Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

I am apparently the only reader who’s up and checking SBTB at this late hour (ah, college life, I will miss you when I graduate in June).

The one book I would recommend to readers who are unfamiliar with the romance genre is Nalini Singh’s Slave to Sensation. It is one of my all-time favorite books. So much so that once, when I couldn’t find my copy, I became so panicked that I went out and bought another one (so now I have a backup, since I found the original).

Congratulations on the new book!!
I’ve just reread Marjorie M. Liu’s first Dirk & Steel book, Tiger Eye. It’s a book I adore and I go back to the whole series when I’m in need detectives and shapeshifters and amazing writing.

Just one? That’s tough, but I think I would go with a Crusie or a Heyer, depending on whether the reader in question prefers modern or historical settings.

*Flips a coin*

For a reader who prefers modern settings I would recommend Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie. Why? It’s strongly focused on the romance, it has funny dialogue and strong characters, there is a lot of sizzle to keep a reader who likes that kind of thing happy but not a lot of sex to scare away a potentially timid reader, a couple of interesting side plots. There is also the cat, the chicken marsala, the wedding cake and the snow globe.
It’s one of only a handful of books I keep two copies of - a hardcover to grace the shelves and a paperback to take with me when I travel. Now excuse me while I go and reread it.

My first thought was to enter ‘Lord of Scoundrels’ - I know I’m not the only one who would recommend this to readers new to the genre. But then I stopped and reconsidered. ‘Lord of Scoundrels’, while undoubtedly one of the most amazing romance novels ever, is quite intense. I do think you need a little background in the genre to appreciate it fully. It might scare off or overwhelm new readers. So I would go for Lisa Kleypas’ Tempt me at twilight. Something of an unconventional choice - I’ ve noticed that not everyone loved it as much as I did - but I think it has all that is great about romance in a sort of calmer, quieter version. Added bonus: once you are introduced to the Hathaway’s you will want to read the other books in the series, and then the Wallflowers and then Dreaming of You, and then the Julia Quinn in which Sarah’s book ‘Mathilda’ from Dreaming of You is mentioned and then the Bridgertons and ... well, you see where this is going. BTW I hope the fact that I managed to mention approximately 19 books in this entry will not jeopardize my chances of winning - I can’t wait to read your book ;)!

If I was going to recommend just one, it would be Jennifer Crusie’s Bet Me. So smart and so much fun!

And CONGRATULATIONS on your new book! I can’t wait to read it.

Just one? Wow. I guess I’d have to go with “Dangerous” by Amanda Quick- which details the Romance between a bluestocking who is interested in Spectral Phenomena and a Duke who has his own investigations. When they meet, there is an instant attraction, but when they get caught in a compromising position, they have to pretend to be engaged- something that allows them to deal with each others investigations… and discover the true depth of their attraction to each other.

I think the book that you suggest has to depend on the person. If I were to suggest the book that I keep going back to whenever I am stressed out and I think one of my first romance novels, it would have to be Honest Illusions by Nora Roberts. It has action, adventure, strong and smart characters, and most importantly HEA.

Wow, just one? I guess if I have to pick, Nora Roberts keeps me coming back for more. I can never put them down before I finish. Even when I’m supposed to be doing other things. Bad me. As for which one, let’s say Montana Sky. I loved the developing relationship between the sisters. And between the hero and heroine. And somehow she does setting so well it makes me want to move there. Not to mention that it was the first one I bought and the only one I owned for a long time, so I kept going back to it, and it has a special place in my heart by virtue of repetition alone :)

I’ll admit, this post sounds like an infomercial, but I sure am excited!!!!!

<--unlike you, I cannot contain the extra exclamation points.

I'd recommend

The Viscount’s Scandalous Return by Anne Ashley. It’s a bit light on the romance side, but IMO the mature and intelligent characters will make up for that fact. :)

For readers new to the genre I’d definitely recommend The Taming of the Duke by Eloisa James, one of my all time favourites!

I just finished reading a Kiss at Midnight which I adored as well, but since we’re only allowed one title I’ll stick with Imogen & Rafe.

For someone who has never read a romance I would pick Cry No More by Linda Howard since it has a great romance and an amazing heroine.  Congratulations on the new book!

Only one? You are so mean, and yet so generous.

Righto, if this person had never, and I mean NEVAH read the genre of romance before . . .  well I’d be feeling so sorry for them I’d have to give them The Princess Bride right away.

And this will make me sound like a complete suck, but I’ve also been lending out my copy of Beyond Heaving Bosoms because it’s a really great intro to romance. A friend’s husband picked it up and got so hooked he wouldn’t let my friend read it until he finished.

It depends on the person, of course, but my go-to for skeptics is Agnes and the Hitman. Crusie for the win! What’s particularly apropos about Agnes is that the first time I ever heard of it was from my twenty-something male friend who had seen it in the library and thought it looked interesting. (He has now read all of the Crusie in our entire county library system.)

I’d also go with Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie. In fact, I have done so, and each one of them have gone on to either trying more romance books or gone on to being all out romance fans.

I think the success rate is so high because Crusie almost always blows the common romance misconceptions right out of the water, and makes you laugh while she’s doing it.

The one romance that I have recommended to someone who doesn’t usually read them is one that you already have up above:  SEP’s Natural Born Charmer.  The opening is hilarious and once the book grabs you and pulls you in with that, there’s no way you’re putting that book down for sleep or anything else.

I’d recommend Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James, it’s my personal fave of her books, although Just The Sexiest Man Alive seems to be more well-known. I adore Ms. James’ writing and wholeheartedly recommend her stories to my non-romance reading friends, who are due to surrender to my begging/threats/nagging any day now…

If I had to pick just one, it would REALLY depend on who I was recommending it to. I mean, I wouldn’t be recommending the same book to my mother as I would to some of my ...less conservative… friends.

In general, I’d probably go with a Heyer - specifically Cotillion (it’s my favourite). It’s funny, and not too super-cheese-romancey for the newcomer. Plus, the hero is nice and unassuming (rather than the stereotypical Alpha Rape Man which many people expect from romances).

Congratulations on the book!!

What I’d recommend would depend on what the reader liked
to read.  But assuming they liked modern stories, I’d go with
Bet Me by Jennifer Cruise.  Great main and secondary
characters with nods to fairy tales and Elvis and Krispy
Kreme doughnuts!

