Bitchin' Blog Posts
Everything I Know About Love, I Learned From Romance Novels: ARC Giveaway!
by SB Sarah | by SB Sarah | May 17, 2011 | Tuesday at 10:04 am | 681 Comments
Behold, the excitement! I am containing myself to one exclamation point (not including the title) and that was it. Please appreciate my restraint, here.
I have A Pile Of ARCs to give away of my October book, Everything I Know About Love, I Learned from Romance Novels, which so very, very many of you helped create.
From the depths of the box on my dining room table currently being fought over by my cats, I have 10 shiny copies to giveaway.
But that is Not All.
This book is all about the lessons we’ve learned from reading romance novels, and it includes stories from romance readers and authors. My goal with this book was to show that the romance community is filled with incredibly smart and thoughtful readers and writers, and to put to rest the tired idea that romances create unrealistic expectations of love, relationships and sex. Romances, as many of us know, are more often a road map of What To Do and What Not To Do in real life relationships.
So many people contributed, and so very many people went above and beyond to make suggestions and provide stories and lessons learned that this book really isn’t about the genre so much as it is about the women who read and write romance, and how much we have learned from our favorite books. Therefore just giving away the ARC isn’t really enough.
Here’s my plan. Leave a comment and please tell me the one romance novel you want to recommend above all others to someone who hasn’t tried the genre (yes, just one) (yes, I suck) and you are entered to win.
What can you win? Awesome stuff!
Ten winners will be picked at random and each winner will receive an ARC of Everything I Know About Love, I Learned From Romance Novels (Which I refer to as “EIKAL” because there is nothing I love like a REALLY LONG TITLE, BABY, YEAH!).
The winner will also receive one of the following titles from these authors who also appear in the book:
But wait, there is still more. I have 10 copies of a special Jennifer Crusie omnibus edition that contains both Bet Me and Welcome to Temptation in one book - and each winner will receive a copy of that book, too. Each of these authors, plus many many more, appear in the book, providing stories and advice or landing a spot on one of the recommended reading lists in the book.
There will be more chances to win, do not worry. I’m giving away 10 here, and a few on Goodreads and on Twitter. (Any possible giveaways on Facebook will have to be random like a semi-drunk fairy landing on the keyboard and highlighting someone’s comment by chance while I’m half-looking at the screen to stay in line with the Facebook Terms of Service. Then I have to contact the winners by semaphore with hot pink flags while facing the eastern skyline.)
Standard disclaimers apply: I’m not being compensated for this giveaway. Void where prohibited. Do not wear a pelisse in the rain. Stirrups are required, but boots are optional. We’ll sell you the whole seat but you’ll only need the edge. Stripes and plaid are rarely a positive fashion statement.
Comments will be open until noon on Friday, 20 May, and I will announce the winners then. Contest is open to international readers, and since my stats indicate no readers in Greenland, if someone enters from Greenland and wins I’ll send them extra stuff. Come on, Greenland!
Honesty time: I am enormously proud of this book, and humbled by the number of people who shared how much their romances mean to them, and how valuable romances have been in their lives. This book wouldn’t be what it is without the authors and readers who contributed, so I can’t send out the ARC by itself. It has to have company.
Filed: Everything I Know About Love I Learned from Romance Novels, General Bitching, Go Ahead, Win Some Shit
Tagged: victoria dahl, theresa medeiros, susan elizabeth phillips, sarah maclean, robyn carr, readers, meljean brook, loretta chase, lisa kleypas, jennifer crusie, holy crap, giveaways, eloisa james, eikal, courtney milan, contest, awesomesauce, awesome, arc
Pamela Sinclair said on 05.18.11 at 10:12 PM • [link]
Congrats on your book Sarah sounds great! Wow there are a ton of great recommends on here - can picture you in the middle of mountains of awesome reads :).
Sherylon Kenyon’ Night Pleasures is one of my favs - the start of a great series.
Shannon said on 05.18.11 at 10:13 PM • [link]
Just one, that’s tough.
I’d have to pick a Julie Garwood historical (not sure which one) because they have wonderful heroes and heroines, are funny, and make me want to read them over and over and over again…..
trix said on 05.18.11 at 11:15 PM • [link]
Eek, I can’t wait for this to come out!
