizabethan]
Set in Elizbethan London, war veteran Rafe Fletcher races against time
to clear his family’s name as his father and brother are due to be
hanged for commiting treason. He shrewdly realises that Vivian Swift,
a notorious criminal underlord, may hold a key to the identity of the
real plotters and begins to worm his way into her dark world as her
possible lover.
While it has the HEA (and awesome love scenes), it’s not a typical
romance with misunderstood heroine and bossy hero. Vivian is truly a
bad girl who would do whatever it takes to protect her loved ones. If
that means killing someone, she will do it. Rafe, on the other hand,
is the innocent and noble one here. There are mystery, politics,
historical events and a journey through the dark and dirty side of
London.
The downside: I feel Vivian’s brother Nick is somewhat stereotypical,
but it’s a flaw I’m willing to accept. This is actually the
lightest-hearted offering from Taylor Chase (aka Gayle Feyrer).
The Emerald Necklace – Diana Brown [Traditional Regency]
Set in Regency-era London, the heroine is annoyed that she was forced
to marry a Cit. Sure, he’s wealthy but still, he’s a commoner. To snub
her nose at him, she openly and romantically engages herself to
another man. Eventually she comes to realise there’s more to her
husband than she’s expected, but will it be too late to redeem herself
to save their marriage? I rarely enjoy troubled-marriage romances, but
this one blew me away because it doesn’t have a rosy-tinted view of a
flawed couple. It’s a gritty, tough read and it has the HEA that makes
you feel richly rewarded for abusing your teeth by grinding so much.
An easy breezy read? Hahah. Please.
The Portrait – Megan Chance [the Gilded Age]
Set in 19th-century NYC, an emotionally unstable famous artist vs. an
ambitious socialite. She’d do anything to get him to agree taking her
on as an art student. At times the hero is an arsehole, but the
difference is he really has a valid reason: he has bi-polar (which is
never named in this story). I think this is also the first historical
romance I read that heavily hints that the hero is bisexual. It does
have flaws, but I liked The Portrait because it’s so atypical.
Her Heart’s Desire – Rene J. Garrod [Western]
It’s a Western-setting romantic comedy of a bespecated scholar coming
to the West from NYC to find his long-lost brother and gets abducted
by three sisters to present as a bridegroom to a practical-minded
spinster. It’s a comfort read. If you like Paint Your Wagon (without
the love triangle) with a touch of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,
you might like Her Heart’s Desire. It makes a light-hearted, fun read.
Hound dog is awesome as well.
Some Kind of Magic – Theresa Weir [Contemporary]
I have a very soft sport for this one because it’s probably Weir’s
only romantic [black] comedy to date, with a suitable amount of dark
angst provided by our Dylan who has a decidedly interesting
upbringing. I went into this story without knowing anything about the
story (I didn’t even read the back blurb) and it was awesome, so by
holding back the details, I hope you’d have a similar experience.
November of the Heart – LaVryle Spencer [19th-century Minnesota]
It’s one of Spencer’s undeservedly underrated works. A historical
romance that revolves around a socialite and a working-class Norwegian
immigrant who has a talent for boat-building. Lorna Barnett’s wealthy
father is besotted with sailing and competing in a yacht regetta. Jens
Harken, who works in the Barnett house as a kitchen servant, takes a
risk by offering to build a yacht that will give Gideon a real chance
of winning the Regetta. Amused, Gideon Barnett decides to let him by
giving him time off his kitchen work and the money and place to build
his yacht.
While Jens builds the yacht Lorna eventually gets close to him and
they fall in love. However, the difference in their social status gets
in the way that may destroy their relationship. It’s again an atypical
romance with no real villain, just a society that abides its social
rules, and an awesome HEA. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy
character-driven romances with a slow build-up of romance, social
tensions and relationships.
Always to Remember – Lorraine Heath [post-Civil War Texas]
Clayton Holland is a social outcast in his hometown, Cedar Grove of
Texas, because he’s steadfastly refused to join to fight for the
Confederacy. Meg Warner, having lost her husband and three brothers to
the war, has a real issue with Clay’s presence because it’s a constant
reminder of her losses. As punishment, Meg commissions Clay to create
a stone memorial in the name of men who died during war. Clay accepts,
in spite of the emotional cost of his decision and the depth of her
contempt for him. As he works on the sculpture over next few months,
they slowly fall in love.