This is a hard question, because there are so many awesome romances out there, but the one I have to recommend above all others is Crazy for You by Jennifer Crusie.  It showed me how important humor is in a relationship. Life is so much more pleasant if you know how to laugh!

I always recommend my all time favourite Hidden Riches by Nora Roberts and I think although some things are really outdated (car phones!, Kevin Costner and no PC-s in small business) the heroine and the wounded hero are just great together. Not to mention the eccentric theatre family.

Only one, huh? I have only been a romance fan for the last two years, now. Since I’m 57, I feel sad that I wasted so many years on other genres. But once I read Diana Gabaldon’s ‘Outlander’, I was hooked. And, thanks to this website and Goodreads, I have discovered many wonderful authors and books. Plus topics like these always add to my TBR list! Thanks.

I’d have to recommend AS YOU DESIRE by Connie Brockway.  Smart, snappy dialogue, interesting, three-dimensional characters, plenty of action, exotic historical locale that is well-researched, and a main couple whose names are Harry and Dizzy.  I still remember this book vividly, and can recall details of the story years later.  If that’‘s not a memorable story, I don’t know what is!

How funny the frequency of “Bet Me” in the comments already!  I agree that it’s a universally well-accepted induction into romance, but I’m partial to “Faking It” by Ms. Crusie, being an art nerd.

Definitely Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie. I sense a theme here!

It’s my favorite romance novel, and here’s why: Sure, the writing is amazing. There are funny moments, tender moments, even some are-they-crazy-or-what moments. But, that’s not really the reason why everyone should read this book.

It’s because of the effect it’ll have on you. I dare you to read them thinking about The One and not have your heart squeeze inside your chest. Seriously, if you’re feeling blue, read this book. Reread it as many times as necessary. It’ll make you feel better about the world. I guarantee it.

Come to think of it, it’s the type of book that should come with a “Recommended by the AMA” label!

The first one I read in my adult life (not including the nameless, repetitive, alpha Zebra’s of my thirteen year old life, all hid in the closet from my mother) that got me back into the genre was Prince Charming by Julie Garwood.

Is it the best? No. But it was fun, very sweet, had a minimum of stupidity, and genuine romance. Great gateway drug!

Congrats on the book!  I shall check it out as soon as Indigo puts it up (they’d better…or Amazon).  It looks like one of those books perfect for reading on the bus or in between university classes!

Anyway, my go-to romance novel has always been Romancing Mr Bridgerton by Julia Quinn.  It’s light, romantic, terribly funny (trade marks of Julia Quinn), and features a heroine who is NOT spectacularly beautiful, who is on the plain side of pretty, a bit too plump and socially awkward.  Like me! It’s always nice to read about the ordinary girl who gets the handsome man because it fills me with hope and warm fuzzies.

One book? Easy! Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night by Kresley Cole. I’ve re-read that wonderful package of awesome 9x over the years (I never really re-read books).

I think Bowen teaches the wonderful life lesson of never locking your future S/O in a cave full of starving incubi… even if you’re reaaaally pissed at him/her. Good to know, I think, because I always get that random urge when I’m pissed at a boyfriend to trap him in a cave… ;)

I´d go for SEP as well: CALL ME IRRESSISTIBLE

It´s total cliché in some ways. Small town, HIS town of course. He´s the immensely loved most favourite absolutely perfect son of said town. He´s supposed to get married but the bride´s best friend sees that the bride is not happy and when she flees the wedding (the bride, that is), the bride´s maid is forced (due to SERIOUS lack of money and some “you-finally-got-be-on-your-own-grow-up-eventually” by her parents) to stay in town. EVERYONE and their brothers totally hate our little heroine because she destroyed the heros wedding. And everyone loves the guy, remember?
So she is the only one that sees his real personality, he is the only one who sees and believes in her talents. There meant to be.
Its a tad weird that the heroine calls the ex-bride to get approval for doing the deed with the hero. A tad more weird that the ex-bride not only approves but is exceptionally happy because now he is kinda the bad one (hooking up with her best friend…)
But in the end, everyone´s happy. Especially the reader.
THE DIALOGUES ARE SO HILARIOUS!!!
I loved this book from the first page to the last. Thats a perfect start for someone new to the genre because you totally MUST love this book.

I’d have to recommend The Shadow and the Star by Laura Kinsale, if only because the hero does what that creepy, creepy vampire does and makes it seem almost acceptable because Kinsale has a way of making you hurt almost viscerally for her characters so objectivity flies right out the window. And I love Leda, if only because the women who raised her remind me of all the fabulous women in my life, who are always reminding me to hang my clothes up and make my bed and to set the table just so, because it’s a matter of personal accomplishment and it doesn’t matter is anyone sees because you know you did it right.

Also, the hero is a ninja, and can I just say, damn, is he foine.

Not an entry, just a plea regarding your new book:
Available on Kindle, pleeeeze?
Road warrriors need their fix, too.

Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie

Well the book that got me into romance was reviewed on this very site not long ago: Blaze Wyndam by Beatrice Small.

Hrm, I’d maybe go with The Spymaster’s Lady!

Only one book…  Ugh!  Wait, what about one book per genre???  No? Just one book - period? wow, that’s tough.

It would have to be Remember When by Nora Roberts and J D Robb. Coz I like to cheat and this is 2 authors/ books in one. Ha.

Plus I also liked this book a lot.

One is never enough and this looks really creepy - but it would be Jennifer Cruisie’s Welcome to Temptation. It was the first of hers I read and it absolutely had me by the heart (and other areas). It creates such a great sizzly relationship.

Congratulations on the book - can’t wait.

Mine is (because I just recommended it to my best friend):

Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie

I have to go withe historical, cause that’s how I roll. But from there - how can I choose just one? After much internal debate, I’m picking Kinsale’s Flowers From The Storm. Unconventional heroine (Quaker, of all things), badly damaged hero in need of redemption - so many great tropes, and a heck of a love story!

Anyone But You by Jennifer Crusie.  It’s intelligent, has only two sterotypical characters (who are deliberately so), and includes a depressed bassett hound.

Jennifer Crusie is a gateway romance author.  Hook ‘em with her, and they’ll be ours forever . . .

