# Recommend me a romance novel! **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 22, 2006, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-romance-novel/349388 "2006-03-22T03:01:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Cockatiel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/43a26b/32.png) [@Cockatiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cockatiel)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2006, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-romance-novel/349388/1 "2006-03-22T03:01:58Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2006, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-romance-novel/349388/2 "2006-03-22T03:13:17Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![StGermain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stgermain/32/2868_2.png) [@StGermain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StGermain)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2006, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-romance-novel/349388/3 "2006-03-22T03:41:26Z")
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 ---
**Author:** ![Baker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bb73d2/32.png) [@Baker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baker)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2006, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-romance-novel/349388/4 "2006-03-22T03:57:06Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![davmilasav](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e9bcb4/32.png) [@davmilasav](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davmilasav)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2006, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-romance-novel/349388/5 "2006-03-22T04:07:16Z")
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/](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. ---
**Author:** ![Hedda\_Rosa](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hedda_rosa/32/1204_2.png) [@Hedda\_Rosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hedda_Rosa)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2006, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-romance-novel/349388/6 "2006-03-22T04:08:30Z")
_Forever Amber_ - Kathleen Winsor. Arguably the first historical romance novel. And a fun read to boot. ---
**Author:** ![cruel\_butterfly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/5daacb/32.png) [@cruel\_butterfly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cruel_butterfly)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2006, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-romance-novel/349388/7 "2006-03-22T04:16:45Z")
> [@Biggirl](#): > > 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. 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. ---
**Author:** ![AuntiePam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@AuntiePam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AuntiePam)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2006, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-romance-novel/349388/8 "2006-03-22T04:27:01Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Biggirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biggirl/32/3294_2.png) [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2006, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-romance-novel/349388/9 "2006-03-22T04:29:47Z")
> [@cruel butterfly](#): > > 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. 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. ---
**Author:** ![BlueKangaroo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3d9bf3/32.png) [@BlueKangaroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlueKangaroo)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2006, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-romance-novel/349388/10 "2006-03-22T04:46:32Z")
If you want funny, and sex, go for [**Nerd in Shining Armor**](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0440241162/sr=8-1/qid=1143002615/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-8271494-6050527?%5Fencoding=UTF8) by Vikki Lewis Thompson. It’s hysterical. The other few I’ve read are okay, but this one stands out. ---
**Author:** ![cruel\_butterfly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/5daacb/32.png) [@cruel\_butterfly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cruel_butterfly)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2006, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-romance-novel/349388/11 "2006-03-22T05:06:55Z")
> [@Biggirl](#): > > 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. 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. ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2006, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-romance-novel/349388/12 "2006-03-22T13:27:43Z")
> [@StGermain](#): > > 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 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… ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2006, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-romance-novel/349388/13 "2006-03-22T17:35:08Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Cockatiel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/43a26b/32.png) [@Cockatiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cockatiel)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2006, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-romance-novel/349388/14 "2006-03-23T00:27:23Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2006, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-romance-novel/349388/15 "2006-03-23T00:47:25Z")
nora roberts, jayne ann krentz (also jayne castle, and amanda quick), linda howard, meagan mckinney. ---
**Author:** ![KSO](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/f07891/32.png) [@KSO](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KSO)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2006, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-romance-novel/349388/16 "2006-03-23T02:30:51Z")
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_. ---
**Author:** ![Chanteuse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9de053/32.png) [@Chanteuse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chanteuse)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2006, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-romance-novel/349388/17 "2006-03-23T04:23:21Z")
_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! ---
**Author:** ![SallyBowls](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed8c4c/32.png) [@SallyBowls](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SallyBowls)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2006, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-romance-novel/349388/18 "2006-03-23T06:26:55Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Zoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/a4c791/32.png) [@Zoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zoe)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2006, 9:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-romance-novel/349388/19 "2006-03-23T09:05:59Z")
Another vote for **Forever Amber**! Could not put it down! Unfortunately, I was on my honeymoon… ---
**Author:** ![Chanteuse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9de053/32.png) [@Chanteuse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chanteuse)\ **Post date:** [March 23, 2006, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-romance-novel/349388/20 "2006-03-23T12:30:54Z")
> [@SallyBowls](#): > > 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. I’d forgotten about those! I liked _Bet Me_ the best of the three you mentioned. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-romance-novel/349388.md?page=2)