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A Gateway to Romance
This is a rec list I originally put together at the beginning of the year for ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
eggplantlady, but considering the pique of interest shown by some of the rest of my f-list thanks to the shipping meme, I figured I'd share it with the rest of you :)
A few of my favorite romance novels and/or authors...
Note: the website I'm linking reviews from is called "All About Romance," and I find their reviews (for pretty much every kind of romance under the sun, from sweet-kisses-only regencies to erotica), pretty en pointe. Back when the former owner was also the editor in chief, they also had a great section on tropes of the genre, and how some writers excel at these while others fail so hard. Here's the main review hub.
Title: The Last Mermaid (2004)
Author: Shana Abe
House: Bantam
Genre: Fantasy/Historical Romance
Rating: Y (some sex, some violence, but nothing too explicit)
Back cover blurb:
Cover: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516KTHS35BL._SS500_.jpg
Reviews: http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=238
Why I liked this book: Because I'm a sucker for (1) intertwined/saga-like tales involving generations of the same characters, and (2) I have this thing for mermaids - they are awesomely fantastic, you know?
Why I think you'll like this book: There's plenty of magic and fantasy elements in this book to balance out the romance aspects, so I think it's a good one - after the Nina Kiriki Hoffman books - to kinda ease into this genre.
~*~
Title: The Truelove Bride (1999)
Author: Shana Abe
House: Bantam
Genre: Medieval Romance (12th century England/Scotland)
Rating: X
Black cover blurb:
Cover: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/055358054x/
Reviews: http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=239
Why I liked this book: The intrigue of a medieval court, combined with strong leads who eventually forge a new alliance against a common enemy? LOL sign me up!
Why I think you'll like this book: The writing is very snappy, and as always with this author, there is a hint of the mystical/fantastic that should be enough to keep you reading. I know the back cover blurb sounds like a total cliche, but believe me when I say Avalon is no shrinking violet, but she also doesn't cross the line into too stupid to live (TSTL) territory. IIRC (it's been awhile since I read this book), there is also an element of a sword story.
~*~
Title: The Princess (1998)
Author: Claire Delacroix
House: Dell
Genre: Medieval Romance (12th century Ireland)
Rating: Y (one or two explicit sex scenes)
Back cover blurb:
Cover: http://www.amazon.com/Princess-Bride-Quest-1/dp/0440226031/
Reviews: (1) http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=2907 | (2) http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=2908
Why I liked this book: Again, we have the intrigue of a court (even if the setup is a little hokey), and for once, its the quiet guy who "wins", instead of his loud, boisterous counterparts. (Of course, they are each leads in their own stories, as this is the first of a three-part series, but I liked this book the best of them all and think its the strongest example of her writing, especially of emotions.) The writing is very light and lyrical.
Why I think you'll like this book: This is the teaser passage:
LOL, sound like anyone you know? :P
~*~
Title: Secret Vows (2001)
Author: Mary Reed McCall
House: Avon
Genre: Medieval Romance (13th century Scotland)
Rating: Y
Black cover blurb:
Cover: http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Vows-Mary-Reed-Mccall/dp/0380817853/
Reviews: http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=3429
Why I liked this book: This is probably one of the best medievals I've read, historical settings wise. The plot is intriguing and complicated - Catherine finds herself following through with this plan to kill this husband she did not ask for (but comes to love over time, as he is unaware of the scheme against him) under threat that her children will be killed if she fails. It's a great example of a strong female lead and a non-arrogant-jackass male lead who is her equal in many measures.
Why I think you'll like this book: This is a more "grown up" romance novel, with less emphasis on the set-up (or the sex) than on the characters and the plot that entangles them.
~*~
Title: The Templar's Seduction (2007)
Author: Mary Reed McCall
House: Avon
Genre: Medieval Romance (14th century Scotland)
Rating: Y
Back cover blurb:
Cover: http://www.amazon.com/Templars-Seduction-Templar-Knights/dp/0061170445/
Reviews: http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=6265
Why I liked this book: You have it all: court intrigue, a sword story (woohoo Knights Templar!), a key misunderstanding at the heart of the plot, and again - characters with shades of grey. I like the way this author writes her historical battle scenes as well as the more emotional scenes between the couple, and its rare to find someone who does both well, in my experience.
