I’ve been in somewhat of a reading slump lately. You’ve probably been there at some point: kind of getting tired of the same old authors and genres and need a breath of fresh air. I was wandering around the bookstore one day, waiting for something to pique my interest, when it hit me: I’ve never read a romance novel. Ever. Well, unless you count Jane Eyre, which was for school. That’s just one genre I’ve never thought about reading, but one that I’d be willing to try. The problem is, there are so many authors and so many titles that I don’t know where to start. So, what’s your pick for a romance newbie? And which ones should I avoid like the plague? Thanks.
I’m going to suggest two old, old ones. Two romances that had enough action that even my husband (shhhhh, don’t tell nobody) enjoyed them. They are both by Kathleen Woodiwies: Shanna and The Wolf and the Dove.
I’m not a reader of romance novels, but I loved the book Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. The first few books are better than the last couple, but give the first one a try.
StG
Well, it’s more of an epic, but there is plenty of lusty sex in a series of books by Bertrice Small. The opener, is Skye O’Malley, followed by six or seven others at least. The titular heroine is the main character in the first two books, then the action passes on to other female relations.
Lots of history, sex, culture, sex, famous real characters woven in, sex, you get the idea. What, in my mind, makes the series stand out from others is three things. The main one is that the characters age, and they change and develop with the passing years.One of the later books has the title character from the first in old age, and dying. The second thing is that *real love * seems as important as passion to the central characters. The third is that the central family is close knit and caring, not dysfunctional for the sake of drama.
The earlier books may be out of print but if you have a used bookstore with a romance section, look for the series. Bertrice Small has written a lot of other romantic novels as well, a couple of which are loosely tied to the O’Malley series.
I, ummm, well, uh, may have some extra copies if you are interested and can’t find them.
Your question is kind of hard to answer because there are so many different genres nowadays! Do you like Historical? Regency? Time Travel? Contemporary Romances? Supernatural Romances? Sci-Fi? Mysteries? It’s all in there.
Leisure Books http://www.dorchesterpub.com/ is one of my favorite publishers. I recommend Dara Joy’s High Energy. It’s a modern screwball romance with lots of sex and some higher physics thrown in.
Forever Amber - Kathleen Winsor. Arguably the first historical romance novel. And a fun read to boot.
Another one of hers I absolutely love is The Flame and the Flower. I’ve read it so many times, the paperback has fallen apart.
Katherine by Anya Seton is probably more historical than romance, but it works well as either, I think.
I was in love with the Angelique series back in the 70’s, written by a husband-wife team, Sergeanne Golon. I’m pretty sure they’re out of print, and probably pricey.
Did you know that there is now a sub genre devoted to Native American men and white women (usually captives, I think)? (A friend told me about this.) Anyway, I really, really liked the only one I’ve read – Hermana Sam, also from the 70’s. I don’t remember the author’s name though. Amazon lists one by Paul King, but I don’t know if it’s the same book. (There’s no description.)
I agree with the recommendations for Forever Amber, Flame and the Flower, and Shanna.
This was the very, very first historical romance I ever read and it has a special place in my heart. The reason I didn’t recommend it, though, is that it’s very romantic-y and if you don’t already love romance, it may be hard to take.
If you want funny, and sex, go for Nerd in Shining Armor by Vikki Lewis Thompson. It’s hysterical. The other few I’ve read are okay, but this one stands out.
True. It is kinda “romantic-y”, as you put it. But what I loved about it, as opposed to books by other authors (such as Skye O’Malley and the like) is that the very few sex scenes weren’t so “in your face” and graphic.
Oh, God yes. Claire is not your typical, swooning, fluttering eyelashes heroine…she’ll get up in your face and tell you what’s what with the best of them.
The Fiery Cross was a bit slow, but Gabaldon came roaring back with A Breath of Snow and Ashes.
Trust me, you’ll be looking for a strong redheaded Highlander warrior poet of your own…
For straight romance (not with sci-fi/fantasy or anything true written in it), I like Johanna Lindsey the best.
For classics that are romantic: The Scarlet Pimpernel pretty much includes all of the devices of a romance novel (no explicit sex though) and it a satisfying treat. Of course Pride and Prejudice and Emma are brilliant as well.
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I’m taking a trip to the library soon, so I’ll be sure to check out some of these.
nora roberts, jayne ann krentz (also jayne castle, and amanda quick), linda howard, meagan mckinney.
Another vote for Shanna.
I’m a fan of Victoria Holt, even though they’re pretty formulaic. Two that I like are On The Night Of The Seventh Moon and The Pride of the Peacock.
Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer. Damn, I love this book–my sister bought it for me and I’ve read it so much that it’s coming apart (it’s a hardcover edition, too!). It’s set in 1940’s Georgia and it features a reclusive widow with two children and one on the way and an ex-con drifter looking to start a new life. The story of how their love develops and then how they have to fight for it against so many obstacles–well, it’s just a great book!
I’ll recommend Jennifer Crusie. Bet Me is among the best straight “falling in love” stories that I’ve ever read. Welcome to Temptation and Faking It are also excellent.
Another vote for Forever Amber! Could not put it down!
Unfortunately, I was on my honeymoon…
I’d forgotten about those! I liked Bet Me the best of the three you mentioned.