Harlequin Romances and Tom Berenger ('comfort' movies. music, books)

Cafe Society
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Yes, I admit it. When I am undergoing a lot of stress, (which I am now) I resort to desperate measures to help me cope. For me, it seems to be Harlequin Romances. The Tom Berenger thing is a new phenomenon, so I’ll start by explaining the Harlequins.

My sisters and I read them a lot when we were kids, but I haven’t read them much lately. They are pretty wretched, (in a fun, escapist sort of way). When the Northridge Quake hit in '94, I started hitting the Harlequins pretty hard for a while. After not reading any for years and years. They helped me keep my mind off things.

Now, I am having some very stressful times at work. Very stressful. Back to the Harlequins. In mass quantities. I don’t apologize for it. They seem to help. Like mental cotton candy. They keep my mind off things.

But Tom Berenger—well, I can’t explain him. I am watching a lot of his films. A LOT. Fortunately, he’s done some great films (just saw “Gettysburg” last night, and “Rustler’s Rhapsody” is an undiscovered gem). I’ve never been a huge fan of his (always liked him well enough, but I never went out of my way to see his films) but for some reason I just want to see his movies. A lot of them. Don’t know why. But it seems to help. I am guessing that next time I’m under a lot of stress I’ll watch a lot of Mel Gibson movies, or all the movies directed by Steven Spielberg, or whatever. I don’t know. All I know is that Oct. and Nov. 2002 seem to be the Era of Tom Berenger. Freaky.

So, tell me, the rest of you… Do you have any “comfort” movies, books, music? What weird things have you viewed/read/listened to when you are having an especially hard time? I can’t be the only one who does this bizarre stuff.

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One more person who admits in public (yet anonymously) that they read Harlequins! Check out my site (down there at the home page button). They are wretched, but fun and I looove them!

Tom Berringer scares me ever since Platoon, though.

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So you’re all wondering what happened to Beerchick’s homepage. Well, she don’t got one. But I do.

Must remember to check who is logged in when posting from the phone room at work.

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I’m a single title, hot-n-heavy romance kinda gal (the Brava line from Kensington is dependable that way). Oh yeah I read them. I actually backed off from them for a while when I worked with the romance genre at work (too much of a good thing, cotton candy for breakfast, lunch & dinner) but since switching genres at work I’m back into them.

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Oh, I don’t care if anyone knows I read them! Both my sisters (very intelligent people) read them. It’s just one of those things—either you like 'em, or you don’t.

I fall back to them when I am under duress. I am still hitting the Harlequins pretty heavy (and the Silhouettes, too) but I see signs of wavering. There is only so long one can keep up at this pace. (I read relatively fast, and there is a lot of “down time” at work which allows for reading. I can read two Harlequins at work some days!)

BigGirl—enjoyed your site! Hey! I like Emma Goldrick! She’s hilarious! I am scouring eBay for her books. It doesn’t appear is if she’s written too much lately, alas.

I seem to like the “romantic comedy” books, but some of them SUCK so bad. And I confess, I tire of reading about cowboys. But I still read about them. Go figure.

HelloAgain—so, you work in the publishing business? Or am I confused? Sounds fabulous!

So, everyone—who are your favorite romance authors? So far it’s Emma Goldrick and Kristin Gabriel for me. Obviously I like authors with a definite sense of humor, and both these ladies have it.

beerchick, so where’s your website, anyway? And—if Tom Berenger scared you in “Platoon” (I’m not watching it this time 'round, that’s for sure) check him out in “The Last of the Dogmen” (he’s a real good guy in that one) or for laughs, “Rustler’s Rhapsody” (he sings!). “Rhapsody” is apparently a cult classic western spoof that had eluded my notice all these years. I don’t think it compares to “Blazing Saddles” (not the same kind of humor) but damn! It’s bizarre and quite funny. I love the “confident heterosexual” line…and so many others. It’s one of those films I’m going to have to see many times, just to catch all the throwaway lines and subtle sight gags.

See—I can’t regret my current Tom Berenger filmfest. I never would have seen “Rustler’s Rhapsody” if not for it. And that’s a film that is right down my alley.

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I work in the Book retail biz.

Okay, fine, I confess:

http://a676.g.akamaitech.net/f/676/773/60m/images.m0.net/catcontent/borders/html/romantica.html

C’est moi. Or, rather, was. That was my last issue (the newsletter continues under new editorship, not to worry) and am now focusing on SF/Fantasy & Mystery/Thriller, which are also fun categories.

If you like madcap contemporaries you’ll probably like early Jennifer Crusie… particularly “Crazy For You” (one of my faves.) You didn’t hear it from me but I think some of her more recent work has gotten a bit muddled. I think she started as a Silhouette author…

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yosemitebabe, have you tried sue civil-brown’s books?

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Just wanted to clarify— That was me, Biggirl posting accidentally as beerchick. We work together, amongst other things. Maybe I’ll try Rustler’s Rhapsody".

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I have been out of the closet for so long with reading Romance Novels (nearly any genre) that I feel that there should be some kind of Cheezy Book Lover Rights Parade. Right down the Center of NYC, dangit.