Why I think you'll like this book: Because its the sort of emotional entanglement I like to write into my fics, and you seem to like those, so...*shrug* :P
~*~
Title: Minx (1996)
Author: Julia Quinn
House: Avon
Genre: Regency Romance
Rating: Y (it has sex scenes ZOMG)
Back cover blurb:
Cover: http://www.amazon.com/Minx-Julia-Quinn/dp/0380785625/
Reviews: http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=626
Why I liked this book: This is the first book I read by Julia Quinn and it remains my favorite, even though I own all of them. I laughed and cried and had that heart-swell you get when you read really fantastic romance with this book. Quinn's proise is very light and witty, and she definitely is one author who doesn't take her characters too seriously.
Why I think you'll like this book: The herione is a tomboy and the hero is a total dandy - and she gets him in so many hilarious ways. I think its a great read for someone who enjoys tomboy heroines who maybe didn't have an interest in romance until their One True Love showed up...and the refreshing thing is? She's not the one fighting to keep him.
~*~
Title: The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (2007)
Author: Julia Quinn
House: Avon
Genre: Regency Romance
Rating: Y
Back cover blurb:
Cover: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51oYZddq2OL._SS500_.jpg
Reviews: http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=6251
Why I liked this book: Because I am a HUGE sucker for childhood friends-to-lovers stories, which is exactly what this is :D
Why I think you'll like this book: Because I think you'll enjoy the slight turning on its head, of the trope of the tomboy in love with the viscount next door. If you like Minx, I suspect you'll like this book as well...
~*~
What Julia Quinn is best known for, though, is her 8-part Bridgerton series ~ its what put her on the romance map. And, all in all, it is a good series - a family saga of sorts, of a loving 8-sibling family under the title of 'Viscount' who all find love in quite different places - though it is a bit uneven. The first book is a good place to start, though, so here's the info on that:
Title: The Duke & I (2000)
Author: Julia Quinn
House: Avon
Genre: Regency Romance
Rating: Y
Back cover blurb:
Cover: http://www.amazon.com/Duke-Bridgerton-Book-Julia-Quinn/dp/0380800829/
Reviews: (1) http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=5762 | (2) http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=623
Why I liked this book: The hero, hands down - tortured but not wallowing in angst, he's sort of a combination of Sesshoumaru and Miroku when it comes to his issues (and his issue o.O) I liked Daphne, but she's not my favorite Bridgerton heroine by a long shot.
Why I think you'll like this book: Because this is kinda sorta reminiscent of Mir/San in some ways. And because nobody writes families like Quinn, which is really, really nice to see in a genre fraught with evil uncles and money-grubbing cousins...
And Julia Quinn has a website with FREE LIVE PREVIEWS of *all* of her books, so you can get a taste of her prose right away :D http://www.juliaquinn.com/books/main.htm
I think that's enough to get you started :P I didn't rec the books with the hottest sex scenes because generally, they aren't among my favorites, plot or character wise. But if you're curious, I'd be happy to post those names along as well =)
eggplantlady, but considering the pique of interest shown by some of the rest of my f-list thanks to the shipping meme, I figured I'd share it with the rest of you :)A few of my favorite romance novels and/or authors...
Note: the website I'm linking reviews from is called "All About Romance," and I find their reviews (for pretty much every kind of romance under the sun, from sweet-kisses-only regencies to erotica), pretty en pointe. Back when the former owner was also the editor in chief, they also had a great section on tropes of the genre, and how some writers excel at these while others fail so hard. Here's the main review hub.
Title: The Last Mermaid (2004)
Author: Shana Abe
House: Bantam
Genre: Fantasy/Historical Romance
Rating: Y (some sex, some violence, but nothing too explicit)
Back cover blurb:
531 AD: The tiny island of Kell is said to be enchanted, inhabited by an extraordinary creature who comforts ship-wrecked sailors passing into the next world. Prince Aedan of the Isles believes in no such nonsense - until he awakens on Kell itself and meets the sensuous siren who rescued him from the sea...
1721: Ronan MacMhuirich, Earl of Kell, is the target of an unlikely assassin: Leila, a mysterious woman from an exotic land. But his irresistably beautiful would-be slayer is in just as much danger as Ronan when she falls for this man with a magic of his own...