I do not like tearjerkers, but I have to list this because it’s not
common to find a romance with the hero as a conscientious objector. My
great uncle was such and it came with a very high price, so it was
interesting to see through Clay’s eyes and how people around him
reacted. And the romance between Clay and Meg was rather sweet. It has
a couple of flaws, but the pay-off was worth it.
I’m running out of time (trust me to leave it at last minute!), so
I’ll just list the rest:
Moonrise – Anne Stuart [contemporary]
Runabout – Pamela Morsi [Americana]
Passion – Marilyn Pappano [romantic suspense]
River of Eden – Glenna McReynolds [Amazonian adventure]
Somebody Wonderful – Kate Rothwell [19th-century NYC]
As You Desire – Connie Brockway [Victorian Egypt]
Midsummer Moon – Laura Kinsale [Regency England]
Midnight Rainbow – Linda Howard [Amazonian adventure]
The Bride From Faraway – Olgas Daniels [turn-of-the-century Scotland]
WanderingG of the Scarlet Corset’s list:
I swear writing this list is like creating a mixed tape back in the day. Trying to get your favorite songs together and once recorded you realize you forgot this one or that one. Then if someone happens to find the tape and plays it they’ll say “Ew, you like that song?” Yep, just like a mixed tape 
One thing I’ve learned since blogging and blog-hopping is I haven’t read nearly as much as some other bloggers. Seriously, hats off to those that read 20-30 in a month. But that just means there are still tons of great stories out there for me to discover!
So without futher ado, here’s my current top 16 in no particular order:
Julie Garwood - Ransom
The very first romance novel I ever read was by Julie Garwood. Most of her historicals would fall in my faves category so I narrowed it down to a couple. I remember I enjoyed her writing because of the heroes but also the little quirks she gave her heroines. Always something that makes me smile. For some reason, Ransom with Brodick and Gillian’s story has always been one of my top favorites (I don’t care too much for the Ramsey and whats-her-face storyline).
Julie Garwood – The Bride
Alec and Jamie – a lovely little tale. One of my favorite parts is the whole Gaelic joke and Alec’s discovery of what Jamie’s been hiding.
Kathleen E. Woodiwiss - Shanna
This was the second romance novel I read after my first Julie Garwood book. This was back in my middle school/high school days and I haven’t read it since. But the story still sticks with me and I remember enjoying the trickery behind Ruark’s identity.
Kathleen E. Woodiwiss – Ashes in the Wind
I remember this one because there’s a portion where the hero is injured and soon after he becomes an alcoholic. Through all their troubles you still root for Alaina and Cole and hope somehow they will overcome all the hardships and get their HEA. I also remember this as being the first book that actually mentioned the heroine’s menstrual cycle.
Jennifer Crusie – Bet Me
Jennifer Crusie was the first contemporary romance author I read and this was the first that had a heroine that wasn’t the typical skinny girl. Cal and Minnie were sweet together and I have a fun time with most of Crusie’s books.
Jennifer Crusie - Manhunting
This was probably my 3rd Crusie book and another fun one. Kate and her plan for the perfect man. What could go wrong?
Judith Ivory – Sleeping Beauty
First book I read that had an older heroine and younger hero. I remember enjoying this because James really had to pursue Coco, who had very valid reasons for being cautious against it.
Stephanie Laurens – Devil’s Bride
Devil Cynster will always be a fave of mine. I read more of the series and liked catching glimpes of Devil, Honoria and especially Devil as a father, but they were basically the same storylines to me and none could surpass the first book.
Stephanie Laurens – Captain Jack’s Woman
After stopping the Cynster series I decided to try the Bastion books. I read 3 and found I liked this one (the first) best of all. I thought Kit and Jack were hot together. Although I stopped the series a while back, I do want to read Dalziel’s story because he always intrigued me.
Kelley Armstrong - Bitten
First paranormal book I read with a strong female lead. I liked Elena and Clay together and though I’m only on book 3 of the series (which skips to other characters) I look forward to continuing and getting to the books that are back to Elena and Clayton’s storyline.
