GS vs. STA: Filling Up the Kindle

Bitchin' Blog Posts

by SB Sarah | by SB Sarah | April 06, 2011 | Wednesday at 11:06 am | 97 Comments

I received a request from Stephanie, who is looking for a reading list, so I’m breaking out the Good Shit vs. Shit To Avoid category to help her build a full and happy Kindle:

I’m a female soldier about to deploy and need to fill up the old
Kindle…..any suggestions? I’m looking for series with lots of books, in
particular, as opposed to just individual books. My favorites would be more
along the lines of stories about pioneers/Old West, but anything that
doesn’t have to do with the military or soldiers would work…I’m looking
for escapism here from my daily life…...those smoking hot soldiers with
abs of steel that most of my civilian friends envision I spend my days with
are usually just kids I have to take care of and keep out of trouble (and
probably are just as annoying to me as that guy on the other side of their
cubicle wall). Thanks!

Stephanie’s favorite pioneer/old west romance is Harper’s Bride by Alexis Harrington, but she also loves YA, “unless it involves the heroine getting married or thinking about marriage before she’s out of high school.”

Do you have any ideas for Stephanie’s reading list? Let’s make her Kindle rock and rock hard. And stay safe Stephanie!

Filed: General Bitching, Good Shit vs. Shit to Avoid

Tagged: romance, old west romance, military, kindle, good shit vs shit to avoid, deployment

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Gabrielle said on 04.06.11 at 12:49 PM • [link]

Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa - three in the series with a fourth coming out at the end of the year. They are the most amazing teen books I have ever read!
Miranda said on 04.06.11 at 12:52 PM • [link]

Not a romance, but Steve Hockensmith’s “Holmes on the Range” mystery series about 2 cowboy brothers, one of whom wants to be a Sherlock Holmes-style detective, is both hilarious and occasionally poignant. books=4 or 5

Romance: Lauren Willig’s Pink Carnation series (not Western, but certainly not military)

Lots of people don’t like Janet Evanovich anymore, but I do, and there are 17 Stephanie Plum books.

Thank you for your service, Stephanie. Good luck.
Nadia said on 04.06.11 at 01:44 PM • [link]

Do you like PNR at all? Most of the long series I can think of come from there. Marjorie Liu, Meljean Brook, Christine Feehan, J.R. Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, MaryJanice Davidson.

J.D. Robb’s “In Death” series is very long, if you like mystery/suspense set in the near future.

I second the “Pink Carnation” series. Also, Deanna Raybourn’s “Lady Julia Grey” mysteries are first-person mysteries set in Victorian England (and India for the latest). There are only four, but they are enjoyable.

Sorry I can’t help with the Western, the last I read in that subgenre was Elizabeth Lowell’s “Only” historical romance series, and that was a loooong time ago. And my kiddos are still in the middle zone with Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, LOL.

Be safe, good luck, and thank you.
Debbie said on 04.06.11 at 01:45 PM • [link]

Unfortunately, don’t have any Western ideas, but I would love to be able to send a kindle book (now that that’s a feature) to you Stephanie, or to other service women in your same position. Any books you would like? Any idea how to make this happen for other service women?

Oh, and another idea came to me. Not Western, but the Viking time travel series by Sandra Hill usually makes me pee my pants with laughter.
Chelsea said on 04.06.11 at 01:55 PM • [link]

In teen reads I recommend Rachel Vincent’s Soul Screamers serie.

Also for historical novel of the pioneer variety try Susan Donati’s Wilderness Series. I can’t say enough good things about the first book in particular, Into the Wilderness.
Sadiana said on 04.06.11 at 01:56 PM • [link]

Sadly, I’m not up on any western romance. Sorry. If she’s up for some dark fantasy, I recommend The Black Jewels Trilogy (“Daughter of the Blood,” “Heir to the Shadows,” and “Queen of the Darkness”) by Anne Bishop. Great escapism there. It can be painful, dark, deep, and heartbreaking, but it’s also funny, caring, wonderful, and loving. Frankly, it is one of the best series I have ever read. The characters get to you and stick with you, and it is amazing. Anne Bishop has vastly expanded the world past these three original novels, but the others are not essential to understanding the trilogy. (Of the others: One book is set long before the series; one anthology has bits set before, during, and after the series; 3 books are set after the series, and another anthology just came out. The other books in the series may vary in lead characters, but the world is so fascinating, I just want to know more.)
Sabrina D. said on 04.06.11 at 01:56 PM • [link]

For a western series try Sarah McCarty’s Promises series. And Beth Williamson’s Devils on Horseback is great too.