What a rogue desires by Caroline Linden

Since Elizabeth upthread has mentioned Romancing Mister Bridgerton, which is also my favourite as the heroine is not fantastically beautiful, I would suggest another Julia Quinn book, Devil in Winter.

Agnes and the Hitman by Jennifer Crusie

I would suggest A Proper Companion by Candice Hern.  Her first book, it is charming and witty, and all around an excellent read.  Congratulations on your book!

Just one…you’re right, you suck :P.  Hmmm…

I would recommend Linda Howard’s “After the Night.”  I’m a GRIT fair and true and this story is just classic…classic and HAWT!

That’s a tough one, but I’d have to go back to one of my forever favorites - Nora Roberts and her Three Sisters Trilogy. It was the first series that I read by Nora and once I read ‘Dance Upon the Air’, I was hooked and gobbled up the other two books within days. So ... start at the very beginning!  ‘Dance Upon the Air’. :-)

The Very Virile Viking

That book was just too much fun to not pass on!

Because I can’t quite pry my librarian hat off, I’m going to say Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Personally although I liked it, it doesn’t make my top five, but the librarian hat is telling me that it’s got appeal for fantasy and historical fiction fans, and since I don’t know what this hypothetical non-romance reader normally reads, I want to pick something with broad appeal for the best odds that it will demonstrate there’s something in the genre for them.

The librarian hat also wants me to emphasize that my answer might change depending on whom the recommendation was for.

Even though I’ve read it several times, I’ve been listening to SEP’s Dream a Little Dream, so I’ve got to recommend that one.  I think it’s one of her best.  Funny, poignant and sexy.

My recommendation would be “Outlander”, too.  That book was just so amazing!  Historical, time-traveling romance - what else do you need? :-)

Congrats on the new book, Sarah! And thanks to opening the comp up to those of us not in the US.

If I had to pick just one book, it would have to be: “And Then He Kissed Her” by Laura Lee Guhrke.

I was gonna go with BET ME by Jennifer Crusie (because it is full of awesome as many people before me have mentioned), but because many people have already mentioned it, I’m going to suggest my new favorite crack, DRAGON BOUND by Thea Harrison.

spamword: next69 …okay!

I can’t choooose. But if I am forced to, it would HAVE to be a Heyer. The Corinthian, probably, as it is quite a nice, light one, but is still hilarious and witty. It’s one of my favourites - who doesn’t like a heroine who pretends to be a rake seducing young ladies?

Congratulations on your book, by the way!

I’m a sucker for history in my romances & one of my all-time favorite authors is the late Celeste DeBlasis. My favorite is Tiger’s Woman, but that book isn’t for everyone due to content. Her Swan trilogy is fantastic, but that’s three really meaty good books.

So, my recommendation is Proud Breed. A saga with the history of California statehood. Strong characters & a diverse & inclusive cast with good subplots, too. Worth every page.

Does The Other Boleyn Girl count as romance?  I have some catching up to do in the romance reads department.  Too many YAs. :)

Hmm. Just because I’m in the middle of (re)reading a book in the In Death series (yeah so I have short term memory), I am going to recommend Naked In Death. It’s so good that the series is still going strong at 35+ books. And I still can’t get enough of Roarke. And a good list of supporting characters. What more would you need for a world you can revisit anytime?

Oh, hell. If just one, I’ll give a historical one since that’s my favorite genre. Julia Quinn’s How to Marry a Marquis. It had laugh out loud goodness an secondary characters who nearly stole the show!

Lorelei James Rough Riders.

Have to be Colters’ Woman by Maya Banks.  I remember reading and thinking, “WHAT????  I could have THREE hot guys????  HOT DAMN!!!”  Sigh… yep… I’m a sucker for menage now… :D

So excited for this book! Congratulations!!

I would recommend Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale. It’s beautifully written and a gorgeous story. Not your typical romance novel but seems to embody the genre completely. Makes me swoon every time. And that’s the sign of a great romance :) Plus, Jervaulx is insanely (no pun) sexy and I loved his struggle even though it broke my heart.

Okay, this one might be weird, but if I had to pick one romance to introduce a reader to the genre, I’d pick Mackenzie’s Mountain by Linda Howard.

It’s not a paranormal or an historical. It’s not overly angsty but it has drama. It walks the line between old skool and modern, with an alpha hero who isn’t a big fat jerk and a heroine who is plain but not a doormat. There’s a kid but he’s not gratuitous or too precious for words. Throw in some horses and what more could you ask for? I think it personifies the spirit of the romance genre perfectly - love conquers all.

Congrats on the book, Sarah. Whether or not I win, I’ll be reading it when it comes out later this year.

Outlander by Diana Gabladon.

Ooh, exciting!

The hard thing is picking just *one* romance to recommend.  Especially without knowing who I was recommending it to.  I have successfully got my husband and at least one straight male friend to read Georgette Heyer, Julia Quinn and I think also Victoria Alexander - and have even been asked to provide more.

But right at the moment, I’d probably go with Eloisa James’ Desperate Duchesses, because it’s such a lovely, enjoyable, easy book with so many charming characters, and the hero is so much the antithesis of every Old Skool hero - even the chess is interesting.  Though Soulless by Gail Carriger would also be an excellent choice, especially if I was trying to get a real non-romance reader to give it a try.

Heh, the security word is ‘decision99’ - believe me, I have a lot more than 99 romance novels to decide between!

My fave is Kleypas’ Devil in Winter but I don’t necessarily think that’d be the best one to introduce a person to the genre. So I’ll go with the author who got me hooked on romance, Julia Quinn and The Duke and I because I love the Bridgerton family and always have to start a series with Book One.

Congrats on your book!
I’d recommend Saving Grace by Julie Garwood to someone new to the genre, I absolutely loved that book and read it numerous times.

Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn and I guess it’s either a regency or historical romance but honestly I don’t even notice that I just noticed that the characters came to life and made me laugh and cry and just made me happy to be a reader of romance :)

Wild Women, by Jennifer Cruisie - 2 women who turn their lives around, 2 heroes, and sex that breaks a couch

I’d say SBTB’s favourite recommendation: Lord of Scoundrels! This book made me fall in love with the romance genre all over again after being disillusioned with it for years :)

Home at Last by Anna Schmidt — not because it’s the best romance I’ve ever read, but because it’s a sweet story that doesn’t necessarily follow romance stereotypes.

