Comments on: “Happily Ever After” and Other Concepts that (no longer) Elude Me

By: Kim W

Kim W — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:14:39 +0000

Kat, you’ve gotten some good and interesting recommendations. . I’d like to add, on the paranormal side, Jayne Ann Krentz writing as Jayne Castle – her Harmony series. And Maggie Shayne’s vampires. Wonderful writers who made it very possible for those like JR Ward, Nalini Singh and the rest to come on board. And I think their HEA’s are great! Good luck and most importantly – Have fun!

By: ghn

ghn — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 21:28:30 +0000

If you want to read Fantasy and SF-flavored fiction, have a look at Lois McMaster Bujold and Catherine Asaro. Bujold is my absolutely most favorite author. And I am love Asaro’s books almost as fiercely.Bujold’s most Romancey titles are _Shards of Honor_, Komarr_ and _A Civil Campaign_. (And the proposal scene alone in ACC is worth a score of lesser Romance novels by itself)

My favorites among Asaro’s books, are _The Quantum Rose_ and _Spherical Harmonic_ (though the latter title may not really qualify as Romance)

I could suggest lots and lots of similar books, but then I am a SF and Fantasy nut

And if you need more suggestions about what to read, I am certain that the Bitchery will be delighted to help out with suggestions.

By: SonomaLass

SonomaLass — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 20:11:26 +0000

To balance all the worthy classics and grande dames above: newer authors who I think are excellent (and also easily available in print and digital forms, I think) are Carolyn Jewel, Sherry Thomas, Elizabeth Hoyt and Meredith Duran — all historical. As mentioned up-thread, Victoria Dahl’s contemporaries are quite good, as are Kristin Higgins. Maya Banks is another excellent newer author. For romantic fantasy/sci-fi, Shana Abe and Ann Aguirre.

By: Shayera

Shayera — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 02:06:27 +0000

Novel Reaction beat me to the rec of Lynn Kurland. I love her books. Adore. Stardust of Yesterday and This is All I Ask are two of my absolute favorites. Nora, Garwood, SEP, Quinn, Cole, Kenyon/Macgregor, Howard, Heyer, my life would be incomplete without them.
I adore “Blue Waltz” by Linda Francis Lee is great. Unfortunately, it’s out of print.
And Anne Gracie is a fantastic author as well.
I could go on for days.

By: Jody Parmann

Jody Parmann — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:15:19 +0000

Kassia recommends the book Knight & Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux and though this is a good one you should check out Remembrance by her. I’ve converted many a non-romance-reader with this one. I think you’ll especially appreciate that it is from the perspective from a romance author.

Some other suggestions for Kat from a veteran romance reader:
-Louisanna Legacy by Alexandra Ripley
-Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
-Beneath A Blood Red Moon by Shannon Drake (before there was Twilight)
-Dark Angel by VC Andrews (though technically no a romance it has one of the best falling in love stories ever. I’m pretty sure I’m still in love with Troy)
- The Beloved Scoundrel by Iris Johansen (Any of her historical romances are great because she’s works her story into real historical events and happenings)

Happy reading!

By: Sela Carsen

Sela Carsen — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:42:13 +0000

For historicals, it’s all about “Flowers From the Storm” by Laura Kinsale. That’s pretty much the end-all, be-all of historical romance for me.

By: kassia

kassia — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:52:17 +0000

Thanks for the Heyer recommendation. I will, after Kat commits to the genius that is Georgette, tell our new romance reader about the time I nearly broke my neck while reading “The Black Sheep”. How was I to know that convulsive laughter and treadmills didn’t mix? Happily, there are many Heyer reprints on the market.

By: Novel Reaction

Novel Reaction — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 04:54:30 +0000

You have to start with a few basics, Georgette Heyer is a must read if you are just getting into the genre. I love anything by Julia Quinn but my absolute favorite is Lyn Kurland. She covers the whole ghost/human issue and time travel with a HEA for all.

By: kat

kat — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:32:59 +0000

oh my. Thank you so much everyone. I DO have my work (technically, I guessit counts as work no matter how much fun it might be!) cut out for me. I’m looking into speed reading courses.
And, considering giving up sleep for a little while
~ Kat

By: Lori

Lori — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:22:36 +0000

Welcome to Temptation is brilliant. Crazy For You by Cruisie is another must read (has all the best romance elements in it including lesbian mothers, psychotic exes and cute dogs).

SEP’s Chicago Stars series is wonderful!! Kristan Higgins books are brilliant and Victoria Dahl’s Talk Me Down made me swoon with delight (I love me my contemporaries!!)

Maybe we should start a Books For Kat club…