Personally, I’m a rather timid romance recommender. There are so many different styles of romance novel that I quibble and quail when it comes to one sweeping introduction to the genre. Lately I introduced a friend to the gateway drug of romance: the historical mystery romance. I slipped her a copy of Rose Melikan’s The Blackstone Key (and sequels), followed immediately by The Secret History of the Pink Carnation.
This particular friend definitely needed something dip her toes in the water and make herself feel better about reading a Trashy Romance (she hasn’t yet learned to revel in shameless displays of mantitty like the rest of us…).
Sabine said on 05.18.11 at 11:18 PM • [link]
Oh joy!=D
The book I would recommend is The Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran. Why? Because it is one of the very, very few books where there was this little summersault-feeling happening in my belly when they reunited. It’s this nervous, fluttery feeling I get when I read a romance that really touches me.
SandyH said on 05.18.11 at 11:41 PM • [link]
I would recommend Lisa Kleypas’ Dreaming of You. Absolutely love this book. Anything by Roberta Gellis are personal favorites and I just read all of Deanna Raybourn’s Lady Julia Grey mysteries. Not as much romance but the character development is great.
John said on 05.18.11 at 11:44 PM • [link]
Oh, I have to pick ONE? Fuck.
If I had to pick only one, it would have to be Whitney, My Love. It’s the classic regency. I could read it a hundred thousand times and never get bored with it. The writing is fabulous, the characters and the romance are enrapturing, and god-damn it has some good sex. My friend’s mother made me a fanatic about it, and I will never be able to look back…
Your book will also be so awesome it will make Orca whales grow wings and take over the world with laser beams because I said so.
Quill2006 said on 05.18.11 at 11:53 PM • [link]
I’d have to go with “The Duke and I” by Julia Quinn, because Quinn is just so FUNNY, as well as a brilliant writer, and that’s the first book in her main series. Personally, I love Romancing Mr. Bridgerton the best, but you can’t start the series there or you won’t understand the absolute importance of Lady Whistledown.
Congrats on your book! I can’t wait to read it.
Aemelia said on 05.18.11 at 11:54 PM • [link]
To introduce my non-reading mother to romance books, I gave her my copy of THE MISSING by Shiloh Walker, which has hooked her. I figured she’d like it, because I know how much she likes suspense movies. BUT I was surprised by how much my mom loved the post-apocalyptic and paranormal books I sent her, also.
What I suggest all depends on who I’m suggesting the books to. If they like Sci/Fi, Historical, Paranormal or Suspense I’m going to suggest completely different books.
abschli said on 05.19.11 at 12:15 AM • [link]
Just one? I’d go with Agnes and the Hitman by Cruisie and Mayer, but wow, the runner-ups are multitude!
Cialina said on 05.19.11 at 01:00 AM • [link]
I would probably pick OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon, even if it’s not really the conventional romance novel. It’ll probably scare the crap out of a reluctant romance reader since it is MASSIVE but if they can get through OUTLANDER, then I’ll be convinced that they can and will read more romance.
npfann said on 05.19.11 at 01:17 AM • [link]
YAY new book!!! i’m presenting at a MLA conference on romance communities, so i’m excited to read your take and compare notes.
one recommendation would have to be “flowers from the storm” by Laura Kinsale. i love that its stand alone, and mental issues, and quakers, awesomesauce!!
SnarkInfestedWaters said on 05.19.11 at 01:22 AM • [link]
The ONE BOOK TO RULE THEM ALL (in my world) would be The Inheritance by Louisa May Alcott. It’s this book she wrote when she was like 17 and nobody found it or published it for a really long time. It’s a Cinderella type story, and definitely a romance, I love love love it. I re-read it once a year.
Copa said on 05.19.11 at 01:29 AM • [link]
It would really be between Linda Howard and Jennifer Crusie for me, and as I was reading suggestions for both I kept dodging back and forth between them, but when it really comes down to it…Son of the Morning by Linda Howard is what got me hooked, despite my families mocking of the romance genre.
Carmen said on 05.19.11 at 01:54 AM • [link]
Cry No More by Linda Howard. I believe I stumbled upon this book when reading through “Beyond Heaving Bosoms” and it is beyond doubt one of my favorite books and it does great things for the romance novel genre.