Only one, only one…...Yep, that does suck! Well, besides many of the J. Crusie and J. Quinn and L. Chase listed above, I’m going with “Crocodile on the Sandbank” by Elizabeth Peters. Yes, it is mystery, too, but Emerson and Peabody are one of the longest lasting, most romantic couples out there!

I gave this a lot of thought (well, a lot as in, the time it took me to go to the bathroom by myself without an entourage), and I’ve decided Aliyah is right. I would recommend a different book depending on the person.

But, in all likelihood, if I was trying to lure someone in, I’d go with Kinsale first. Flowers from the Storm is NOT my favorite romance novel of all time. Not even in the top ten, because it is so intense. It’s simply not a re-read for me. But, I think it has a fabulous story and the classic Kinsale prose, so that would be my likely recommendation.

But, if I was certain a friend could handle it, I’d totally go for Judith Ivory’s Untie My Heart, instead.

Just one, huh? Then Julia James’ Practice Makes Perfect. I’ve actually Kindle-gifted it a few times now. It’s definitely a good introduction to the awesome writing to be found in romance novels.

Sorry - that was Fast Women by Jennifer Cruisie - haven’t had my morning tea yet

I always recommend Christina Dodd, and since One Scandalous Evening is my favorite, let’s go with that.

I’m going to have to say Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard.

Congratulations on the new book. Trying to come up with just one book was very hard. But I think Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie. She writes the funniest romance books, they are the best to re-read. I have saved all of hers over the years and when I want funny I will read it again.

Like so many had said before me; very hard to choose only one out of the many fantastic books out there. And it is also somewhat dependent on the person it is meant for.

Having said that, I could recommend Like No Other Lover by Julie Anne Long to anyone, really. It has it all: historical setting, intense and very believable obstacles, characters with depth, emotional pull and one hilarious scene that had me crying with laughter. Can’t go wrong with that one!

Very cool.  Congrats.

My one book would have to be Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead.  (I would recommend everything by her,  but since she writes series I thought this would be the logical place to start).

My favorite is Granny Dan by Danielle Steel but then it sounds so “oh of course Danielle Steel” but I don’t think I’d recommend any of her other books because they all sorta turn out the same but this particular one I just love and think is just such a sweet love story.
Congrats on the book!!!

I think Imagree with other that it depends on the person but I would say; C.L.Wilson’s Lord Of The Fading Lands, it breathes the pure essence of romance with fantastic characters and a riviting plot.

I have lost track of how many times I have recommended Outlander.

Since Bet Me‘s so well-represented, I’m going to go with Madeline Hunter’s Ravishing in Red.  Until I saw her at a romance panel, I was firmly a contemporary reader.  She was so funny at the panel that I picked up her book and was immediately hooked!  (It also introduces one of my favorite romance characters of all time—the Duke of Castleford, the rake who almost overshadows our hero.)  I now looove historicals.

I would have to recommend Lord Lightning by Jenny Brown. I think it was the first non-paranormal romance I read and it’s fantastic!

I’m going to echo others in their recommendation of a Crusie:

Welcome to Temptation

It was hard to pick a fave. WTT battled it out with other Crusies, Loretta Chase’s Mr. Impossible and Lord Perfect, Sherry Thomas’s Not Quite a Husband, SEP’s Match Me If You Can, Jo Bourne’s The Spymaster’s Lady, Gabaldon’s Outlander, and Julia Quinn’s Romancing Mr. Bridgerton. All worthy and all delicious.

I have to say my all-time favorite is Amand Quick’s Mistress.

I’m gonna go with Carnal Innocence by Nora Roberts.  I agree with others that Bet Me is an awesome introduction but The Nora is a terrific gateway author.  :>  Carnal Innocence has excellent storytelling, vivid characters, dialogue that cannot be beat and the most perfect and unexpected villian.  In My Humble Opinion.

I have several books that I keep reading over and over again.  This was one of the books I brought down with me when we were in Australia for 1 year plus.   

But only one book?  How mean.  I have to say SEP’s It Had to Be You.  Got to love a good throwing arm to get the bad guy.

Recommending just one is impossible. I don’t have a 1000-sided dice handy….Let’s go modern and suggest The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn. It was the first one of hers that I’d read (soon followed by about 6 more) and it was too good to put down.

The book I recommend to almost everyone is Bet Me. I feel almost like it’s too obvious of an answer for this give- away, but it’s the truth. Unless I’m talking to someone who really really loves paranormal stuff - then I have to reevaluate and pick something else. That said, I’ve recommended each of the 4 books in your stash to give away that I’ve read (Dahl, Chase, Kleypas, and Brook) to friends at various times.

I would recommend Nobody’s Baby But Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. The main characters are great, as are the secondary ones and the whole book is infused with humour and hilarious dialogue. The plot is brilliant and the secondary romances spice up the story.

It’s hard to only pick one, but I think I’d go with a paranormal romance since it’s so popular nowadays.  I love historical but it seems people either love them or hate them, not much middle ground.  In the end I’d recommend Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost.  Action, sex, love and it sucks you in from the start and moves along quickly.

Congratulations on your book! Can’t wait to read it!

I would recommend Thyme Out by Katie Fforde which is a contemporary set in England.  It was a toss up with Devil’s Cub by Georgette Heyer!

Great cover, Sarah!  I have EIKAL on preorder at Amazon, so I am not entering to win, but I have to put a plug in for Jane Austen:  for the right sort of reader, start with Persuasion.

I would have to say The Spymaster’s Lady by Joanna Bourne. It is funny and the heroine is awesome.

This sounds like a fun book to read; I’d love to toss my name in the hat.

One romance book I’d recommend is Spellbound by Nora Roberts. It’s an older novella, but it was really good.

rebekah

But.. But… Only ONE??

Ok ok I think if I were recommending a book to someone unfamiliar with romance, I’d have to choose something that had some romance but wasn’t full on romance to rather ease them into the genre..

So, Greyfriar by Clay and Susan Griffith. It’s got romance, action, horror, politics, and vampires.

Though you’re seriously killing me with the one-book limit here, just so you know :)

Congratulations on the new book! I look forward to reading already :)

And, hmm, only one? I guess I would recommend my gateway romance, “Phantom Waltz” by Catherine Anderson.