I second the J.D. Robb series as well!
ev said on 04.06.11 at 01:58 PM • [link]

Well, that leaves out the Virgin River stuff by Robyn Carr.

I second the Plum stuff.

For YA, Tamora Pierce has a whole series of books, in 3’s and 4’s, that are all hooked together in some form. Even tho my daughter is no longer a teen, I still read them. And you don’t have to worry about the heroines wanting to do nothing but get married.

Throw a little sci-fi in there and you can do Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden stuff- modern day cowboy, complete with Hat, and Wizard’s Staff. And gun.

Good luck, stay safe, keep your head down, your eyes open, your weapon clean, and your flack jacket and helmet on, come home. Please.
LeeAnn Lessard said on 04.06.11 at 02:01 PM • [link]

I have to say I truly enjoy Ruth Ann Nordin’s historical romances from pioneer era. I love her Nebraska Historical Romance series. She also has some good contemporary books. I’d suggest anything by Hannah Howell, her Murray and new series rock. However if she’s looking for pioneer time books The Wild Rose Press has the Cactus Line http://thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=176_146 . She might find quite a few good books there.
Booklover1335 said on 04.06.11 at 02:08 PM • [link]

Hi Stephanie!

I loved loved loved Ruthless Heart by Emma Lang. It is set out West, and the sequel, Restless Heart features the sister of the heroine in Ruthless. This author also has a set of historical romances (about 7 ?) written as Beth Williamson, that revolves around heroes after a war that is very popular, called the Devils on Horseback, then another series that revolves around a family called the Mallory Family series. I’ve not read those but own many of them (sitting in the TBR). I think if you checked out Beth Williamson/Emma Langs website you would find a lot to load on your Kindle.

I’ve also enjoyed Sarah McCarty’s Promises series (if you can get beyond the AWFUL covers).

I know you said you prefer Old West/Pioneers, but I HIGHLY recommend Lorelei James Rough Riders series, surrounding a family of cowboys. LOVE this series! It is fabulous and would urge you to give them a try…but be warned these books are Hot, Hot, Hot as well as emotional…and fabulous (it bears repeating)

I would also recommend maybe checking out the website http://petticoatsandpistols.com/ made up of several historical romance authors with books set in the wild west…and Wendy the SuperLibrarian had a feature last year or so called The Great Western Drive where a few bloggers discussed their favorite romances in the setting you preferred. The post here kind of summarizes all of the recommendations so might be easier to start here: http://wendythesuperlibrarian.blogspot.com/2009/08/great-western-drive-link-wrap-up.html

I hope you find what you are looking for. Be safe, and thank you for serving our country!
Lyssa said on 04.06.11 at 02:19 PM • [link]

I realize now how many of the series I love either A. Don’t have a HEA in sight, B. have some military component (either actual or futuristic) so this takes a little thought. Brenda Joyce’s victorian Deadly series (Not a cowboy series but 9 book long series with a long time coming HEA mystery/romance), J.D. Robb’s In Death Series (30 books and counting), and JAK ghost hunter series (the initial books each have stand alone HEA, futuristic space romance)
sandy l said on 04.06.11 at 02:25 PM • [link]

Maggie Osborne has some great westerns and some of them are available for the Kindle. Doesen’t Jo Goodman also have some westerns in her backlist? Also, Lorraine Heath has some westerns in her backlist. I think people were crying when she stopped writing her westerns.

I second J.D. Robb’s In Death Series. But for a paranormal series, I recommend either Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs or the Ilona Andrews books.
Darlene Marshall said on 04.06.11 at 02:32 PM • [link]

I’ll second the recommendation of Jo Goodman and Maggie Osborne’s westerns. I wish I could recommend my own Kindle editions, some of which are set on the Florida frontier, but almost all of them have a wartime or military component.