Romance novels account for over 50% of the books sold in the world. A romance novel is sold every second of every day. Stats like that could make literary snobs just weep in their tweed jackets. The facts remain, we need escapism. I make no apologies for my dull as ditch water existance.
Yes, some of the books ( possibly 80 %) are just dungbombs that some how get published. But when a really outstanding author comes along and makes either the characters leap off the page or make you laugh out loud, it is truly a keeper.

I have said this before and I will say it again, I have learned more about history (and ten dollar words) because, frankly, history is more interesting when their is some kind of hot, man oozing sex , power and gobs of money having his wits driven nuts by a perky little sex-vixen just-out-of-the-school-room-heroine. Beats the hell out of " Can any one tell me what the Hawly-Smoot Tariff Act was? Anyone, Bueller?" method of teaching that we all grew up with.
Besides, If I want a book that makes me think ( gasp) I’ll try to decifer this weeks freekin’ TV guide programming chart. Aye Yi Yi.

I usually [ahem] blow by the torrid sex scenes because, well, they really are superfluous to the plot. Give me character developement and (this is rogue thinking, showing my true BlueStocking Traits) something that the hero and heroine have *in common *. Make me care or even like them.
That said, here are some of my favorite authors and or books. Grab a pen, girls.
** Dara Joy ** Time travel/futuristic . She is a genius.
Knight of a Trillion Stars
Mine to Keep
Rejar (whooo boy! the best of the above series and they were all really good.)
High Intensity and a sequel to it that were fun reads.

**Laura Kinsale ** Regency with sex and a darker side.
Flowers from The Storm.
My Sweet Folly ( my favorite of hers)

**Lynn Kurland ** Ghost/Time Travel/Medieval/Modern (usually all wrapped up in one and a series, but can be read alone independantly of the other stories.)

This is all I ask
The More I See You
A dance through Time
Stardust of Yesterday
Another Chance To Dream

**Kelsey Michaels **
The Secrets of the Heart ** Retold version of the Scarlet Pimpernel in Regency time. Delightful.

**Mary Jo Putney ** Regency. (She has two contemperary books out, but they pale (read: near suck) in comparisons to her Regency books.) If you tire of the Harlequin stories that are good but not in depth enough and want something with more weight, try Putney’s **Fallen Angel Series ** It is like a fine tapestry of mental imagining, espeically the one in this mentioned series about the painter ( can’t remember title, but the hero is named Kenneth.) It is layer upon layer of character development and plot.

**The Rake ** Outstanding. If you read any of her books, this should be the first one. ( It is a loose fitting sequel to the Diabolical Baron which is not necessary to read but gives a glimpse (possibly a scene or two) of the Hero of *The Rake *.

Fallen Angel Series:
Thunder and Roses
Petals in the Storm
Dancing in the Wind
Angel Rogue
Shattered Rainbows
River of Fire
One Perfect Rose

**Connie Brockway **
All Through The Night. (Regency-to-catch-a theif story line. Gave a perspective of thoughts: What she says, what he thinks. That was a fresh new approach. My favorite of hers so far.)

Resources for other books, in 1998, RWA (Romance Writer’s of America) polled it’s members what their favorite books were of all time. The list is re done every year. It has been a great source for slogging through the waste pile of this genre.

It’s link: http://www.likesbooks.com/top100y2k.html
In conclusion - is anyone still reading this? - the problem with reading a truly great book is that it is guaranteed that the next ten books you pick up will *just suck *

As with any review, my enjoyment of these particular works is not indicative of possible future entainment that you may possibly receive. YMMV. No Salesperson will call. This Message will Kill This Thread in Five seconds.

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Wow, thanks everyone! I am going to take notes on what books to get next. (Though, thanks to eBay, I have tons and TONS of cheap Harlequins and Silhouettes. They sell them by “lots”, as in “lot of 20 for $10” etc.)

Hello Again, wow, thanks for the link and author recommendation! Biggirl, damn, I should have figured out about the beerchick mixup.

Shirley Ujest: Wow, thanks so much for all the recommendations. I, too, “blow” [ahem] past the torrid love scenes in most of these books. Some of the best books I’ve found so far (simple little tales by Kristin Gabriel and Emma Goldrick) didn’t really have any torrid love scenes, and that was fine by me. I agree with you on that facet too—I’m more into character development and an interesting plot.

I just finished a nice little book by Debbie Macomber. I haven’t read much of her stuff so far, maybe she’s a little on the “sweet” side, but so far, her characters seem genuine and their motivations and emotions seem pretty genuine. What a contrast from some of the other stinkers I’ve read so far.

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I’m not a big fan of romance novels at all, but I just cannot miss the chance to mention one of my favorite series of books–Outlander Series by Diana Galbadon.
It is often mistakenly placed in the romance section of bookstores but they are defintely not romance novels.
I discovered the series a few years ago while pregnant and on bed rest for 3 months–I devoured the first 4 books within a month. Each book is 1000+ pages and there are 5 books, so far, in the series.
HIGHLY addictive–once you start, I guarantee you won’t be able to put it down.
The series is intelligently-written, heavy on Scottish, English and early American history, has a killer love story (best I’ve ever read) and has time-travel as a major plot point to boot. Who could ask for anything more?
I know several people who simply began reading the entire series OVER again after finishing the last book.
looks guilty
It’s that good. :slight_smile:

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dara joy… goodness what an authour!! she really has a great sense of humour!

have you read " ritual of proof?"