I’m going with The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn.  This is one of the first romances I remember reading, and is hands-down my favorite of the Bridgerton novels. I love strong, sassy, and independent heroines, so Kate fits the bill. And how can you not love the Bridgerton family? Plus, seeing an autocratic member of the aristocracy being brought to his knees is never a bad thing in my book.

My book recommendation would be A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux.  There’s just something about that one- I couldn’t put it down, and I’ve read it many times. Great contest- your new book looks like a fun read!

Mr Impossible. I laughed so much the first time I read it my stomach hurt for days. It definitely makes you want to read more romances.

The Lady Julia Grey Bundle by Deanna Raybourn. I would recommend the first book, Silent in the Grave, and expect them to be desperate to read the next books as well!

The Lady Julia Grey Bundle by Deanna Raybourn. I would recommend the first book, Silent in the Grave, and expect them to be desperate to read the next books as well!

Only one book is a toughie…there are so many types of romance books out there! But honestly, I think I would recommend a Crusie. Her books are fun and interesting and have great dialogue and are as far from a “bodice ripper” as you can get. I guess the one book I would pick is Bet Me. Thats one of the first I ever read and its one of the first books that got me reading straight-up romance (instead of urban fantasy or fantasy/sci-fi, which is all I had been reading before.)

Oooh for a beginner I think it would have to be a Crusie, and most likely Bet Me. I love it so much that I bought a second copy to take on my several-months-long European trip so that I could pass it on to a fellow traveller when I finished with it - and I did! I gave it to a girl in my tour group while we were on a felucca on the Nile. Oh the exotic places we take our books!

I would suggest an oldie-but-goodie: “Family Man” by Jayne Ann Krentz.  It was written in the Olde Skool era, but is not a bodice ripper; rather, it contains creative and respectful tension between the H/H and sparkling, witty dialog.  The secondary characters are well-drawn and not cartoonish.  And, not least (to the sound of a trumpet flouish), the dog character is delightful.

I would recommend Irresistable Forces by Brenda Jackson. I loved this book because it was multicultural and it had a realistic story line.

I love Lord of Scoundrels and When Beauty Tamed the Beast so much I’ve bought them for friends and sent them to their Kindle!

I cannot wait to read your book!  Wishing you the best of success.

I’m going down the comments with “That’s a good one,” “I like that,” “Ooh, good choice.” but I’m going to come back to the old fave “Lord of Scoundrels.” Why…because I had wandered away from romances for a few years—I had sort of forgotten why I liked them—and “Lord of Scoundrels” was the book that reminded me what it was like to plant my butt in a chair, ignore the phone, and not move except for the bathroom and to get more snacks until I was FINISHED.

I’m gonna go oldskool and recommend Pride and Prejudice. Though not an “official” romance, it contains one of the all-time classic romances. Smart, funny, various fictional tropes, bad guys, awesome guys, DARCY…what’s not to love???

even43: it’s only a few years from now, but I’ll even love P & P when I’m 43…and I’ll probably have read it 43 times by then!

Just one? You want me to pick just one? But I don’t know what kind of books this hypothetical person like to read! I feel so much pressure! I think Revealed by Kate Noble would probably be my favorite. I love the action/mystery element of it, and I love the character development. She manages to turn that snotty mean girl that everyone knows into a mature, lovable woman. Marcus is so sigh-worthy. “It’s just me.” almost replaces “As you wish.” as my most romantic phrase. I think I need to go reread it now.

Woops - sorry for double post, I pressed the submit button twice!

Such a hard question! I would recommend The Duke and I. Love, love, love it!

I would recommend any book by Susan Elizabeth Phillips; particularly her Chicago Star’s series!! Those were the first romance novels I got into and I was hooked.

Just one huh? I can’t decide. So I’ll go with the first romance book I read, Sea Swept by Nora Roberts.
That book was an eye opener. I didn’t know anyone wrote books like that. I will forever be grateful to my college library for displaying that book on the “here are some good books for you to try” shelf!

Trying to come up with one that nobody has mentioned….How about “Thief of Hearts” by Teresa Medeiros?  Pirates!  Secret identities!  Tortured hero!  Pirates! 

Or for contemporary, an early JAK single title, “The Golden Chance.”  I just love that book.

Jackson Rule by Dinah McCall aka Sharon Sala.  This is Sharon Sala at her best when preachers daughter falls for Jackson Rule, a man who spent half his life behind bars for killing his abusive father. This is oen of my all time favorites and always highly recommend this.

Despite those Facebook mermaids making contests on FB so very complicated you still manage to rock out an awesome giveaway.

What would I recommend?  The book that started it all for me, Moondust and Madness by Janelle Taylor.  I can’t tell you how many times I go back to it and fall in love every time.

Congrats on the new book!

Well, I was already fond of romances when my mother suggested The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer to me - but I’ve managed to get one of my friends to fall for the same book and ask for further suggestions! Here’s to Heyer!

Honor’s Splendour by Julie Garwood.  She warmed his feet - enough said.

Bound By Your Touch, Meredith Duran.  It’s such a fresh take on the spinster/rake trope (Bet Me has already gotten plenty of mentions, or I’d be tearing my hair out between them :-)

Thanks for the giveaway, congrats on the book!

*whispers subliminally* My Lord and Spymaster, The Corinthian, Natural Born Charmer, Montana Sky, Faking It, Northern Lights, War for the Oaks, Hope’s Folly. . .   

yeah Sarah!  Congratulations on the book.  Hmm, I read mostly m/m at this point but that is probably not a good starting place. I’d vote for one of Zoe Archer’s Blades series. Good adventure, good romance, great stories.

Really hard to answer with just one book because of the difference between historical and contemporary romance but I think I’ll go historical with Heyer’s _The Grand Sophy_. Funny scenes, terrific heroine, great secondary characters and B story - it’s got it all. (Really wish they’d film this some day.)

Congrats on the book publication!

P.S. Venetia and I must have clicked “Send” at the same time - great minds…

Congratulations on your new release! I look forward to reading your book in the near future. :)

Just one! Man.. That is so hard.. But. If I have to just choose one, it will have to be Judith McNaughts’ A KINGDOM OF DREAMS. This book is one of my all time favorites. Its a historical, and I don’t usually read historicals as much as I used to, but this is the one book I always come back to. It will make you laugh, cry, and shout with frustration, but you walk away at the end with a big sappy grin on your face. Its one of those books where the characters stay with you.