I also want to say thank you to Stephanie for serving. You’re putting yourself in harm’s way on our behalf, and we don’t say thank-you to our service members often enough.
Pan's Daughter said on 04.06.11 at 02:39 PM • [link]

Oldies but goodies would be the series by Elizabeth Lowell that starts with “Only His” and ends with “Autumn Lover”. All solid western romances. Stay safe out there soldier.
helen said on 04.06.11 at 02:56 PM • [link]

Jodi Thomas is the western go to woman I think. Her series are listed here-
http://jodithomas.com/Booklist2.pdf
Leigh Greenwood wrote many great western romances here is a list, I think almost all of them are westerns.
http://leigh-greenwood.com/page/backlist.htm

Another website you might find helpful is this one-

http://www.lovewesternromances.com
They do reviews, excerpts, and notifications for western romances.
Amanda in Baltimore said on 04.06.11 at 02:57 PM • [link]

It’s not Old West, but I think that Lois McMaster Bujold’s Sharing Knife series (four books) is awesome. Exciting, romantic, very good world building. It’s one of my reliable re-reads when I need something solid and satisfying.
Jeannie said on 04.06.11 at 02:59 PM • [link]

I’m throwing my recs in the pot for the Lorelei James Rough Riders books. Awesome, hot, and like crack they’re so addictive. Unlike some series, they seem to get better as you go along.

Another one I liked personally is Sarah McCarty’s Hell’s Eight books.
And the Elizabeth Lowell’s I’ve seen talked about here are good too.

Thanks for all you do, Stephanie, and be safe!
Jayne said on 04.06.11 at 03:01 PM • [link]

Hi Stephanie! Yay Kindle!

I haven’t read any of his stuff myself, but the go-to recommendation for Western romance is usually Leigh Greenwood, who, fun fact, is actually a dude. A dude with a sweet mustache, according to Zoe Archer. The Seven Brides series is really popular.

MY favorite series is a paranormal, the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole. Even people who don’t like paranormal romance like it. It’s totally cracky.

And as for YA, I think you can’t go wrong with Robin McKinley. Either of her Beauty and the Beast adaptations, Spindle’s End, The Blue Sword, etc.

I recently tried Sherrilyn Kenyon’s Dark Hunter series, and, well, the best thing I can say about it is that there are a LOT of books.

Happy reading!
Stephanie said on 04.06.11 at 03:09 PM • [link]

Well, like the others, I want to thank you for your service (and for keeping those boys in line!) We’ll be thinking of you and wishing you the best while you’re over there.

As for books, they’re not Westerns, but if you haven’t read Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series, those are 8 solid books and the most freakishly heartwarming family ever. Sherry Thomas and Courtney Milan are good too. For contemporaries, Victoria Dahl does some good stuff (I love her dialogue) and so does Jill Shalvis. I think Lisa Kleypas did a contemporary western (it’s been forever since I’ve read it so I’m not entirely sure if that’s what it was) called Smooth Talking Stranger.

If you’re looking for something the polar opposite of a soldier, it might amuse you to check out Vikki Lewis Thompson’s Nerd series. Again, none of them westerns, but they might make you chuckle.

I’m surprising myself that I can’t think of any recommendations for a western. I’m coming up completely blank. :-\

As far as YA goes, you might have read most of Meg Cabot’s stuff, but if you haven’t, she wrote a good 1-800-WERE-R-U series under an assumed name (Though I think they re-released them under her name). The last one came sort of out of left field, but overall, it’s a good series.

I wish I could give suggestions more relevant to what you said you liked, but if you give any of those a try, I don’t think you would regret it. And I’d like to second the commenter above who wanted to know if there was any way we could get any of them to you. Best of luck!
Donna said on 04.06.11 at 03:20 PM • [link]

well, the best thing I can say about it is that there are a LOT of books.

Oh, Jayne, thank you for saying it so I didn’t have to.
I second IAD, the latest of which is sitting at the GBPL drive up window waiting for me to scoop it up.
Also second the Harry Dresden books.
Can’t help with the westerns, not really my thing.

And, Stephanie I’ll tell the same thing I told my bffs nephews (I DIAPERED those butts!!) as we sent them off: Keep your head down and your ass covered. And then I gave them a big MWAHHHH! So, that too.
tibleti said on 04.06.11 at 03:41 PM • [link]

There is also the “No Other…” trilogy from Shannon Drake. They are frontier in two of them, but I believe they have some military bearing. The middle one was set in Scotland, but they are all interconnected.

Thank you for your service.
Marcia in OK said on 04.06.11 at 03:44 PM • [link]

Stephanie - THANK YOU for your service. Stay safe.

I’ll throw in another recommendation for the JD Robb’s Eve books, and the Plum series. It is wonderful to watch Eve and all her relationships grow and change throughout the series. Plum is just light and funny stuff.

I also enjoyed the older Elizableth Lowell Only series. And the Sarah McCarty books I’ve read were fun, but I’ve not read all of them yet.