Keri Arthur – Riley Jensen Guardian Series
This I listed as a series because I don’t feel like any one book is a favorite. I really just like the series and the romance of Riley and Quinn flows pretty well across each book. There are parts of the series I didn’t much care for (the excess werewolf sex drive stuff, the cloning storyline) but the overall arc of Riley and Quinn and now Riley and her wolf mate is played out nicely. For me, Riley is better than some other paranormal characters because while she may have lovers and boyfriends, they have actual break ups and the guy will move on. She does not have the magical love palace that every man wants entrance to 24/7.
Sarah McCarty – Promises Linger
First erotica novel I read that I felt actually had a storyline too. I’ll admit some of the sex was a little much for me but I thought Asa and Elizabeth were a good match.
Heather Cullman – A Perfect Scoundrel
Hero is an ass through most of the book and heroine is considered plain and unattractive. This book won me over because of the heroine and how she handled herself when Sir Ass basically sent her off into hiding, her interaction with the people of his hometown and how she dealt with SA when he returned home.
Paula Quinn – Laird of the Mist
Paula Quinn reminded me of Julie Garwood. Enjoyed this one and looking forward to reading more from her.
Beth Kery – Wicked Burn
Very real and honest, emotional story. Has steamy, sexy elements but for me the overall storyline is what got me.
Megan Hart - Dirty
Again, another emotional story that has steamy elements but a great story arc from Ella’s actions at the beginning to dealing with what happened in her past with the help of Dan.
Janet NorCal’s/Janet W’s list:
1. Friday’s Child, Georgette Heyer
2. Cotillion, Georgette Heyer
3. Devil’s Cub, Georgette Heyer
4. More Than A Mistress, Mary Balogh
5. Unwilling Bride, Jo Beverley
6. His Lordship’s Mistress, Joan Wolf
7. Devil’s Bride, Stephanie Laurens
8. Naked in Death, J.D. Robb
9. To Have and To Hold, Patricia Gaffney
10. Welcome to Temptation, Jennifer Crusie
11. Mrs. Drew Plays Her Hand, Carla Kelly
12. Tempting Harriet, Mary Balogh
13. Bride of Emersham, Leslie Lance (gothic)
14. Forbidden, Jo Beverley
15. Midnight Bayou, Nora Roberts
16. A Scandalous Proposal, Julia Justiss
Vassiliki Veros’s List:
Here are some of my fave titles. I’m sure I’ll kick myself later when I
remember an absolute fave. I have also realised this year that I am an
anomaly in that I only tend to enjoy contemporary romances. (In general,
historicals are OK but they are never on my re-read list).
16 fave romance titles
1. Welcome to Temptation – Jennifer Crusie
2. Bet Me- Jennifer Crusie
3. Agnes and the Hitman – Jennifer Crusie/Bob Mayer
4. Charlie all Night – Jennifer Crusie
5. Love Struck – Melanie La’Brooy
6. Serendipity – Melanie La’Brooy
7. This Heart of Mine – Susan Elizabeth Phillips
8. Start Me Up – Victoria Dahl
9. See Jane Score – Rachel Gibson
10. Sex, Lies and Online Dating – Rachel Gibson
11. Over the Edge – Suzanne Brockmann
12. Hot Target – Suzanne Brockmann
13. Beauty and the Brain – Elizabeth Bevarly
14. Taming the Outlaw – Cindy Gerard
15. The Grande Finale – Janet Evanovich
16. Night Whispers by Leslie Kelly
Thanks for reading, and thanks for sharing! I have just quadrupled my TBB pile! Sending you the bill, Maili and Sonomalass.
It is just a COINCIDENCE that all my romances happened to be strictly historical romances. Love historical romances. I think I did add a contemporary or two. GREAT LISTS, ladies.
