What do you do when your life becomes so busy, filled with so many things to do and so many deadlines to meet that you don’t even have time to shop for groceries? Well, I joined a romance novel book club.
It doesn’t make sense, I know that. I really did not need to add another activity/obligation to my already over-scheduled life. But this is a romance novel book club. That means we’ll be reading the kind of books I love — none of that depressing “everyone is dysfunctional and has abused me” stuff. And we meet at our local library — a very convenient five-minute drive from my house.
So last night we had our first meeting. Eight of us showed up, introduced ourselves, and shared our reading preferences. And like most romance readers, it turns out that we have no preferences. We all read voraciously in any number of sub-genres. It confirmed what I already knew about romance readers: we read tons of books and are very dedicated fans.
Next, we discussed how to organize the group — did we want to all read the same book each month, or did we want to read different books by the same author? We decided to do both. For the next meeting, for example, we will all read The Perfect Rake by Anne Gracie. We will also read a historical novel by Lisa Kleypas. We figured this way, we will have plenty to discuss. Each month a different person will do the choosing. And we’ll vary the genres as well.
It will be my turn to choose the book and author next month, and naturally, I’m already obsessing about it. So I thought I’d save myself some grief and ask you.
1. What is your favorite romance novel of all time? And if you can’t name just one (and really, who can?), which books are at the top of your list?
2. Which author(s) would you recommend? This should be someone with a fairly large backlist so we can read a variety of her books.
Your answers can be from any genre. And since this is May and I’m celebrating the release of the first book of my Crusaders miniseries 
, I’ll send a copy of Heart of Thief to someone who helps me come up with my choice.
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Oooh, I love this question and everyone is probably bored seeing my answers:
Barbara Delinsky
Linda Howard - especially her older romances
Sandra Brown - especially her older romances
Catherine Anderson
Patti Berg
Susan Andersen
Janelle Denison
HelenKay Dimon
Susan Mallery
Rachel Gibson
Maureen Child
Stef Ann Holm
Carly Phillips
Jill Shalvis
Donna Kauffman
Debbie Macomber
LaVryle Spencer
Erin McCarthy
I cannot choose one favorite story so here are several:
Susan Mallery - Buchanan Series, esp the last one, Tempting
Susan Mallery - Accidentally Yours
Debbie Macomber - The Blossom Street Series - they are ALL wonderful, Twenty Wishes the latest, The Shop on Blossom Street the first
Barbara Delinsky - Three Wishes, her Dream series and the Matchmaker Series (Twelve Across, etc)
Kristin Hannah - Home Again - real tearjerker
Kathleen Korbel - A Rose for Maggie - so very touching
Stef ann Holm - Pink Moon - the relationship with the kids is wonderful
Vicki Lewis Thompson - The Nerd who Loved Me - a hoot, especially Dex, the kid
Erin McCarthy - The Pregnancy Test - a hoot
Sheridon Smythe’s Completely Yours, etc - good series
Marcia Evanick - The Misty Harbor Series
Sherryl Woods - any of series books are great
Patti Berg’s Wilde series
Maureen Child Candallano Series:
Finding You/Knowing You (2 in 1)
Loving You
Some Kind of Wonderful
And Then Came You
A Crazy Kind of Love
Turn My World Upside Down
Leslie Kelley: Santori Series - Overexposed, Asking for Trouble, etc.
Marilyn Pappano’s Bethlehem Series: Heaven on Earth, Cabin Fever, A Season of Miracles, etc.
James Patterson - Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas, Sam’s Letters to Jennifer
Hope you find some new to you to enjoy.
Happy Mem. Day Weekend to all. I am taking an extra day or two. Yay.
by Pat L.
on May 23rd, 2008 at 7:41 am
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Back Again - You asked for the top of my list - sorry; here they are:
Three Wishes - Barbara Delinsky
Kristin Hannah - Home Again
And How Could I Forget - Sarah’s Child by Linda Howard - gutwrenching ending.
by Pat L.
on May 23rd, 2008 at 7:46 am
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Wow! What a super list. I’m shocked at how many of these authors I haven’t read… But I guess that’s good news in a way. It means I’ve still got plenty of reading pleasure ahead!