Thanks for the awesome giveaway!

I just came off a Lisa Keypas bender so I’m walking a little wobbly. For someone new to the genre, I think it would depend on the age of the person as to what book to suggest. I remember Tiger’s eye by Judy Blume rocked my world years ago. But for all around, every age, male, female, I would recommend what hooked me again into the genre: Outlander by Diana Galbadon.

Plenty of nookie and lurve and conflict to make the history go down just right.

Congratulations!! I can’t wait to read your new book!
As to recommending just one book, I’d suggest Mary Balogh’s Slightly Dangerous. Which of course is the conclusion to a series, and while it stands alone really well, the whole series is fantastic. It’s a huge part as to why I fell in love with the genre. I’ve read the series, and this book in particular, repeatedly over the last few years.

First off—CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! :)

I see a lot of people mentioned Crusie’s Bet Me, and while I love it too, I’ll have to fess up that my first Crusie was Getting Rid of Bradley (‘tis the name of the hubby). I laughed my tush off, and went through every Crusie book I could get my hands on. I guess I’m saying I’d recommend any Crusie book to those who like humor, and Gabaldon’s Outlander to those who like epic historicals.

This is such a difficult question.  I would have to go with Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, my favorite Julia Quinn title.  Who wouldn’t fall in love with Colin Bridgerton?  And Penelope Featherington, for that matter?  And once you’d fallen in love with them, you’d be hooked and need to read about the rest of the marvelous Bridgerton siblings!

By the way, Sarah, I loved your talk at the Connecticut Library Association conference!  SO happy you were there!

I would have to jump on the Nora bandwagon, but say Birthright. It is by far my favorite romance novel. And, you get a nice two romances in one.

It has been said several times already….but I am going to repeat Outlander.  *grin*  My suggestion would change depending on the person.  But off the top of my head that would be one of the first books I would suggest.

Congratulations on the new book!! <- *couldn’t contain it.  sorry*

Great news on your book; I know it’s so exciting!  I have two favorite go-to’s I suggest: All the Queen’s Men, by Linda Howard, and Knock Me Off My Feet, by Susan Donovan.

I would also say Bet Me—wish I could think of something more original, but I haven’t had enough coffee yet!

Ugh, TOO TOUGH OF A QUESTION. Okay. I may be tempted to go with Kristan Higgins or Julia Quinn or Julie Ann Long, but really the one that sent me head over heels was Nora Roberts’ Calhoun Sisters series. Kind of obscure, a little bit random, but TOTALLY AWESOME. God, I may have to dig them out and reread them now.

1. Thanks all, loads more books TBR
2. Argh…only one!!!!
3. Just gave my best chum ‘The Duke and I’ by Julia Quinn and she has since taken the rest of the Bridgertons away with her. So I guess that’s the one (this time!)

I love anything by Jude Deveroux, especially her time travel ones.  Guilty pleasure, not often revealed.  But The Princess is my all time fav!

I’d recommend Agnes and the Hitman by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer. Not only does it have the requisite romance, but it also has action, adventure, baking, a wedding, mobsters, hitmen, and the liberal application of frying pans to cheating bastards. Much fun all around!

I have to say my recommendation would be a Heyer—and if I have to choose one I would say The Cotillion—I just adore Freddy the reluctant hero—Kitty the impulsive heroine and the mechanations which result in their HEA…Love that book.

Picking just one is too hard! My first was a Harlequin, but what really brought me into the fold was old skool Garwood and Deveraux. Oh, and my Mom passing me her copies of Victoria Holt. :D “The India fan” still ranks as my favorite, so I’m going with that as my final answer.

For me it’s Linda Howard’s Cry No More. I still reread it about every six months. It’s got everything…suspense, emotion, hot sex, a heroine to love and a hero you want to take home with you.

Does a series count as one? Lol…Alright, alright, one it is! I recommend Devil’s Bride by Stephanie Laurens. This book made me fall in love with romance novels, more specifically, historical romance….When you were asking about ideal heroes and heroines for your book I wrote about the characters in this book. They’re just that great!!!

Congrats on your book!! Can’t wait to read it!...Will you be at the BEA in NYC next week, by any chance?

Generally, I tailor my recommendation to the person, but Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie is probably the one I suggest the most often.

I would have to recommend Running Hot by Jayne Ann Krentz. It’s one of her Arcane Society novels (written by all three nom de plumes - Krentz, Quick, and Castle).

What the crap! One! OK I probably should pick one of Quinn’s Bridgertons or a Lisa Kleypas, but I will go with Sherry Thomas’s Not Quite a Husband.

Oh, SB Sarah, I’m so happy that you finished the book!!! I’d recommend my all-time favorite Just The Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James.

I always go back to Carla Kelly’s ‘Miss Whittier makes a list.’ I love the strength of both characters, the way they learn and grow, and the mistakes and triumphs they go through along the way. The matchup of the British sea captain and the proper American miss was magical.  I loved it!

I would have to recommend Stephanie Laurens’ Devil’s Bride. Such a wonderful book!

I’m going with Connie Brockway’s “As You Desire” here.  It starts out with the extremely overwrought, over-dramatic descriptions that many, many people assume are what comprise romance novels, then comes to a screeching halt when we realize that the floofy stuff is just in the heroine’s brain—her DRUNK brain—and that the book is actually mocking such nonsense.  The hero and heroine are actually friends, with a lot of sarcasm and history between them, so while it’s a historical, it’s pretty approachable.

If you told me I had to get rid of all but one book— be stranded on a desert island— or only could only read one more book…  It would be BIRTHRIGHT by Nora Roberts…  I’ve already worn out one paperback and now reread it in hardcover :)

Julia Quinn’s “Romancing Mr. Bridgerton” - at least as an intro to regency romances.

It depends on the person of course. I’d probably ask someone to name 3 of their all time favourite novels to get a sense of what they like, then go from there. But since this contest is about a generic, and not specific, person, I’ll have to echo a ton of others and say something by Crusie, most likely Bet Me. Which is weird, b/c I read mostly historicals, but I figure that if I’m allergic to most contemps and Bet Me still manages to be one of my favourite romances ever, of any genre, there’s got to be something extra special about the book.