I’m coming out of lurkdom to post my spur of the moment list:
1. Jane Austen – Pride and Prejudice
2. Georgette Heyer – Cotillon
3. Georgette Heyer – Black Sheep
4. Mary Balogh – A Summer to Remember
5. Loretta Chase – Lord of Scoundrels
6. Jennifer Ashley – The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie
7. Julie Ann Long – To Love a Thief
8. Mary Balogh – The Notorious Rake
9. Georgette Heyer – Venetia
10. Diane Farr – The Fortune Hunter
11. Nalini Singh – Slave to Sensation
12. Jennifer Crusie – Bet Me
13. Eloisa James – Duchess by Night
14. Lisa Kleypas – Devil in Winter
15. Lisa Kleypas – Blue Eyed Devil
16.Loretta Chase – Not Quite a Lady
…after I started to edit the last possible item, I knew I had to post this over here, or this “moment” would go on forever: …or another Balogh? or another Heyer? or another one by Julie Ann Long? or Sabrina Jeffries’ To Pleasure a Prince? or J.R Ward’s Lover Eternal, the only of the BDB I found romantic? or one of Lauren’s Cynster books? or Jane Eyre? – I do like Jane Eyre…
thanks for the great lists, from me, too
Isn’t this fun? My head is just bursting with all the great titles and suggestions. Question for MistressMind Jessica … have you read any of the older Baloghs? I’m thinking Heartless or The Temporary Wife for instance. I’d be interested in your opinion (see what our quilting friend had to say) about older vs newer Baloghs. Altho I too loved Slightly Dangerous and MTAM is on my top 16 as well.
Mistress and Marriage of Convenience stories seem to dominate my list!
Oh, hey, great lists! I love reading these. Yeah, I have a whole new shopping guide. This is wonderful fun.
[...] requested that it be banned. Many readers around the ‘net have participated and Jessica is trying to round them up at her blog. DA didn’t participate, but not because we don’t think this is a great idea, but because [...]
Awesome, awesome lists ladies!!
I should do my own. ACK! But which ones to choose?
Ok, just reading through your entire post made me run back to mine to edit. How could I have forgotten Julia Quinn? Or Lavyrle Spenser, for god’s sake?
I can’t wait to read everyone’s lists. It’s like a mental shopping list for me.
Here is mine:
1. Dance by Judy Cuevas
2. Passion’s Treasure by Betina Krahn
3. Lion’s Bride by Iris Johansen
4. Fair Is the Rose by Megan McKinney
5. The Landower Legacy by Victoria Holt
6. Beast by Judith Ivory
7. Emily and the Dark Angel by Jo Beverly
8. Red, Red Rose by Marjorie Farrell
9. The English Witch by Loretta Chase
10. Crooked Hearts by Patricia Gaffney
11. The Pride of Lions/The Blood of Roses by Marsha Canham
12. Vixen by Jane Feather
13. Shadows and Lace by Teresa Medeiros
14. The Braeswood Tapestry by Robyn Carr
15. The Valentine Legacy by Catherine Coulter
16. Banners of Silk by Rosalind Laker
And haha, mine are all historical romance as well.
Oh – by the way – I just read the first Gaffney in the Wyckerley series and got my hands on THATH. Looking forward to it.
my head is spinning, i don’t know whether to be happy or dismayed with all these new recommendations and lovely memories of people’s favorites! either way i have a pen in hand and am diligently noting them down. thanks so much for posting this!
PS: I am VERY disconcerted I have not read any on Maili’s list!
I posted mine, although I’m a little under the weather so it’s just a list without much commentary.
I posted mine as well.
Good idea and since I love making lists, it’s right up my alley. In no particular order, here’s my 16:
1. A Stranger’s Kiss by Shelly Thacker—the book that got me hooked into romance. I read it when I was a teenager. Scientist French heroine who has amnesia, a beta hero spy/science geek, hero pretends that they’re married to jog heroine’s memory was a total win. Maybe not the best written but has huge sentimental value to me.
2. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell—not really a romance with how it ends but I beyond loved this book growing up. Plus, Scarlett is a “bad girl” heroine; her character made me want more bad girl types in romances.
3. Dream a Little Dream by Susan Elizabeth Phillips—I reread this one constantly.
4. Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie—I know a lot of people cite Bet Me as their fave but for me WTT is Crusie’s best.
5. Beauty by Robin McKinley—loved how she twists the Beauty and Beast fairy tale.
6. Inner Harbor by Nora Roberts—urbane, snobby Phillip falling in love was just so very sweet to read.
7. Bridal Season by Connie Brockway—just utterly delightful; this book made me fall in love with Connie Brockway’s writing.
8. Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas—made the working class hero sexy and made that character type more “popular.”
9. Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase—a classic romance; I’d use this book for anyone who’s never read a romance to introduce them to the genre.
10. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen—Mr. Darcy. Need I say more?
11. Untouched by Anna Campbell—another Beauty and the Beast retelling with a virgin hero. Total win.
12. To Have and to Hold by Patricia Gaffney—think this novel is utterly brillaint.
13. The Fling by Elda Minger—really fun contemporary where heroine goes with her cousin (jilted on wedding day) to spend the honeymoon in Hawaii. They meet a bombshell along the way, form an unlikely friendship, and heroine falls in love with a man who is not the working class guy she thinks he is, but the rich hotelier’s son.
14. His Every Desire by Laura Lee Guhrke—scholarly heroine who’s loved the duke hero from afar.
15. A Wild Pursuit by Eloisa James—stiffy politician falls for wild heroine. Loved it.
16. The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn—spinster heroine, stuffy Viscount, and the Black Mallet of Death. Quinn at her best.
Jessica and Maili – This was so much fun! As I look at everybody else’s lists, I can’t help but think I left a few out. Of course, not all the books are going to fit on the list but I couldn’t believe I left out Julia Quinn or Megan Hart.
I am getting great reading recommendations for those books or authors I haven’t had the pleasure of reading yet. This was a great idea ladies
I have so enjoyed reading everyone’s lists. This is so much better than a list with anonymous votes, because I can connect the books to actual people whom I feel I kind of “know” , making it so much more meaningful.
I always knew I was a romance noob, but I see that there are many titles — and even authors — I have never even heard of. I am so excited to get some of these books and follow new reading trails that have been covered over by the overgrowth of time, or are so rarely trod they are hard to see.
Thank you Maili and Sonomalass for the great idea!
I posted mine up. Thanks for the link.
http://keirasoleore.blogspot.com/2009/10/winsor-list-my-16-favorite-romances.html
Oooh, thanks for all the linkage Jessica. Now I can refer back to some of the ones I missed the first go around.
My list was very heavy on historicals – mostly because those are my favorites. But I did toss in a romantic suspense and a category romance – just to even it out a bit
My buddy, Keira, gave me the heads up on this. Neat idea!
My list at the moment :
Claiming the Courtesan by Anna Campbell
Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale
Simply Love by Mary Balogh
Slightly Dangerous by Mary Balogh
To Sir Phillip with Love by Julia Quinn
Mastered by Love by Stephanie Laurens
Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas
The Mysterious Miss M by Diane Gaston
Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
The Quiet Gentleman by Georgette Heyer
Dangerous to Love by Rexanne Bechnel
Wicked Little Game by Christine Wells
The Education of Mrs. Brimley by Donna MacMeans
Her Master and Commander by Karen Hawkins
The Marriage Bed by Claudia Dain
The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen Woodiwiss
I, too, am coming out of lurkdom, to post a list. My top 16 list contain, almost exclusively, strong goal-driven non-virginal women. I’ve commented on a few that aren’t appearing on other lists.
By Possession & By Design by Madeleine Hunter – My first two real romances, both medievals. I may have read better ones since but I’m always searching for these women who forgo love & marriage to hold onto an ideal or to attain a tough but reasonable goal and (because these are romances) end up with both.
Fallen from Grace by Laura Leone – My other favorite romance – he’s the one with self-esteem issues and she rescues him by demanding he reach for a higher bar.
Outlander by Penelope Williamson
Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer – Two lonely people who rescue each other.
Madness of Lord Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley – Because love doesn’t cure him.
Perils of Pleasure by Judith Long – Because he hands her the gun and lets her decide.
Black Silk by Judith Ivory – Because they both slowly change their opinions only somewhat to find a middle ground on which to agree.
A Candle in the Dark by Megan Chance – Another very strong woman, a man with a fatal flaw (and not that of being a rake) that he must overcome in order to be able to woo the woman. I love that they rescue themselves and each other. This one won a RITA over a decade ago and deserves renewed attention.
Sleeping Beauty by Judith Ivory
Death Angel by Linda Howard – I like that they’re such morally flawed individuals whose love doesn’t turn them into a morally perfect couple.