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I second Pat L.’s list, but I would like to add my all time favorite, Susan Elizabeth Philips. I love all of her books and could never pick just one.
I think it is wonderful that you joined a romance book club. I wish we had one here in my local community. I would definietly sign up, it would be great to discuss all of the books that I read with other people, who would be interested.
by Patty L.
on May 23rd, 2008 at 9:26 am
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Patty - I have only read a couple of SEP’s books, but they were wonderful. She is a master at dropping in bits of backstory at just the perfect moment. I admire her work tremendously! She is a definite contender!
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My favorites change with my mood, but Jennifer Crusie and Susan Elizabeth Phillips are usually near the top of my list.
Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie seems to be an almost universal favorite from among her works. Also good for book club discussion, because you can really have fun analyzing the fairy tale structure.
By SEP, my very favorite of hers so far is “Hot Shot”, set during the rise of computer companies like IBM. It’s got some unconventional stuff going on, and is just an amazing story. But I was also extremely impressed by “Nobody’s Baby but Mine”, which is the third in the Chicago Stars series. It’s a straight up romance, meaning there’s really not much story outside of the relationship between the hero and the heroine. These can be difficult to do well, I think, and this book is just riveting.
Now a question for you - How did you come to be a part of this book group? I’d love to find a group like this where everyone doesn’t already know everyone else, leaving me to feel like an outsider. And if it’s romance based, all the better! Is there someplace online where groups like this form to then meet in person?
by jenifer
on May 23rd, 2008 at 9:47 am
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Jennifer - Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie is one of my all-time favorite books. I also love Crazy for You, which is one of my top contenders to discuss. I’ll have to see how many people in the group have already read Bet Me.
My local librarian formed the book club. I met her at a luncheon sponsored by my local writing chapter, and she invited me to join. I guess she thought it would be good to have an author in the group. 
If you are anywhere near Hagerstown, Maryland, you are welcome to join our group! Some of the people in our group know each other, but I’m a stranger and so is another of the women. Hopefully it will work out!
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Oh wow what a list Pat! I absolutely love romance novels! They are my favorites! I especially like the humorous ones!
Jennifer Crusie is one of my favs! Her book, GETTING RID OF BRADLEY, is one of my favorites! Also, ANYONE BUT YOU, is a great book! It stars a basset hound named Fred! Hilarious! Also, her book THE CINDERELLA DEAL, is especially good! I agree with Jennifer above that BET ME is a fantastic story!
My next fav author is Vicki Lewis Thompson. I love all of her NERD books! Her writing is very clever, addictive and amazing! Can’t pick just one of her books as a favorite because they all are fantastic!
A third favorite author is Barbara Bretton. Now she has tear jerker romances down pat! I absolutely loved her book, JUST LIKE HEAVEN! It is a 3 hankie book! Any of her books are great!
Some old authors I really liked are Phyllis A. Whitney and Victoria Holt. They really had some classic stories!
And who can forget GONE WITH THE WIND? Amazing!
There are so many amazing authors! Kudos to you all for writing such fantastic stories!
by Melis L.
on May 23rd, 2008 at 10:16 am
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I’m going to assume you mean fairly mainstream books, Gail. So I’ll leave off any erotic titles.
The one single book that, to me, approaches closer to perfection than ANY other romance book is DEVIL’S BRIDE by Stephanie Laurens. That’s the first book in her Cynster series. You could compare and contrast this book that takes place in the highest levels of the ton with another book whose lives are a bit lower down in the ton’s feeding chain. I’d recommend one of those, but my brain just went blank and I can’t think of a single one right now. LOL. 
Here’s a challenge for you, another well loved single title is Linda Howard’s SON OF THE MORNING– pure fantasy (time travel / historic) romance with an exciting, suspenseful plot. But one of the most emotionally draining books I’ve ever read (sobbed out loud!) is her CRY NO MORE– contemporary with an with an exciting, suspenseful plot. Try comparing and contrasting THOSE two Linda Howard books! HAH! 
by BevQB
on May 23rd, 2008 at 10:17 am
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What? There is a Jennifer Crusie book I haven’t read? I am going to check on The Cinderlla Deal right now. Anyone but You is fabulous — I have it on my shelf.