2004: What do you do when you inherit a Scottish island you never knew existed - and find yourself pursued by a handsome stranger who wants to buy it from you? That's what happens to Ruri Kell when she accepts Iain MacInnes's invitation to visit her birthright, and listens to a proposition as sinfully tempting as everything else about him...
Three seductive love stories, three passionate couples, all linked by one of the most romantic myths of all...
Cover: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516KTHS35BL._SS500_.jpg
Reviews: http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=238
Why I liked this book: Because I'm a sucker for (1) intertwined/saga-like tales involving generations of the same characters, and (2) I have this thing for mermaids - they are awesomely fantastic, you know?
Why I think you'll like this book: There's plenty of magic and fantasy elements in this book to balance out the romance aspects, so I think it's a good one - after the Nina Kiriki Hoffman books - to kinda ease into this genre.
Title: The Truelove Bride (1999)
Author: Shana Abe
House: Bantam
Genre: Medieval Romance (12th century England/Scotland)
Rating: X
Black cover blurb:
A notoriously fierce soldier, Marcus Kincardine wears his clan's tartan as a symbol of his heritage - and a reminder of the curse that haunts his kin. To rid them of this evil, the legend says, Marcus must wed a fabled warrior maiden with hair like an angel's halo, eyes the color of the rarest heather, and an extraordinary gift that makes her more formidable than any army. But first he must win the most desperate battle of his life...the one for her mind, her body, and her heart.
Lady Avalon d'Farouche can't deny she bears the telltale marks of the Kincardine legend, nor can she disown the strange, mystical intuition that allows her to see things others cannot. Yet Avalon believes she alone holds the key to her destiny - a future in which no man will own her. So when Marcus Kincardine seizes her for his own purposes, she never expects him to ignite a fiery passion within her. Still, she refuses to sacrifice her soul and fulfill the legend by surrendering to desire. But how long can she deny him...and how long will he let her?
Cover: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/055358054x/
Reviews: http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=239
Why I liked this book: The intrigue of a medieval court, combined with strong leads who eventually forge a new alliance against a common enemy? LOL sign me up!
Why I think you'll like this book: The writing is very snappy, and as always with this author, there is a hint of the mystical/fantastic that should be enough to keep you reading. I know the back cover blurb sounds like a total cliche, but believe me when I say Avalon is no shrinking violet, but she also doesn't cross the line into too stupid to live (TSTL) territory. IIRC (it's been awhile since I read this book), there is also an element of a sword story.
Title: The Princess (1998)
Author: Claire Delacroix
House: Dell
Genre: Medieval Romance (12th century Ireland)
Rating: Y (one or two explicit sex scenes)
Back cover blurb:
"I will wed my one true love!" declared Princess Brianna despite King Henry's decree that she marry one of the sons of the man who had conquered her family's castle. So Brianna issued a seemingly impossible challenge: He who returned with a gift that made her laugh would win her hand. And thus began the bride quest of the three brothers Fitzgavin...
Burke and Rowan, knights both, set out at her command. Only Luc remained, refusing to indulge the whims of the glorious Irish princess. Even Brianna's legendary beauty could not tempt him - until she invaded his senses...and his soul. But Luc thought a princess had no place in the life of a battle-weary warrior who vowed to lay down his sword forever - until he was forced to take up arms to protect the fair maiden who had seized his heart by divine right.
Cover: http://www.amazon.com/Princess-Bride-Quest-1/dp/0440226031/
Reviews: (1) http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=2907 | (2) http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=2908
Why I liked this book: Again, we have the intrigue of a court (even if the setup is a little hokey), and for once, its the quiet guy who "wins", instead of his loud, boisterous counterparts. (Of course, they are each leads in their own stories, as this is the first of a three-part series, but I liked this book the best of them all and think its the strongest example of her writing, especially of emotions.) The writing is very light and lyrical.
Why I think you'll like this book: This is the teaser passage:
"You expect me to depart on your quest. I do not intend to do so."
Luc took a step closer and Brianna, remarkably, backed away, her retreat fueling his suspicions. "Why are you so eager to see me gone, my lady?"
"I am not!" she protested, her guilt more than clear.
"Then what difference does it make whether I linger here or not?" Luc asked. "Tell me what you are scheming."
"I simply want you to go on my quest." Brianna looked away, then glanced up at Luc. "Because I like you best," she said, her cheeks flaming.