Always to Remember by Lorraine Heath – A clash of ideals – neither one is really wrong – and a hero willing to forgo her love for his ideals.
Daughter of the Game by Tracy Grant – A woman who holds her ideals above even her marriage with the perfect man and is willing to bear the consequences.
Magdaline LaBatarde series by Roberta Gellis – Not strictly romance – there’s no HEA technically – a woman so strong that she insists the hero accept her lack of fidelity and refusal to marry and she has good reasons to do so.
[...] romance reader and a history nerd, so you can imagine the little thrill I felt when I stumbled upon this post on Racy Romance Reviews about Kathleen Winsor, “a romance foremother,” who wrote a book that frankly sounds [...]
This is so hard… these are in no particular order…
Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie
Faking It by Jennifer Crusie
Guardian Angel by Julie Garwood
Saving Grace by Julie Garwood
Naked in Death by JD Robb
The Chesapeake Bay Series by Nora Roberts
Birthright by Nora Roberts
Jewels of the Sun by Nora Roberts
The Villa by Nora Roberts
Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard
Dark Demon by Christine Feehan
It Had to Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
A Woman Without Lies by Elizabeth Lowell
Trust Me by Jayne Ann Krentz
Mistress by Amanda Quick
Gone Too Far by Suzanne Brockmann
I have started to branch out in my reading of historicals and I never really got on the paranormal bandwagon, but many of the books in my TBR pile come highly recommended, so this list may change shape somewhat in the near future… but for now, this is it.
Wow! That was hard.
Here are my 16:
Pride and Prejudice — Jane Austen (of course!)
Jane Eyre — Charlotte Bronte (of course! part deux)
The Bride of the MacHugh — Jan Cox Speas (maybe obscure and maybe so old school the love scenes are kiss and fade moments, but I’ve read it a dozen times and love it)
Shanna — Kathleen Woodiwiss (pirates! secret identities! spanning the globe!)
The Wolf and the Dove — Kathleen Woodiwiss (must not think of historical hygiene realities!)
The Kadin — Bertrice Small (I know! Harems and teenage virgin heroines and all I still love it!)
Kushiel’s Dart/Kushiel’s Chosen/Kushiel’s Avatar –Jacqueline Carey (The central romance at the heart of this trilogy is one of the best and most lovely love stories I’ve read.)
The Smoke Thief — Shana Abe (Dragons!)
Lord of Scoundrels — Loretta Chase (Superlative!)
Caressed by Ice — Nalini Singh (My favorite of a wonderful series)
Angels’ Blood — Nalini Singh (I know it was open ended, but the set up? Bring me more, please!)
A Hunger Like No Other — Kresley Cole (Who knew supernatural cocktails could work?)
Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night — Kresley Cole (She calls him “Father Time” — love it)
Lover Awakened — J.R. Ward (My favorite of the series.)
Requiem for the Devil — Jeri Smith Ready (Heart-breakingly good and thought provoking.)
Perfect — Judith McNaught (loved the heroine!)
And now I will submit my comment and remember a book I couldn’t come up with and want to revise the list three times, but I will refrain!
Yet another person emerging from lurkdom with his list (no particular order).
1. Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas
2. Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase
3. Archangel by Sharon Shinn
4. Romancing Mr Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
5. To Have and To Hold by Patricia Gaffney
6. The Shadow and the Star by Laura Kinsale
7. Beast by Judith Ivory
8. The Secret Pearl by Mary Balogh
9. The Proposition by Judith Ivory
10. Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale
11. Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas
12. Tapestry by Karen Ranney
13. To Love and To Cherish by Patricia Gaffney
14. The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn
15. Much Ado About You by Eloisa James
16. The Madness of Lord Ian McKenzie by Jennifer Ashley
I know I’m late to the party, but here’s mine: Sweet 16
@Heike M.: @Evangeline: @Louisa Cornell: @Jeanne: @Tessa: @pamelia: @Michael:
thank you thank you for taking the time to make your lists! This is easily the most valuable post, speaking selfishly, I have ever done! Please come out of lurkdom more often!
Tasha will add yours to the post.
Love these types of list.