Sarah said on 05.19.11 at 02:09 AM • [link]
I agree with Tiger Eye it embodies everything I love about romance novels followed a close seconded by A Hunger Like No Other.
JoliC said on 05.19.11 at 02:18 AM • [link]
Since all my other candidates have been mentioned already,(Chase, Crusie, Beverley, Kinsale, Gabaldon, Krantz), I’ll recommend Take a Chance on Me by Susan Donovan. A contemporary, it includes a scrumptious tortured hero, smart likeable heroine, and an adorable dog (a Chinese Crested!) who manages to put in his two cents.
Elise S. said on 05.19.11 at 02:19 AM • [link]
If I had to choose just one without knowing anything about what the person liked I’d go with Welcome to Temptation. If the awesome that is a Jennifer Crusie novel can get my boyfriend to read a romance then her power knows no bounds!
Mega congrats on the book Sarah!
Kelsey said on 05.19.11 at 03:08 AM • [link]
I would recommend The Kitchen Witch by Annette Blair. It’s hilarious and heartwarming.
MissMonky said on 05.19.11 at 03:31 AM • [link]
Congrats on the book!! I can’t wait to read it and give it to all the smart bitches I know!
I’d recommend “The Duke and I” by Julia Quinn as a first. It’s got classic romance elements, is highly entertaining, and has minimally graphic sexual scenes. It’s a great book and a fantastic introduction!
MissMonky said on 05.19.11 at 03:54 AM • [link]
At for the book! I can’t wait to pass it along to all my smart bitches.
I’d totally recommend Julia Quinn’s “The Duke and I”. It’s funny, touching, has classic romance elements, not overtly sexual, great story line, and the beginning of a series. It’s the perfect beginner’s romance.
ReadinginAK said on 05.19.11 at 03:57 AM • [link]
Oooh, I look forward to owning this in multiple formats… like Heaving Bosoms.
Love in the Afternoon- Kleypas
NTE said on 05.19.11 at 04:00 AM • [link]
If we’re picking just one, then I’m going with Three Fates, by Nora Roberts. (But ask me again tomorrow.)
Congratulations on the new book - I’m really looking forward to reading it!
(and thanks for yet another massive addition to my TBR pile/file).
krsylu said on 05.19.11 at 04:11 AM • [link]
I have to pick ONE?!?!? That stinks. Okay. How about “Romancing Mr. Bridgerton,” by Julia Quinn. Such a happy book. I love happy heroes and the strong women with whom they find themselves in love.
firefly said on 05.19.11 at 04:19 AM • [link]
Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase. Hands down.
Kelly C. said on 05.19.11 at 04:47 AM • [link]
I would recommend Linda Howard’s MR. PERFECT. It has it all: romance, humor and murder. ;-)
Ms. M said on 05.19.11 at 04:47 AM • [link]
Shadowheart, Laura Kinsale.
No, really. I have quite a few friends who dig bdsm, but who would sneer at romance. Besides which, this was the book that convinced me that there might be more to romance than I thought.
respect42- perfect. This is the book that taught me to respect the genre. (42+ books later….)
Krystal said on 05.19.11 at 04:56 AM • [link]
As its almost the last day… My favorite has to be Fever by Catharine Sutcliffe. I have read that book so many times the cover has actually fallen off. It is dog-eared and the pages have even yellowed (Its about 11 years old I think). This book was my favorite because it is about history first of all, during the 1840s when slavery was very much in demand in Baton Rouge,Louisiana. The love story was a little bit of a Romeo and Juliet story with a strong heroine and a stubborn hero. Every time I read that book I bawl my eyes out in the same section every time.
Liz said on 05.19.11 at 05:36 AM • [link]
I haven’t read the other comments…i’m a little late to the game, and over 600 comments is a little much for me to process while trying to watch the Criminal Minds season finale.
i would have to say that the one book that i would recommend to someone just trying out the genre would be Three Fates, which is my favorite Nora Roberts book. It has everything I love about the romance genre in it—good family, friends, hot sex, and tons of action. I think the 3 men in this book are my favorite male protagonists in any book I have ever read.