I’ll also throw in a yes for the Julia Quinn books and the Amanda Quick books. They are totally in a different time and place. I’m not a big historical fan, but loved these books.

Again, stay safe and as you are reading in those far away places, please remember that other book lovers over here are wishing you and your comrades good wishes.
Melissa said on 04.06.11 at 03:44 PM • [link]

I love western historical romances but the problem is most are only available in paper. I do have a list of good ones available on Kindle:

Western Historicals on Kindle:
Catherine Anderson - Comanche Moon, Comanche Heart, Idigo Blue, Comanche Magic
Elizabeth Lowell - Only series, Autumn Lover, Winter Fire
Madeline Baker - First Love Wild Love, Lakota Love Song
Kaki Warner - Pieces of Sky, Open Country, Chasing the Sun
Emma Wildes - Lawless
Gem Sivad - Breed True
Maggie Osborne - Wives of Bowie Stone
Pamela Clare - Surrender (frontier)

YA romances:
Simone Elkeles - Perfect Chemistry, Rules of Attraction

Long good series:
Nalini Singh - Psy/Changling series, Guild Hunter series
J.R. Ward - Black Dagger Brotherhood series
Kresley Cole - Immortals After Dark series
Patricia Briggs - Mercy Thompson series
Ilona Andrews - Kate Daniels series
Jeaniene Frost - Night Huntres series
Pamela Clare - I-team series
Lorelei James - Rough Riders series (contemporary hot westerns)
Lisa Kleypas - Wallflowers, Hathaway, contemporary series
Larissa Ione - Demonica series
Karen Marie Moning - Highlander series, Fever series
Shelly Laurenston - Pride series, Pack series (really funny!)
Erin McCarthy - Fast Track series (NASCAR driver heroes)

Hope this helps you Stephanie, thanks for your service!
senetra said on 04.06.11 at 03:54 PM • [link]

The Texas Trilogy by Lorraine Heath, and any of her books that aren’t set in England.
Nadia said on 04.06.11 at 04:04 PM • [link]

Hey, I never said Kenyon was great literature, just that it was a long series, LOL! And once you start, you can’t stop until you get to Acheron and that is one big-ass book that will keep you busy for a while.;)

I can’t believe I didn’t mention Cole and Singh, they are teh awesome. Also, in that same genre of paranormal the-apocalypse-is-night epicness, Gina Showalter has Alien Huntress and Lords of the Underworld series, and Rhyannon Byrd has the Primal Instinct series.

One of my favorite moved-from-romance-to-mainstream authors is Lisa Gardner. She writes firmly in suspense now, but nearly all her books have a romantic element about them. She can be pretty intense, and the last few have verged on disturbing, but I just gobble up her books. Some can be stand-alone, but there are lots of recurring characters and interwoven stories, so start at the beginning. Not light reading, but will definitely get you out of your own head!
M&M said on 04.06.11 at 04:12 PM • [link]

Hello Stephanie, I have listed some suggestions below. Hope you find them helpful.
Best wishes from the UK!

The Texan’s Wager by Jodi Thomas(Book 1 in The Wife Lottery series, have only read this one.)Historical Western Romance. Very sweet and endearing main characters.

Simpply Love by Catherine Anderson. Historical romance set in Colarado mining town. Overall, I enjoyed it.

The spellcrackers series by Suzanne McLeod. Three books so far: The Sweet scent of blood, The Cold kiss of Death, The Bitter seed of Magic. This is an urban fantasy series set in London. There is a mystery to solve in each book. I think this series is great, have read all three.

The Guild hunter series by Nalini Singh. Three books so far. Paranormal Romance set in New York (mainly, but other locales are included). Archangel’s Blood, Archangel’s Kiss, Archangel’s Consort. I thought the first book was great and it hooked me in. Second book was ok, had some interesting elements. Third book wasn’t as good, the pacing was a little slow, I didn’t feel it added all that much to the guild hunter world. Having said that, I’m still going to read the next book (due at the end of the year?) which will focus on a different character who has featured in all three books.

How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire (Love at Stake, Book 1) by Kerrelyn Sparks.Funny paranormal romance. Very fun, good brain candy! I think there are 8 or 9 books so far, but have only read the first one so cannot comment on the series as a whole.

American Vampire by Jennifer Armintrout. Stand alone. I really enjoyed this book, not sure how to categorize it; it definitely has a strong, paranormal romance element. it also has a dark comedy element to it. Loved the Vampire Anti-hero . It doesn’t come out on kindle until May 1st though.