Mine, in no particular order, as that may tax the brain overmuch.
The list was hard enough, as I have read hundreds of romances (98% historical, which my list will reflect)
1. Flowers from the Storm: Laura Kinsale
2. The Bronze Horseman: Paullina Simons (if you get this one, which you should, you must buy the sequel Tatiana and Alexander because TBH has a cliffhanger ending that will make you want to rip your hair out)
3. Once in a Blue Moon: Penelope Williamson
4. Untie my Heart: Judith Ivory
5. Almost Heaven: Judith McNaught
6. Dreaming of You: Lisa Kleypas
7. The Shadow and the Star: Laura Kinsale
8. To Have and To Hold: Patricia Gaffney
9. Persuasion: Jane Austen
10. Lord of Scoundrels: Loretta Chase
11. All Through the Night: Connie Brockway
12. Intimate Enemies: Shana Abe
13. The Winter Garden: Adele Ashworth
14. Whispers of Heaven: Candice Proctor
15. Morning Glory: Lavryle Spencer
16. Outlander: Diana Galbadon
Oh, I’ve loved reading these lists! Thank you and Maili for thinking of this and posting all the links!
I posted my 16 with a spare 17th because I’m a day late!
I was away on the 16th, but here’s my list, in no particular order:
1. Shattered Rainbows, Mary Jo Putney
2. Mr. Impossible, Loretta Chase
3. Lord of Scoundrels, Loretta Chase
4. Bound By Your Touch, Meredith Duran
5. Written on Your Skin, Meredith Duran
6. Stealing Heaven, Madeline Hunter
7. Worth Any Price, Lisa Kleypas
8. It Happened One Autumn, Lisa Kleypas
9. Untie My Heart, Judith Ivory
10. To Have and to Hold, Patricia Gaffney
11. The Mysterious Miss M, Diane Gaston
12, Flowers from the Storm, Laura Kinsale
13. To Love a Thief, Julie Anne Long
14. The Perils of Pleasure, Julie Anne Long
15. A Most Unsuitable Man, Jo Beverley
16. Everything I Ever Wanted, Jo Goodman
1. Georgette Heyer – Arabella
2. Georgette Heyer – The Grand Sophy
3. Georgette Heyer – Faro’s Daughter
4. Charlotte Bronte – Jane Eyre
5. Sergeanne Golon – Angelique series
6. Anne Bronte – The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
7. Monica Dickens – Mariana
8. Anya Seton – Katherine
9. Jane Austen – Pride and Prejudice
10. Margaret Mitchell – Gone with the Wind
11. Daphne du Maurier – Rebecca
12. Daphne du Maurier – Frenchman’s Creek
13. Madame de La Fayette – The Princess de Cleves
14. Nancy Mitford -The Pursuit of Love
15. JRR Tolkien – ‘Of Beren and Luthien’ from The Silmarillion
16. Alexandre Dumas – The Lady of the Camellias
Be warned, only the first 9 end HEA (more or less) – I include the rest for the power of the romantic relationship.
This was fun and it’s great to see everyone’s lists. I see a few that have me nodding my head Yes and asking myself why I didn’t add it in my 16 and there are TONS of others now added to my TBR list. So many great authors, so many great books…..what more can a reader ask for. Thanks to all who brought this idea to life!
[...] loved reading the lists that people made up of their top 16 books this past week in honor of Kathleen Winsor. In making up my own lists of top books (either for the end of the year or for something else), I [...]
I can’t resist: (In no particular order)
The Shadow and the Star – Laura Kinsale …White ninjas, a virgin secretary, cherry wine and Hawaii-it sounds so ridiculous when you put it like that, but I love this book. Samuel is so caught up, and Leda is the epitome of a proper lady; seeing them get together is always a great (re)read.
A Woman Without Lies – Elizabeth Lowell …This book is a little out of character for Lowell, in that it’s not a part of a huge series. I love this stand alone of hers best, though, because the characters’ integrity is one of the main parts of the story.
The Serpent Prince – Elizabeth Hoyt …I love this one by Hoyt, the others in this series were also really good, but this one spoke to me. I love that the couple is really struggling to BE together, and work through their misunderstandings and expectations. Also, red heels-I don’t think I could pull them off even now.