'Twas so obviously a lie that Luc laughed aloud. "Aye? Then, if you favor me so very much, why not grant me a token of your esteem?"
Brianna blinked. "What kind of token?"
"Your kiss," he said, and then waited for her consent.
A sparkle danced in the emerald depths of her gaze. "One kiss," she whispered breathlessly.
This, he resolved, would be a kiss worth remembering.
LOL, sound like anyone you know? :P
Title: Secret Vows (2001)
Author: Mary Reed McCall
House: Avon
Genre: Medieval Romance (13th century Scotland)
Rating: Y
Black cover blurb:
Forced to wed against her will, Catherine of Somerset must be strong as she exchanges vows with the man she is sworn to destroy. It is not fear that causes the proud lady to tremble as she stands before her soon-to-be-spouse, Baron Grayson de Camville, but her unforseen desire for this powerful, yet gentle, knight - a fevered wanting that she cannot deny.
Punishment awaits Catherine shouold she fail, yet how can she betray this handsome stranger - her husband, honorable and true - who, with soft words and soul-shattering kisses, has taken her heart willing prisoner? There is no escaping the rapture of Gray's caress. The passionate hero she intended to deceive is the man she is destined to adore - and no enemy's dark scheme will rob her of that ecstasy. For only by surrendering to love with Catherine and Gray truly be free.
Cover: http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Vows-Mary-Reed-Mccall/dp/0380817853/
Reviews: http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=3429
Why I liked this book: This is probably one of the best medievals I've read, historical settings wise. The plot is intriguing and complicated - Catherine finds herself following through with this plan to kill this husband she did not ask for (but comes to love over time, as he is unaware of the scheme against him) under threat that her children will be killed if she fails. It's a great example of a strong female lead and a non-arrogant-jackass male lead who is her equal in many measures.
Why I think you'll like this book: This is a more "grown up" romance novel, with less emphasis on the set-up (or the sex) than on the characters and the plot that entangles them.
Title: The Templar's Seduction (2007)
Author: Mary Reed McCall
House: Avon
Genre: Medieval Romance (14th century Scotland)
Rating: Y
Back cover blurb:
Only a lie will save his life...
Sentenced to the gallows for trying to sell the treasures of the Knights Templar, Sir Alexander de Ashby has one chance for survival. The scoundrel must impersonate the late Earl of Marston, to whom he bears an uncanny resemblance, and infiltrate the lord's border castle. But first he must convince the earl's beautiful Scottish bride that his rightful place is in her bed.
But only love can save his soul.
Relieved that the story of her long-absent husband's death was false - and enticed by a wild, sensuous side of him she had never experienced before - Lady Elizabeth cautiously welcomes "the earl" back into her heart, unaware that the breathtaking imposter intends to vanish. But escape may be impossible even after his secret is reveal. For now Alexander burns for the proud, remarkable lady...and desires nothing more than to live - and die, if he must - for a glorious love born of deception and sin.
Cover: http://www.amazon.com/Templars-Seduction-Templar-Knights/dp/0061170445/
Reviews: http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=6265
Why I liked this book: You have it all: court intrigue, a sword story (woohoo Knights Templar!), a key misunderstanding at the heart of the plot, and again - characters with shades of grey. I like the way this author writes her historical battle scenes as well as the more emotional scenes between the couple, and its rare to find someone who does both well, in my experience.
Why I think you'll like this book: Because its the sort of emotional entanglement I like to write into my fics, and you seem to like those, so...*shrug* :P
Title: Minx (1996)
Author: Julia Quinn
House: Avon
Genre: Regency Romance
Rating: Y (it has sex scenes ZOMG)
Back cover blurb:
Henrietta Barrett has never followed the dictates of society. She manages her elderly guardian's remote Cornwall estate, wears breeches instead of frocks, and answers to the unlikely name of Henry. But when her guardian passes away, her beloved home falls into the hands of a distant cousin.
William Dunford, London's most elusive bachelor, is stunned to learn that he's inherited property, a title...and a ward bent on making his first visit his last. Henry is determined to continue running Stannage Park without help from the handsome new lord, but Dunford is just as sure he can change things...starting with his wild young ward. But turning Henry into a lady makes her not only the darling of the ton, but an irresistible attraction to the man who thought he could never be tempted.