Alexandra M. said on 05.19.11 at 05:46 AM • [link]
Congratulations on the new book!!
For someone who hasn’t tried romance novels before, I always recommend Jennifer Crusie’s Bet Me. Of course, this would be why I’ve bought three copies of that book and don’t own one because my friends have stolen them.
Steven said on 05.19.11 at 05:50 AM • [link]
This could be because it was my first romance novel, but I would recommend Laura Kinsale’s Flowers From the Storm.
When I picked up this book with the cringe-worthy Fabio bestowing a bouquet on the cover, I wasn’t sure what to expect. It was being taught for a college course I was taking, so surely it had to be well-written, right?
I was blown out of the water.
Kinsale’s writing is both educated and humorous, and the sex scenes were phenomenal. Not just because of how “steamy” they were, but because they served a much great purpose for the novel. I wrote my longest (and possibly greatest) paper on the sex scenes in this novel, describing in great detail how these moments communicated one of the powerful messages of the book (hint: pay close attention to descriptions of light/darkness in these moments and other moments in the text).
This book is the reason I began reading romance, and I’m sure many readers will have a similar experience.
tin cc-ong said on 05.19.11 at 10:21 AM • [link]
Congrats on the book!
I always find myself recommending Lisa Kleypas’s Again the Magic—love the story and love the characters.
amazonlass said on 05.19.11 at 12:20 PM • [link]
Congrats on the new book!
Can’t possibly pick one, got a headache trying to so here’s my top three: Outlander vs Kate Daniels vs Mercy Thompson series.
Svenja said on 05.19.11 at 01:32 PM • [link]
I would recommend “Devils Cub” by Georgette Heyer - my absolute favourite!
ClaudiaGC said on 05.19.11 at 02:04 PM • [link]
Congrats on your new book! I loved The Bosoms!
The best book would be Nine Rules by Sarah Maclean. I know I’m going to kick myself in a minute why I mentioned this book as best book and not another one because there are so many freaking good romance novels out there!
Thank you for the giveaway!
Rebecca Operhall said on 05.19.11 at 05:34 PM • [link]
The one I love to recommend to romance readers and non romance readers alike: LM Montgomery’s “The Blue Castle.” it’s relatively obscure, and undeservedly so. It’s also a sweet—off camera sex only—so it’s a great one to give to someone who believes that romance novels are just about the beefcake. (Not that anything’s wrong with that. :)
Julia said on 05.19.11 at 05:47 PM • [link]
I can’t wait to read this!
For my one book, I would have to go with Emily Carmichael’s “The Cat’s Meow”.
JustaHubby said on 05.19.11 at 05:57 PM • [link]
This recommendation is really for any other husbands that are checking out this site for clues on how their spouses’ minds actually work (as opposed to how we’ve been told they should work). A fair number of women seem to enjoy a fantasy (emphasis on ‘fantasy’) involving the heroine “being ravished” by the smitten hero. I’ve only listened to a few romances so far while commuting, but Sandra Brown has written some hot scenes along those lines. I can recommend “Words of Silk”, written back in the 80’s. It’s perhaps also notable for the heroine being 6 months plus pregnant for most of the book.
AmberG said on 05.19.11 at 06:21 PM • [link]
Definitely Captives of the Night by Loretta Chase. For some reason, although i’ve by now read quite a few romance novels (in a very short period of time thanks to this blog), I just like this one the most. I love both the main characters and how they interact with each other and how real they seem. And i’m damn picky about what I read, so if I like it, chances are at least one other person will.
I have an urge to read it again now.
vampireprincess2468 said on 05.19.11 at 06:24 PM • [link]
Awesome to hear about the new book.
If I was giving a too read list to someone, I would try to focus on their interests. For me, I tend to go more toward the urban fantasy when I read romance. Twilight Hunger is really good.
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readinrobin said on 05.19.11 at 06:53 PM • [link]
Congrats on the book! It’s certainly hard to pick just one to recommend, but if i HAVE to narrow it down, what I’ve been recommending most lately is Gena Showalter’s The Stone Prince. By far my favorite recent read.