The Devil’s Delilah by Loretta Chase, as recommended to me by the SBs years ago.  It is the romance to which I hold all other romances.  I love me a nerd hero like you wouldn’t believe, and a fast-paced and hilarious story.

I toyed with a couple of titles, thinking in terms of recommending them to a guy, a young adult/easy blusher, etc.  Then I realized that I can’t predict who I might be suggesting a book for, so I should go with something I love.  Hence, my choice out of all the excellent romances out there is Georgette Heyer’s These Old Shades.  It has humor, wonderful characters, derring do and an incredibly tender resolution.  I actually re-read my favorite scenes out loud to myself. Even the dog laughs at my French accent.

Congrats on the new book!
Why, oh why only one?? if I have no choice I suppose I’ll go with…. “His Mistress By Morning” by Elizabeth Boyle. It’s one of my most favorites romances. I adored the whole whishing business to draw the attention of the hero and the HEA was really sweet.

I am going to jump on the Crusie bandwagon and say “Welcome to Temptation” would be my recommendation.  Her stories just appeal on so many levels I think they are perfect for introducing someone new to the genre.

Congratulations on your upcoming book, I’m intrigued by the concept and looking forward to reading it :)

Just one book…

That really is a tough one! I would have to go with Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione. It’s an interesting concept and an easy world to understand especially for someone new to the Genre. LArissa gives us exceptional Alpha males who aren’t without faults, strong kick ass women who we can relate to, intricate plots that draw you in to the story and hot and steamy scenes that fit the story perfectly! Throw in action, humour and suspense and you have the makings of a very pleasant afternoon read! and maybe a love for a new genre that can open up the door to many new possibilities!

Congratulations!  It’s so great to see another book from the Bitchery.

Right now, I’d recommend Not Quite a Lady for historical or The Next Best Thing for contemporary.  Both of these made me cry like a little bitch in the best possible way.

I’d recommend Julia Quinn’s The Duke and I. Love it.

One book would definitely be “Dear John” by Lyn Ellis, which is a Harlequin Temptation from way back. But if you can find it, read it. Builds on the whole Navy SEAL/alpha male trend and the heroine is strong but not TSTL.

OMG, I really suck at having to pick my favorite *anything*, but I REALLY, REALLY want this…The only thing that comes to mind right now is Georgette Heyer’s “Cousin Kate,” which was a pretty “heavy” book, but of her heroes (that I’ve met), I find Phillip’s affectionate behavior towards the titular (huh huh…titular) character quite charming.

Yeah, I suck.  I’ll just buy the book in October.  Meanwhile, I snagged some good book recommendations to act on!  :-)

Oooh tough one! Right now, I’ve gotta go with the first in Nalini Singh’s Archangel series… Great, kickass heroine and sigh worthy hero.

The Iron Duke by MelJean Brook

I would say Sabrina Jeffries, she a wonderful writer. I’m reading her Hellions of Halstead Hall series and it the best, can’t put it down.

I love suzanne Enoch, so I would def recommend her after the kiss book. I love this question though bc I love finding new books to read. I see a few new ones. Thanks!!

Congratulations on you new book very intriguing indeed!

The book I would have to recommend is Nora Roberts Three Fates I first read this book many years ago and it is still one of my faves! It has a good mix of romance and suspense and has characters you can easily fall in love with and you can read it again and again!

What an exciting giveaway and what a tough choice to make. I would probably go with His at Night by Sherry Thomas - it’s a perfect combination of romance and amazing humour, plus a very strong woman who kicks ass :)) Congrats on the new book! I will get it no matter what. The last one was a blast, and the best part? Nobody who is not a romance reader could understand why I was giggling all the way through.

First, I’m going to have to agree that Bet Me by Crusie or Agnes & the Hitman by Crusie/Mayer are great books and two of my favorites.  They were also the first two books that popped into my head.  And then I thought maybe a Julia Quinn, because Romancing Mr. Bridgerton and It’s in His Kiss are two of my favorite all time reads… But I hate starting a series in the middle so I nixed that idea which made me really think.

I’m going to recommend the book that got me reading romance again:Devil’s Bride by Stephanie Laurens.  It’s a historical romance, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the heroine is very modern thinking, which, I think might help others change their minds about historical romances.  At the same time, Devil Cynster is everything I love in a hero no matter when it takes place, he’s commanding, in charge (and irritated when Honoria doesn’t fall in with his plans), and a little dark and dangerous (Ok, a lot) - after all he’s nicknamed Devil.  But the absolute kicker for me is that it’s all about expressions of love and not just saying the words, whether it be to the immediate family or to his future bride. (I could be wrong, but I don’t think that Devil actually says the words ‘I love you’ to Honoria until a book much later on in the series)

Wow…some great recs have already been mentioned. I’ve converted several friends with Bet Me, Outlander, and anything Kresley Cole’s or Karen Marie Moning’s backlist. That being said I still consistently recommend the book that converted me…Ward’s Dark Lover. It was the first romance book I’d read in more than 10 years at the time. Thanks to a very long, unexpected layover and a poorly stocked terminal bookstore, I read Dark Lover and Brockmann’s Unsung Hero before I made it home. I’ve been hooked on romance ever since.

I can’t wait to read your new book!
As far as my recommendation goes, it would probably have to be Lord of Scoundrels unless the person wasn’t into historicals.  Then Bet Me.  I’m not original, but I really think those books are tops!

Nora Roberts’ _Montana Sky_ offers three romances, adventure, mystery, and really, really good writing.  I also have a crush on Adam. :)

Firstly congrats on your new book. Definitely looking forward to reading it.
Goodness, trying to come up with one is a nightmare :-)  But I would have to say Prince Charming by Julie Garwood. Yes its an oldie but still stands the test. I reread that one about once every 6 months and its not too heavy so a nice intro into the romance genre

congrats on the new book and thanks for the giveaway.  i think this book looks great.  it is true that sometimes we think that we will get the fairy tale ending just like the book and that does not always happen.
My favorite romance novel would have to be anything by Johanna Lindsey.  My 2 favorites by her are Say you Love Me and The Loving Scoundrel.  She writes a great series of books about a family called the Malorys.  I love them they are a great family.
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Outlander by Diana Gabaldon—I know historical romance written eons ago but it is such a wonderful story—army nurse vacationing with her husband and then the adventure begins.  Claire is such a great heroine—strong and smart.  Jamie is such a handsome and good man.  How can it be anything other than superb?  I like the following books in the series and am just amazed at how realistically she aged them yet when I need a visit to an old friend—I go to the “Outlander”...

