Help! I need to escape! Reality is a bit depressing right now, and it’s not just because it’s Friday the thirteenth. I won’t go into details, but let’s just say I’ve had a string of bad news during the past few weeks, really dreadful events. And I don’t want to turn on the television to escape — the dire warnings of possible terrorist attacks on the news make me feel even worse.
So I figure that what I need are some great romance novels to read. I need to lose myself in a fabulous fantasy world, get consumed with the kind of gut-wrenching story that will make me forget real life, or at least help me escape for a while. You know the books — the forget sleep, forget housework, call in sick from work type books that you absolutely can’t put down.
The last time I asked you all for recommendations of Cinderella-themed books, you gave me some great suggestions. I’ve already read most of the ones we discussed, and found some great new authors in the process.
So now I’d like your help again. What are your favorite romance novels of all times? I’ve already got all of Kathleen Woodiwiss’ books (talk about a great escape!!!), so you don’t need to recommend them. But what other books do you think are the best of the best? I’ll read anything — historical, contemporary, gothics. And just because I really need your suggestions, I’ll give away a copy of my book, Where He Belongs, to someone who helps.
Oh - and movies would be good, too, especially romantic comedies. I could surely use a good laugh right now.
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- “Something Wonderful” by Judith McNaught - a wonderful historical. I’d also add “Almost Heaven”
- “Where Dreams Begin” by Lisa Kleypas (historical)
- “Mouth to Mouth” by Erin McCarthy - a funny & sexy contemp
- the Stephanie Plum series by Evanovich
- the Jewel series by Anne Bishop - more sci fi with a bit of romance, but it’s wonderful
I just saw “Music & Lyrics” with Drew Barrymore & Hugh Grant - it was charming.
Hope this helps.
by Stacy ~
on July 13th, 2007 at 5:48 am
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Thanks, Stacy. I have Almost Heaven. It’s one of my favorite books. I LOVE the scene where the heroine shows up at the hero’s cabin and he shoves her out the door!!!! I also have the Stephanie Plum series. 
I’ll add the others to my list. And thanks for the movie tip, too. I was thinking of renting Notting Hill again (another Hugh Grant movie) because I love the secondary characters so much. The roommate is hysterical.
by Gail Barrett
on July 13th, 2007 at 6:14 am
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Hi Gail,
I know what you mean about using a good book to escape into when things aren’t going well. Here are a few of the ones that I read (should say reread!) to cheer myself up.
“Fast Women” and “Welcome to Temptation” by Jennifer Crusie
“Get a Clue” by Jill Shalvis
“She Drives Me Crazy” and “She’s Got The Look” by Leslie Kelly
by Susan
on July 13th, 2007 at 11:36 am
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Well, when I need really funny, I go to Julia Quinn’s How to Marry a Marquis, or Dara Joy’s High Intensity/High Energy two book series, or the three book series of Katie MacAlister’s historicals - Noble Intensions, Noble Destiney, The Trouble with Harry.. . . oh, and there is just about any Vicki Lewis Thompson book. . . those are the top ones that come to mind for funny. :)
Lois
by Lois
on July 13th, 2007 at 11:36 am
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Foxfire Bride by Maggie Osborne
A Lady of His Own by Stephanie Laurens
Promises Prevail by Sarah McCarty
The Prize by Julie Garwood
if it doesn’t have to be romance my all-time fav:
Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein
by Laidybyrd
on July 13th, 2007 at 12:16 pm
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Thanks Susan and Lois! I have all of Jennifer Crusie’s books — but that reminds me that she just came out with a new one, I think. I am writing all these suggestions down. Thanks!!! ;-)
by Gail Barrett
on July 13th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
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Oh, wow. Stranger in a Strange Land. I read that when it first came out (when I was in high school, I think!). It is a classic!!!! Same with Left Hand of Darkness. But you’re right, Laidybyrd. I should reread that one. Thanks for the other suggestions, too.