Bev - I am not a big fan of erotica so I’ll leave that for someone else in the group. But I am frantically writing down all these suggestions. Keep them coming!!!!
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I don’t know if they’re listed already but some of my choices are:
Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas
Open Season by Linda Howard
The Serpent Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt
Almost A Lady by Loretta Chase
The Preacher’s Daughter by Cheryl St. John
by Maureen
on May 23rd, 2008 at 11:36 am
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Wow I have so many favs it is hard to choose… I love to read Nora Roberts, Catherine Coulter, Johanna Lindsey, Madeline Baker, Julie Garwood, Diana Palmer… gee the list goes on!!! 
GONE WITH THE WIND is great, I also enjoyed the sequel very much, SCARLETT by Alexandra Ripley.
Enjoy the wekkend everyone!!!
by Colleen
on May 23rd, 2008 at 11:55 am
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Everyone here loves the same authors I do!
I also recommend:
Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas (the best book I’ve read in a LONG time)
SEP’s Dream a Little Dream
Cry No More by Linda Howard
Three Wishes by Barbara Delinsky (great for a discussion about HEA endings)
Vicki Lewis Thompson’s Over-Hexed
Hey Gail, they should read one of your books, too!
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I have to add Julie Garwood , Christine Feehan, Nora Roberts and Nalini Singh. They are such great authors. I love the Drake Sister series by Christine Feehan and the Psy Changeling series by Nalini. I also highly recommend A Countess Below Stairs by Eva Ibbotson.
by Cherie J
on May 23rd, 2008 at 1:00 pm
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Debbie Macomber’s Blossom Street series
Vicki Lewis Thompson’s Nerd series
Olivia Gates writes great medical stories
by RobynL
on May 23rd, 2008 at 1:00 pm
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It is hard to come up with all time favorite romances off the top of my head so will list a few that I use as cofort reads (and have bought multiple copies since I wear them out):
Escapade by Joan Smith (Regency romance)
Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters (historical romantic suspense)
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (Time Travel romance)
Son of the Morning by Linda Howard (Time Travel Romantic Suspense)
Authors I would recommend:
Linda Howard (especially Diamond Bay, Midnight Rainbow, Dream Man, Mr. Perfect)
Shana Abe’s (especially paranormal historical Drakon books)
Lynn Kurland (historical and time travel)
Karen Rose (Romantic Suspense)
Sherrilyn Kenyon (paranormal-Dark Hunter series)
Gennita Low (Romantic Suspense)
I am sure to be missing loads but these leapt to mind.
by Little Lamb Lost
on May 23rd, 2008 at 1:19 pm
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Oh and how could I have forgotten Loretta Chase (historical romance)
by Little Lamb Lost
on May 23rd, 2008 at 1:20 pm
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Well…of course Nora Roberts, that’s a given. 
Also, I really like J.R.Ward’s vampire series. I wasn’t sure if I would like it, but she has me hooked.
by Nicole Price
on May 23rd, 2008 at 2:58 pm
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I don’t want to repeat and lots of good authors have already been mentioned. I’m going to add Jodi Picoult who has about 20 books and so far I’ve enjoyed all the ones I’ve read (maybe half).
by catslady
on May 23rd, 2008 at 3:29 pm
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Favorite books would be Gone With the Wind and Rebel Temptress by Constance O’Banyon. Constance O’Banyon would be the author I would recommend.
by Virginia H.
on May 23rd, 2008 at 4:34 pm
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Oh, my. I am getting a fabulous list here! I’ll print these all out at the end of the day. Thank you, everyone!!!!! Are there any more out there?