Stana said on 05.19.11 at 08:02 PM • [link]
Pick Me! Pick Me! Plueeeeeezzzzzz….pick ME!
taylor said on 05.19.11 at 08:47 PM • [link]
I’m so excited for you new book! I loved the first one.
As for ONE recommendation, I have to go with “Frederica,” by Georgette Heyer. My favorite romance ever, and also I think a good introduction, though possibly not the best indication of what’s being written now, in romance. But whatever, it’s still my recommendation!
taylor said on 05.19.11 at 08:56 PM • [link]
I’m so excited for your new book! I loved the first one.
As for ONE recommendation, I have to go with “Frederica,” by Georgette Heyer. My favorite romance ever, and also I think a good introduction, though possibly not the best indication of what’s being written now. But whatever, it’s still my recommendation!
SF said on 05.19.11 at 09:24 PM • [link]
Comments on this post have led me to buy at least 6 books—wonderful recommendations! Amazon thanks you, PayPal thanks you, Visa thanks you. My bank account is wincing.
Sincere apologies to much loved authors Bourne, Crusie, Phillips, Roberts et al but I would have to go with Outlander by Dianna Gabaldon as most likely to appeal to the broadest range of readers.
Authentication: possible34… it’s possible I will buy 34 books before we’re done here!
ShaunaB said on 05.19.11 at 09:36 PM • [link]
I would tell people to read Anne Bishop’s “Sebastian.” If you’re up for a good fantasy read this and the other Belladonna books are super entertaining.
Brookelet said on 05.19.11 at 09:48 PM • [link]
CONGRATS!!! YOU HAVE A NEW BOOK!!! SEE HOW MANY EXCLAMATION POINTS I AM USING BECAUSE YOU WERE SO GOOD ABOUT RESTRAINING YOURSELF!!!!!!!
Seriously, though, congratulations! I’m looking forward to it!
The book I’d recommend is Faking It by Jennifer Crusie. I love the silliness and their antagonism and the BAD SEX. I think if I recommended it to somebody who had never read the genre before they would be entertained by the forgery subplot while also falling for Tilda and Davy’s chemistry. Also, hilarious bad sex, which was surprisingly important for me when I first read it because I was just getting into the genre and I kept thinking, “Oh please. Mind-blowing orgasms EVERY TIME?” It’s also one of the first ones I read and now look at me. I BLAME YOU!
Pat L. said on 05.19.11 at 10:16 PM • [link]
Susan Eliz. Phillips’ Kiss An Angel. It is so hard to pick just one.
Wow, never saw so many comments on a blog before!
Manda said on 05.19.11 at 11:14 PM • [link]
So excited for this book. I have to go with the first novel I picked up after reading this site, Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase. Everyone mentioned it so much in their comments, I had to find out what they were talking about.
Tessa K. said on 05.20.11 at 12:52 AM • [link]
This is so hard - and if you ask me in two weeks it might change - but I think the one I would recommend above all others is “Bet Me” by Jenny Crusie. I have so many other favorites, but I think that is one that is very accessible to new readers of the genre, in addition to being one of my favorites.
Megan said on 05.20.11 at 01:09 AM • [link]
Welcome to Temptation, by Jennifer Crusie. It’s the one that finally sold me on romance novels and got me hooked for good. As soon as I finished it, I started over and read it again. And then a third time. And then found out that my mother had done the same thing. MY mother. The one who told me that I wouldn’t like sex so I shouldn’t try it. Bless her heart.
Suzanne Berry said on 05.20.11 at 01:26 AM • [link]
SEP, Crusie, Chase—they and others are all really good.
But, I’d go back to the original, 20th century romance writer: Georgette Heyer and hand you a copy of “The Unknown Ajax.” This is a well written romantic adventure with an intelligent heroine and real danger for the “thoughtless younger brother.” Oh, and it’s funny, laugh out loud funny; don’t try to read it while your spouse is trying to seep next to you in the bed funny.
Allie J. said on 05.20.11 at 01:50 AM • [link]
I can’t wait to read your book!
The one I would have to recommend is Julie James’ Just the Sexiest Man Alive—even if a romance skeptic might have a hard time getting past the title, it’s my all time favorite and I wouldn’t want to recommend anything else.
sula said on 05.20.11 at 02:07 AM • [link]
Oh wow. 600+ comments!!! Well, since no one will be reading this far down the line, I’ll just toss out my pick. The book that hooked me and kept me coming back for more romance. Outlander.