by Gail Barrett
on July 13th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
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Miranda’s Viking by Maggie Shayne (she has written some really great vampire books, too), Gentle Persuation and Sara’s Angel by Sharon Sala, ANYTHING by Nora Roberts/J.D. Robb.
by Minna
on July 13th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
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Divine By Mistake by PC Cast; The Nymph King by Gena Showalter; Rises The Night by Colleen Gleason; Anything Donna Kauffman; How to marry a Millionaire Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks.
by Lis
on July 13th, 2007 at 3:42 pm
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OK. I’m writing like mad here. THANK YOU, everyone. Please keep suggesting!
by Gail Barrett
on July 13th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
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Although I didn’t see them I have a friend that sees practically every movie ever made and she recommended Evan Almighty and License to Wed - said they were both extremely funny. And of course there is always the new Harry Potter movie.
As for books I think any of Julie Garwood’s older books for a good historical read. I also liked Get a Clue by Jill Shalvis - she has a great sense of humor.
by catslady
on July 13th, 2007 at 5:47 pm
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“There Goes the Bride” by Lori Wilde will give you lots of laughs!! :grin:
by Kathleen
on July 13th, 2007 at 6:33 pm
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I am reading Jane Graves Hot Wheels and HIgh Heels - very snappy dialogue.
Also very funny Susan Eliz. Phillips: Nobody’s Baby But Mine, Aint She Sweet and Match Me If You Can. Rachel Gibson and Patti Berg also write funny romance and Susan Mallery’s Buchanan series is wonderful and so funny with the wicked grandmother.
by Pat L
on July 13th, 2007 at 7:06 pm
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I would recommend any book by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, she is one of my comfort reads when I want an escape. I also love Lori Foster (Buchorn Brothers), Carly Philips (her Hot Zone books are great), Janelle Dennison (Wilde series). If your looking for a good historical anything by Kathryn Caskie.
by Patty L
on July 13th, 2007 at 10:47 pm
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Oh the best romantic comedy movie that really makes me feel good again is “While You Were Sleeping” with Sandra Bullock. I also loved “PrettyWoman” with Julia Roberts.
Have you read any of Vicki Lewis Thompson’s Nerd books? They are really good and filled with romance, comedy and suspense. Also, have you read any of the funny books by Sophia Kinsella of the Shopaholic Series? They are so funny and have a touch of romance. If you like christian reading I would recommend the Sisterchick books. They make you feel really good after reading them. Also, I just love the titles of these books, such as, “Sisterchicks do the Hula”, “Sisterchicks in Sombreros”, “Sisterchicks say Ool La La!”. They are by Robin Jones Gunn. She is a wonderful author!
I hope I might have helped you out a little in my list. I am sending many blessings and fun wishes your way for a bright, happy and sunny day! :grin:
by Michele L.
on July 13th, 2007 at 11:17 pm
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…And movies:
Roxanne with Steve Martin
A Fish Called Wanda
George of the Jungle
Tarzan in Manhattan
by Minna
on July 14th, 2007 at 6:14 am
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Thanks so much everyone! I now have a huge list of books to read and some movies to look for. I feel better already! :mrgreen:
And Minna - you’re my winner. Email me with your address (gail@gailbarrett.com) and I’ll send you a book!
THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE
by Gail Barrett
on July 14th, 2007 at 6:57 am
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3 books I’ve read and really enjoyed this summer so far are a couple by Janet Evanovich, SPYING IN HIGH HEELS by Gemma Halliday and the one I read in one day was by a debut author- Penny McCall called ALL JACKED UP
I really liked the way she had her characters relating to each other-about like fire and water!
by Joye
on July 15th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
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I just finished “Perfect Double” by Merline Lovelace which had some surprising twists and turns. A fast read!
by Laurie
on July 19th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
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Oh, I like Merline Lovelace’s books. I haven’t read The Perfect Double, though. And thanks, Joye — I’ll add those to my list! :grin:
by Gail Barrett
on July 19th, 2007 at 3:58 pm