Cover: http://www.amazon.com/Minx-Julia-Quinn/dp/0380785625/
Reviews: http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=626
Why I liked this book: This is the first book I read by Julia Quinn and it remains my favorite, even though I own all of them. I laughed and cried and had that heart-swell you get when you read really fantastic romance with this book. Quinn's proise is very light and witty, and she definitely is one author who doesn't take her characters too seriously.
Why I think you'll like this book: The herione is a tomboy and the hero is a total dandy - and she gets him in so many hilarious ways. I think its a great read for someone who enjoys tomboy heroines who maybe didn't have an interest in romance until their One True Love showed up...and the refreshing thing is? She's not the one fighting to keep him.
Title: The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever (2007)
Author: Julia Quinn
House: Avon
Genre: Regency Romance
Rating: Y
Back cover blurb:
2 March 1810...
Today I fell in love.
At the age of ten, Miranda Cheever showed no signs of Great Beauty. And even at ten, Miranda learned to accept the expectations society held for her - until the afternoon when Nigel Bevelstoke, the handsome and dashing Viscount Turner, solemnly kissed her hand and promised her that one day she would grow into herself, that one day she would be as beautiful as she already was smart. And even at ten, Miranda knew she would love him forever.
But the years that followed were as cruel to Turner as they were kind to Miranda. She is as intriguing as the viscount boldly predicted on that memorable day - while he is a lonely, bitter man, crushed by a devestating loss. But Miranda has never forgotten the truth she set down on paper all those years earlier - and she will not allow the love that is her destiny to slip lightly through her fingers...
Cover: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51oYZddq2OL._SS500_.jpg
Reviews: http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=6251
Why I liked this book: Because I am a HUGE sucker for childhood friends-to-lovers stories, which is exactly what this is :D
Why I think you'll like this book: Because I think you'll enjoy the slight turning on its head, of the trope of the tomboy in love with the viscount next door. If you like Minx, I suspect you'll like this book as well...
What Julia Quinn is best known for, though, is her 8-part Bridgerton series ~ its what put her on the romance map. And, all in all, it is a good series - a family saga of sorts, of a loving 8-sibling family under the title of 'Viscount' who all find love in quite different places - though it is a bit uneven. The first book is a good place to start, though, so here's the info on that:
Title: The Duke & I (2000)
Author: Julia Quinn
House: Avon
Genre: Regency Romance
Rating: Y
Back cover blurb:
Could there be any greater challenge to London's Ambitious Mamas than an unmarried duke? - Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, April 1813
By all accounts, Simon Basset is on the verge of proposing to his best friend's sister, the lovely - and almost-on-the-shelf - Daphne Bridgerton. BUt the two of them know the truth - it's all an elaborate plan to keep Simon free from marriage-minded society mothers. And as for Daphne, surely she will attract some worthy suitors now that it seems a duke as declared her desirable.
But as Daphne waltzes across ballroom after ballroom with Simon, it's hard to remember that their courtship is a complete sham. Maybe its his devilish smile, certainly its the way his eyes seem to burn every time he looks at her...but somehow Daphne is falling for the dashing duke...for real! And now she must do the impossible and convince the handsome rogue that their clever little scheme deserves a slight alteration, and that nothing makes quite as much sense as falling in love...
Cover: http://www.amazon.com/Duke-Bridgerton-Book-Julia-Quinn/dp/0380800829/
Reviews: (1) http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=5762 | (2) http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookReview.pl?BookReviewId=623
Why I liked this book: The hero, hands down - tortured but not wallowing in angst, he's sort of a combination of Sesshoumaru and Miroku when it comes to his issues (and his issue o.O) I liked Daphne, but she's not my favorite Bridgerton heroine by a long shot.
Why I think you'll like this book: Because this is kinda sorta reminiscent of Mir/San in some ways. And because nobody writes families like Quinn, which is really, really nice to see in a genre fraught with evil uncles and money-grubbing cousins...
And Julia Quinn has a website with FREE LIVE PREVIEWS of *all* of her books, so you can get a taste of her prose right away :D http://www.juliaquinn.com/books/main.htm
I think that's enough to get you started :P I didn't rec the books with the hottest sex scenes because generally, they aren't among my favorites, plot or character wise. But if you're curious, I'd be happy to post those names along as well =)