Just one? Brighter than the Sun by Julia Quinn. It’s funny, there is a “getting to know you” on the part of the couple and there is respect between them. and they are not perfect!

Only one?? That leaves out all of my favorite NR trilogies then…

An older gentleman friend once sheepishly admitted to me that he’d accidentally picked up a NR book from the library in the faculty lounge and really enjoyed it and did I know of any other authors he’d like? I gave him a few more of my NR books, but also loaned him SEP “Lady Be Good”. He *loved* it - and was totally hooked on the genre. My work was done :)

Fabulous cover. Congrats on the book, Sarah!

Born in Fire by Nora Roberts.
Book 1 of a terrific trilogy. Classic romance, amazing descriptions of glass making. Is a comfort read for me. One of the few books I kept during a recent purge.

Bet Me, by Crusie, end of story.

Oh my gosh, I can’t wait to try some of the books people are recommending!

The romance novel I’ve read more than any other, and thus would push on another, is “The Fire Rose” by Mercedes Lackey.  It’s a magic-filled retelling of “Beauty and the Beast,” and it’s just…special.

Once and Always by Judith McNaught

The one book that I would recommend above all others, with the exclusion of the hundreds that I would also recommend would be Jennifer Crusies Welcome to Temptation. I fell in love with this book in my Women in Literature English class at UAFS-along with every other romance novel my instructor chose for us to read. But this one really is a great read.

How cruel, just one?!  I guess it would depend on the intended reader.  For men, I would recommend “Agness and the Hitman” by Crusie and Mayer.  Love and dead bodies, what’s not to like?  For women I would go with “Bet Me” by Crusie. One word: donuts.

My love of Regency romance and paranormal romance has given me a broad range of titles to choose from, but discovering your most excellent website has inspired even more. So if I had to recommend just one…

In the paranormal genre I’d recommend Lover Eternal by JR Ward. Say what you will about the cartoon-ish names or the decline of writing caliber with the last book of the series (just my humble opinion), there is some good lovin’ in this book and some gripping action. So much so that I’ve re-read it. A lot.

Congrats on your book! I’m so happy for you.

Hard to choose, but Candice Hern’s Just One of Those Flings is one of my recomended reads. =)

The Next Best Thing by Kristan Higgins made me laugh and cry, and I think I would recommend it to any of my friends.  I think I have already recommended or given it to all of my friends.  That’s fun.

I’d have to go with Flowers From the Storm by Laura Kinsale. The heroine is unconventional, the hero is damaged physically, mentally, and emotionally, and there are enough romance tropes to keep a dozen reviewers busy, and all are handled with originality and such delicious prose. Absolutely my favorite book, and the one I’ve used to lure readers into romance time and time again.

I’m going to jump on the Crusie bandwagon and go with Anyone But You.

It has to be Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale.  I’ve bought so many copies of that book just for the purpose of indoctrination.  Because loaners do not come back!

Joanna Bourne’s The Spymaster’s Lady. Welcome to Temptation, most anything by Julia Quinn. And I have to say, based on rec’s here and other romance sites Meljean Brooks The Iron Duke was awesome.

Maya Banks seducing Simon

I’ll add another vote for The Spymaster’s Lady. Great plot with a few twists, fun historical period, good writing, decent sexual tension. My only hesitation is that Bourne’s others aren’t quite as good, and books can usually be author gateways, especially for someone who isn’t familiar with the genre.

What a great giveaway! I know it’s already been suggested tons, but because I just re-read it last night, and because it’s WORKED at turning my pals onto contemporary romance, I have to go with Jennifer Crusie’s Bet Me.

I would recommend many of the Nora Roberts books as a good introduction to romance novels. The specific book would depend on the person’s favorite genres.  If I have to pick just one, I guess it would be Montana Sky.

Talk Me Down by Victoria Dahl.

Hands down, one of my all time favs and here’s why: Sexy yet flawed hero. Funny, lovable yet flawed heroine. Awesome, realistic love scenes. Unbelievably good dialogue. Great secondary characters. And the all-important HEA. I just loved everything about this book. I dare you to read it and not laugh out loud or cry a little near the end.

I usually start with one of the ones that is borderline thriller. The Villa is usually a good one because it has relationships at three different stages of life, plus mystery and who doesn’t like a good discussion wine-making?

I love so many…but I think I’d have to go with For My Lady’s Heart, by Laura Kinsale. I think it is a great story, with unexpected twists, and not your typical characters. Also, for anyone that believes that romance novels are all brain candy, the Middle and Old English dialogue might just change their minds.

Congratulations! I would have to recommend a Lisa Kleypas, I think perhaps “It happened one Autumn”

But I have to admit that kleypas was my gateway drug/author.

Since she was my gateway drug to romance, I’m going to have to go with Georgette Heyer.  And I have to say that “Arabella” may be the best introduction to her genius and hilarity.

Congrats on the book!
Sooo tough to pick just one… For contemporary, I usually always go with Crusie—Welcome to Temptation, though Trust Me on This comes close too. For historical, Mr. Impossible.

I have to go with Nora Roberts, but which one??  Hmmm…*peruses bookself*...I’ll choose Public Secrets because it is the one that hooked me many years ago. 

Other titles that popped into my head were Bet Me, Lord of Scoundrels, Devil’s Cub, and Silent in the Grave, most of which are already well-represented here.

Thanks for the contest, Sarah.  I look forward to reading your new book when it is released.

One of the first romance novels I read was Jennifer Crusie’s Bet Me, and it remains my absolute favorite and the one I recommend to EVERYBODY.  Funny, sweet, sexy, and pitch-perfect, it is the romance novel to end all romance novels.  I think it would make an excellent movie, but I’m scared Hollywood would mess it up, as they are wont to do.

I’m still on the lookout for my Cal Morrisey.  If you see him, tell him I’m waiting!

For me, it would have to be Lord of Scoundels. It was the first out-and-out “romance” that I really truly LOVED.

Love the book!

The book I would recommend?

Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale. HANDS DOWN.