Lisa said on 05.20.11 at 02:43 AM • [link]
I’m going to make sure my library orders your new book Sarah - I’m always recommending Heaving Bosoms and SBTB to patrons! Here’s hoping I can has arc! I often recommend Crusie and my own favourite is Faking It. Congrats on the new book! You rock!!
lunarocket said on 05.20.11 at 03:22 AM • [link]
I also think The Duke’s Wager by Edith Layton would be a good intro story. It’s great for those who find sex scenes icky (I know lots of those readers) plus what I really loved was you weren’t quite sure whom the heroine was going to have her HEA with. Sometimes things feeling less inevitable can be more fun. Plus I really wanted to smack both heroes upside the head a few times, I couldn’t imagine either of them ever being redeemed!
StaceyIK said on 05.20.11 at 04:00 AM • [link]
I can’t even read all the comments, there are so many. So, here is mine. I want an ARC and all the other goodies.
Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn
Yes, it’s a newer book published in 2010. But loved the romance, the humor and the characters. I would recommend almost anything by Julia Quinn especially any of the early ones from the Bridgerton series.
Kate said on 05.20.11 at 04:18 AM • [link]
My favorite is Gentle Rogue by Johanna Lindsey, and I’ve definitely recommended that one to many of my friends. And, while I don’t necessarily know if it fits in straight up romance, I have made many people read The Secret History of the Pink Carnation, too.
Ellowyne said on 05.20.11 at 04:34 AM • [link]
Oh dear—I have to go with Ransom by Garwood. It was my first, and it still cracks me up. It’s historical, it’‘s funny, and it’s sweet.
Ellowyne said on 05.20.11 at 04:39 AM • [link]
Oh dear—I have to go with Ransom by Garwood. It was my first, and I just keep coming back to it. It’s historical, funny, and sweet.
Mary G said on 05.20.11 at 05:15 AM • [link]
One book? That’s sooo mean!! I have so many special faves. I can’t leave anyone out so I will go with the first one I read & reread & lent to so many people that it wore out & I had to buy new copies from time to time. It was hot for the time & still is. It can survive a reread today becuase it had a great plot too. I’m going with The Flame & The Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss. That one got me hooked.
Lisa said on 05.20.11 at 05:40 AM • [link]
“The Princess Bride” by William Goldman
First off, yes I really do mean the book that the movie was based off. And while it may not be your classic romance novel, it has all of the requirements, separated young lovers, mistaken secret identities, kidnappings, reunions, a farse of a wedding and true loves kiss. So it absolutely counts.
MamaNice said on 05.20.11 at 05:41 AM • [link]
Is saying “anything by Laura Kinsale” cheating?
Ok, fine…er, um…
Midsummer Moon
I love Merlin & Ransom, and who wouldn’t love a hedgehog in a romance novel?
SeaGrace said on 05.20.11 at 05:57 AM • [link]
The book I have recommended again and again, is Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie.
BookwormBabe said on 05.20.11 at 07:20 AM • [link]
I’ve been taking notes and sending my kindle samples from all the comments above.
If I have to choose just one book, the I’m going historical and recommending “Frederica” by Georgette Heyer. I love the building of the relationship and acerbic dialogue between the hero and heroine and laugh out loud at the antics of the minor characters. This is a book that always makes me smile.
Congrat’s on the book!
Bree said on 05.20.11 at 09:04 AM • [link]
I would have to go with Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James. Though, anything by Ms. James is awesome!
rooruu said on 05.20.11 at 09:14 AM • [link]
Heyer’s The Grand Sophy.
An utter favourite. The audiobook (read by an older-sounding chappie) is pitch-perfect too. He gets the humour and conveys it brilliantly.
Carol said on 05.20.11 at 10:25 AM • [link]
If I had to recommend only one book…it would have to be….Deborah Smith’s When Venus Fell, my favorite! Congrats on the book, look forward to reading it!
Alexys Rains said on 05.20.11 at 11:15 AM • [link]
One book that I would recommend to anyone who is new to the historical romance genre would be 9 Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake because it’s mothaflippin’ amazing.
kylie said on 05.20.11 at 02:12 PM • [link]
Just one!