Lover Eternal – JR Ward …Rhage is my fave brother, and I LOVE his story. I like how there are repercussions to his “change”, I love how Mary is so brutally honest with herself and so strong. This also touches home for me because my Gma had a masectomy yesterday (she’s ok), and I hope she’s strong enough to pull through for the holidays.
For My Lady’s Heart – Laura Kinsale …I love how strong the heroine is in this book. She’s the lead, constantly, and when she’s not, she’s asleep. That’s so ME it’s scary. And Ruck is so strong and so ok with being lead for the most part…and that is hot.
Shadowheart – Laura Kinsale …Honestly, the BDSM Lite in this book completely threw me over the moon. I had just finished the Kushiel series (below) and then started this one, and I was blown away. The characterizations might be a little quickly realized (teenage femdom?) but the religious aspects of it were so realistically portrayed, I thought it was wonderful.
All Through the Night – Connie Brockway …This book is all Show and no Tell. I LOVE the romance between the characters, I love the heroine and her motivations, and the hero and his utter determination. And I actually love the ending, too-it fit the story perfectly, for me.
My Dearest Enemy – Connie Brockway …I love how Brockway played with some of the “hero tropes” throughout this book, and the heroines internal dialog along those lines is hilarious.
Kushiel Series #1 – Jacqueline Carey …I LOVE this series. The main romance throughout the series is so vanilla (esp. in comparison with the other stuff going down) and so HOT at the same time, it’s amazing. And can I just say: All heroes should wear vambraces …I’m just sayin’.
Almost Heaven – Judith McNaught …So many of Judith McNaught’s conflicts rest on the inability of the hero and heroine to communicate it can get old. This book is no exception, unfortunately. Fortunately, the heroine is a smart and capable person, the hero isn’t Too Much of an ass for the majority of the book, and the conflict is legitimate (if easily overcome by the aforementioned communication). I loved it and I’ve read it several times.
Immortals After Dark Series- Kresley Cole …I love this whole series. The writing is great, the heroes are sexay, the heroines are SO strong and smart and capable, and their individuals stories are a real joy to read. I let the covers fool me for about a year, and then I drank of the IAD koolaid. And it was good.
Demon Moon – Meljean Brook …Colin and Savi’s story, which I really loved. I’m looking forward to seeing them again in Demon Forged (which I will read this weekend). I really love this whole series, too, but it’s not candy like the IAD series. It’s like eating steak. You have to cut it up and you have to chew it. But I LOVE steak, so I’m good with that.
Honor’s Splendor – Julie Garwood …My favorite of hers. I love the heroine, even though she’s a little girly at times. I love how the hero is just so fallen for her and that there’s so much family around while they’re figuring themselves out, too.
Lord of Scoundrels – Loretta Chase …I’m a sucker for strong, smart heroines, and Jessica is that. I love the writing in this book, too. It’s smart and sexy and such a FUN historical, although it’s not a comedy per se.
Dreaming of You – Lisa Kleypas …Another smart heroine, and I love the romance between these two. They’re practical about what obstacles they face, and I love how they relate to each other.
Son of the Morning – Linda Howard …One of my favorites (I also love Now You See Her and Shades of Twilight). This book has few steamy scenes, but manages to be one of the Sexxay-ist books I’ve ever read. I’m not sure what that says about me, but the build-up for these two is so long and so hot…wow.
Well, that was long. Ate up a good 2 hours of my AM (woo!)…
[...] requested that it be banned. Many readers around the ‘net have participated and Jessica is trying to round them up at her blog. DA didn’t participate, but not because we don’t think this is a great idea, but because [...]
[...] loved reading the lists that people made up of their top 16 books this past week in honor of Kathleen Winsor. In making up my own lists of top books (either for the end of the year or for something else), I [...]
[...] Okay, so it’s no longer October 16th. But some of us tend to be a little behind the times (two hundred years behind the times, for the most part, so if I’m only five days late, I feel I’m doing well). There’s been a flurry of activity across the Web as bloggers list their top sixteen romance novels in honor of the birthday of Kathleen Winsor, author of Forever Amber, on October 16th. You can find a sampling of the lists on Romantic Times and Racy Romance Reviews. [...]