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So many great authors have already been named! Rachel Gibson, Lisa Jackson, Janelle Denison’s Wilde Series, Alison Kent’s SG-5 Series and Stephanie Bond are all terrific authors too!
by Susan
on May 23rd, 2008 at 5:25 pm
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My favorite authors have already been mentioned. They are:
Phyllis Whitney & Victoria Holt for older books
Carly Phillips & Vicki Lewis Thompson for newer books.
by Linda F
on May 23rd, 2008 at 8:02 pm
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Yep, ditto what Pat and Patty and Jenifer said. Also, Lisa Wingate and Tamera Alexander are fabulous. (BTW, Crusie’s Cinderella Deal is out of print, I think–boo!)
by fedora
on May 23rd, 2008 at 10:26 pm
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I’d add Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series to the list.
Good luck with the book club
by Ann M.
on May 23rd, 2008 at 10:54 pm
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Oh, and Dee Henderson, Karen Kingsbury, and Patricia Gaffney…
by fedora
on May 23rd, 2008 at 11:08 pm
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I could kick myself for being so remiss for leaving SEP out. She is awesome, I particulary loved Kiss An Angel and all her Chicago Stars Books, Nobody’s Baby But Mine - so funny, Dream a Little Dream, Heaven, Texas, etc.
by Pat L.
on May 24th, 2008 at 9:06 am
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How could I also forget Linda Howard’s Mackenzie’s Mtn, Diamond Bay.
Perfect and Paradise by Judith McNaught.
The Red Diary by Toni Blake - HOT and a wonderful storyline.
Not a romance by Julie Garwood’s Mercy - great mystery/suspense/fiction whatever you want to call it.
Fern Michaels - Serendipity - get out more tissues.
I could go on and on and I have.
by Pat L.
on May 24th, 2008 at 9:12 am
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Sorry to be so late awarding the prize. I had to go out and get some potting soil before the holiday traffic picked up.
Pat L., you’re my winner! Email me with your address (gail@gailbarrett.com) and I’ll send the book to you next week.
Thank you, EVERYONE, for the fabulous suggestions. I have them all printed out now. What a super group! Have a wonderful weekend!
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Hooray, Pat L! And thanks, Gail, for bringing the outpouring of excellent recommendations! Happy reading!
by fedora
on May 24th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
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wtg pat
by kim h
on May 24th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
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Thanks so much Gail. Hope everyone finds some new books/authors that they will enjoy. Email forthcoming.
Happy Memorial Day to All.
by Pat L.
on May 24th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
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Congrats, Pat! Have a great weekend everyone.
by azteclady
on May 25th, 2008 at 11:12 am
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Woohoo Pat! A big congrats to you!
Gail,
I found THE CINDERELLA DEAL and a used book store. I consider myself lucky since Fedora mentioned above that she thinks it is out of print. It was published in 1996 by Bantam Books. The back cover blurb reads as follows,
“Linc Blaise needed the perfect fiance’ to win his dream job, but finding a woman who’d be convincing in a charade seemed impossible - until he heard Daisy Flattery charm her way out of a sticky situation! Playing the prim and proper bride-to-be was a lark to the dazzling storyteller, but once she glimpsed the touching vulnerability Linc tried to hide, pretense turned into temptation. Could she find a way to make their fairy tale last?
In a deliciously funny and touching tale of opposites attracting, Jennifer Crusie warms hearts and tickles funnybones from start to finish! Daisy had made him believe in wondrous possibilites, drawn him into a world of passionate abandon, but was he brave enough to give her love?
What I liked so much about this story is that it just didn’t stop. The romance, their lives, the outcome, the future, etc. is all told in exquisite detail with just the right touch. I admire Jennifer Crusie’s writing style! She can really tell a story and hold your attention up to the very end!
by Melis L.
on May 25th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
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Oh, that’s so lucky! I looked on Amazon and the used copies of The Cinderella Deal begin at $33!!! So it must now be a collectable. I’ll have to start going to the used book stores myself.
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I’d also recommend:
Christina Skye’s Code Name series.
Susan Wiggs- All of her books…Lakeshore Chronicles series
Any of Kat Martin’s books.
Any of Michelle Jerrott’s books.
Sandra Hill -great sense of humor.
Pamela Clare
by Laurie G
on May 27th, 2008 at 5:42 am