I would probably say The Nerd who Loved Me, by Vicki Lewis Thompson. The Nerd books kind of sucked me back into romances after a few years of other genres.
Then again one of the early one word titles by Amanda Quick was the original temptation. Just cannot remember which one
Kim Conner said on 05.20.11 at 03:46 PM • [link]
I’m the reader who has your quote post-it’ed at my desk, remember? :) It’s still there.
A romance book I would recommend: Spell of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning.
:) Now I want to find more Highlanders. :)
Bethany said on 05.20.11 at 03:49 PM • [link]
Crazy for You by Crusie. It got me hooked and it has such great characters coming together to be strong and make changes.
It is difficult to just choose one!
Michele said on 05.20.11 at 04:02 PM • [link]
It is so hard to choose just one, because I tend to pick books that fit the person and their interests (Humor, historical, suspense, etc).
The last book I recommended to someone was Sizzle and Burn (Jayne Ann Krentz), which ended up being my sister-in-law’s gateway drug into the world of JAK/AQ.
But if I had to pick one book that I would always recommend? Probably Welcome to Temptation. Crusie is always a good gateway drug.
Thing94: There are 94 things I’d recommend if I was allowed to in this post!
Deborah said on 05.20.11 at 04:23 PM • [link]
Agnes and the Hitman, since it doesn’t have a clinch cover and contains enough action and snappy dialogue to lure in someone resistant to romances. Reading it should convince them that the genre is not the cheap “bodice-ripping” trash so many non-romance readers think it is.
CupK8 said on 05.20.11 at 04:28 PM • [link]
Congratulations on finishing!! Yay, hooray!! :)
The book I’m finding myself CONSTANTLY recommending lately is Victoria Dahl’s A Little Bit Wild. I like recommending it because it’s one of my personal favorites, but also because my friends are all pretty sassy; they need sassy romance in their lives like whoa.
Z.Marquis said on 05.20.11 at 04:46 PM • [link]
Oh man, I cannot wait for this book to be officially out. Congratulations!
As for a romance book I would recommend, that’s a tough one. There are so many subgenres nowadays…But I’m going to have to go with the first Sookie Stackhouse book, Dead Until Dark by Charlainne Harris. I’m not sure if it actually counts, but it was the first book I’d ever read as a teen that focused so heavily on the relationship and feelings of the main character. It also helped foster my love of the paranormal, so props for making another teen into a vampire lover.
brit said on 05.20.11 at 04:56 PM • [link]
okay, I usually try to tailor recommendations to the person but I have a recent specific book so I am going to go with Courtney Milan Unveiled. I just pulled the book out of one of our donation boxes and added it to my to be cataloged pile for my library. It;s not what I would always suggest but I felt that it needed to be added to the collection.
Diane V said on 05.20.11 at 05:05 PM • [link]
Just recommending one is near impossible, but I guess that I’d pick “After the Night” by Linda Howard. This was when Linda was at the top of her game and the scenes between the hero and heroine are HOT!!
Congrats on the book - I love the cover.
JP said on 05.20.11 at 05:11 PM • [link]
It’s tough, but I usually recommend WELCOME TO TEMPTATION by Jennifer Crusie. The book is so funny, people who sneer at the genre will forget they’re reading one of THOSE books, and then they’re hooked, bwuahahahahaaa!
Charlotte McClain said on 05.20.11 at 05:18 PM • [link]
Just one? Hmm. I have to say Connie Willis’ To Say Nothing Of the Dog. Not shelved with romance, but the romantic story in it is what grabs you. It’s subversive.
Paula Klug said on 05.20.11 at 05:21 PM • [link]
Only one book? Quite a request - I will have to agree with others who have recommended a Nora Roberts novel - but my choice is Honest Illusions - my all time favorite novel from a very prolific author.
congrats again on your new book!
Branwen Winters said on 05.20.11 at 05:21 PM • [link]
I would have to go with The Secret By Julie Garwood. I have reread it countless times.
Hanne said on 05.20.11 at 05:27 PM • [link]
Ooh, great prizes!
Being oh-so original, I’d have to say Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase.
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