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**Ritual of Proof ** I thought was an extremely inventive twist - something I’ve been toying with for - oh–years – and she pulls it off mucho better - - of Men in the role of submissive, helpless, yet spunky and the women have all the power… It was my least favorite of hers, but I still liked it immensely.

I haven’t missed any of her books.

Another great book, considered a top ten according to that list I put up there is ** Knight in Shining Armour ** by Jude Devereux.

Time traveling, knights, lady in distress. The whole enchilada. It is one of those stories that has always stuck with me.

More books/authors:

If you like Regency ( as I do.) and you want an well written, yet quick poolside read, I highly recommend **Amanda Quick ** (who is actually Jayne Ann Krentz - Quick is her Regency romance name, Krentz her contemporary romances and JD Robb mysteries.)

**Elizabeth Thorton ** Mainly regency. I forget her titles, but they are very good read.

**Lynn Collum ** Harlequin Regency. Nice, compact. Good characters. Humor.

Yosemite have you a used book store in your area? (Not all used book stores specialize in romance novels, some are actually snobby used book stores. Feh) but you can save buckets of payola on trading in old books for the new books you’ve been jonesing for. That way if the new book just sucks, it doesn’t hurt as much. Of course, I am not telling someone who is as smart as you anything new. I’m really just feeding my starving ego thinking I’m helping out a helpless romantic soul.
I’ll shut up now.

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Wow, thanks everyone! You are giving me some great leads! Such a help! I am going to have to write these titles and authors down, and head on over to eBay to see what I can find!

I am in the middle of a very sweet “wholesome” Debbie Macomber trilogy. I have no problems with wholesome, unless it is too sickly-sweet, which so far I don’t think is a problem with Macomber. (My opinion may change, however.)

Remember Nevil Shute’s “A Town Like Alice”? (They made it into a TV miniseries about 15 years ago.) Shute is considered more literature or general fiction, but that book had one of the greatest romances that I’ve read. Anyone know of any similar kind of books?

Shirley, you are right about the history aspect in these books. Reading some of these novels can be an education in travel and history. The Macomber books I’m reading right now are about Alaska, so I’m learning little Alaska tidbits along the way.

Regarding used book stores, yes, as a matter of fact, there is just such a bookstore near where I live! It has primarily romances (with a smattering of science fiction, mystery and whatnot). TONS of Harlequins, Silhouettes and mainstream and historical romances. And they have a trade-in system too. I have a pretty good scheme planned—I have gotten slews (and I mean slews) of romances off of eBay at sinfully inexpensive prices. (20 books for $12, etc.) I plan on reading the ones that interest me, hang on to the “keepers” (I doubt there will be too many of those) and trade in everything else to the bookstore. Since I paid so little on eBay for the books to begin with, I’ll end up sort of ahead. Sort of. Well, it’s a cheap habit, anyway…

I even got a “lot of” (eBay term) Silhouette Dreamscape books and “Love Inspired” books (from Harlequin). About 10 books of each. I just wanted to check them out, and they were damned cheap so I couldn’t resist.

The Dreamscape romances look hokey and cheesy, though (or it could be the wretched cover art and stupid blurbs on the back cover). The “Love Inspired” books are Christian-based romances, (which I don’t have a problem with, and hope to enjoy if they are well-written). However, I have this fear that they might be either be dull as chalk, preachy, manipulative and cloying, or worse yet, a scary romance paperback version of a Chick Tract. I hope I am wrong. We will see. If I hate them, back on eBay they go. (Or the local used bookstore—if they’ll take 'em.)

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JD Robb is a penname of Nora Roberts. Jayne Ann Krentz’ other penname (other than Amanda Quick) is Jayne Castle. I think those are time travel or fantasy romances.

Just to clear the air.

The majority of Krentz’ self-titled romances have a suspense element. She is a very cool lady and sharp as a tack. Her “Absolutely, Positively” is a favorite of mine, although I read it quite a few years ago.

Myself, I’m all in favor of torrid sex scenes. Bring 'em on!

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i’m a fan of krentz as well. in all her names. “perfect partners” is amoung my favourites. when the main character tried to put a tent together i completely empathized.

the jayne castle books are rather interesting. the flower trilogy is based on a planet that was colonized by people from earth. just enough carry over from earth to make things somewhat familiar. most of her “other planets” romance have a psychic link.

the series by jd robb is set in nyc in the future. very interesting and a fine main male. usually you can’t go wrong with a nora roberts book.
as for ms macomber, “sooner or later” and “someday soon” are a bit grittier than the ones you are reading now.

meagan mckinney or linda howard are rather good as well.

linda howard’s “son of the morning” is quite a good read.