The Duke and I, the Viscount who loved me and Romancing Mr Bridgerton by Julian Quinn (books 1, 2 and 4 of the Bridgerton series.There are 8 in total but these are the ones I have read and can recommend). Regency set Romance, very funny, very likable heroes and heroines. My favourite is the Duke and I.

As you Desire by Connie Brockway (stand alone). Historical romance set in Egypt. I highly recommend this one, witty, funny, and extremely likable hero and heroine.

To love a thief by Julie Anne Long (stand alone historical romance). Great characters, funny and sweet.

What I did for a Duke by Julie Anne Long (This is part of a series, but I read it without having read the previous 3 or 4 books. In my opinion, is does very well as a stand alone). Brilliant, one of my fave books of 2011 so far. Loved the hero, loved the witty dialog. I really was laughing out loud during some parts.

A recommendation list would not be complete without mentioning Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase and Flowers from the storm by Laura Kinsale.
Randall said on 04.06.11 at 04:13 PM • [link]

Thank you so much for your service!

Many of Joan Johnston’s historical novels are set in the old west, and usually tied in together.

Susan Johnson and Brenda Joyce also have a few books that are tied in together that are set in the old west.

For number of books, Sherrilyn Kenyon’s series has a large number - which has been mentioned.

Also, Stephanie Laurens Cynster series has a numerous amount of books as well, just not old west. It’s regency England.
Amber Shah said on 04.06.11 at 04:20 PM • [link]

“The Texan’s Wager” by Jodi Thomas (first in the series)
“Texas Destiny” by Lorraine Heath (first in the series)
“His Secondhand Wife” by Cheryl St. John (not exactly a series, but she has lots if books and some of the characters overlap)

Wives of Bowie Stone was just ok, and does make some soldier references that you might not care for (the H was a solider who disobeyed orders and was dishonorably discharged)
LizW65 said on 04.06.11 at 04:35 PM • [link]

I don’t read Westerns, but I second the Pink Carnation and Harry Dresden series—lots of humor and action. I also recommend PN Elrod’s Vampire Files, a paranormal mystery series about a vampire in depression-era Chicago with a dash of romance. Another couple of ongoing mystery series with romantic subplots are Lindsay Davis’ Marcus Didius Falco books and Alan Gordon’s Fools Guild series (basically a spinoff of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night.)

spamword: needed67. If you needed 67 suggestions for your Kindle, you now have them!
TaraL said on 04.06.11 at 04:38 PM • [link]

It looks like you’ve got a lot of great recommendations here for series and westerns, but how about some bargains to help fill up that Kindle? Nothing like a little more bang for you’re buck when trying to find a year’s worth of reading material. (And stretch a military paycheck, believe me, I know.)

Here’s a few I’ve found lately:

You’ve probably already found them, but Alexis Harrington has most of her backlist available for $2.99 each.

Anne Stuart’s Out of Print Gems - 5 of her older books for $6.64. A bunch of her backlist is available for very reasonable prices, but not very escapist really….

Footloose Bundle by Leanne Banks - 3 fun books, featuring great shoes, for $9.32.

Robin Kaye Bundle - Romeo, Romeo; Too Hot To Handle; Breakfast In Bed - 3 books, funny, hot guys who can cook and clean, what’s not to like? $9.99.

Julie Ortolon has some of her backlist, most notably her Perfect trilogy and Pearl Island Trilogy available in the $0.99-3.99 range. I’ve always found her stuff fun and escapist.

I’ll second, or third, the Jo Goodman rec. She has a bunch of her backlist available in the $4-5 range.

My absolute favorite books I’ve found recently (and they’re a great deal!) are some of Barbara Samuel’s early historicals. I absolutely love her books, but again, not very escapist. She gives her characters real problems to keep them apart and they really have to work to be together. They were great at full price, and now as e-reissues at $0.99 each, they’re unbeatable. Bed of Spices and Heart fo a Knight are two of my favorites.

That’s all I can think of at the moment…
Rachel Savage said on 04.06.11 at 04:41 PM • [link]

If you don’t mind contemporary honky tonk Texas cowboys, Carolyn Brown is a fun read. I’ve only read My Give a Damn’s Busted, but there are two others in the same series with more on the way. Not my normal reading fare, but I really enjoyed it.

Kelly Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld books are great, and looks like most of them are in Kindle format too. Think there’s about 9 or 10 books. I started with Dime Store Magic and have slowly been gathering up the rest of them.

Gini Koch’s Touched by an Alien and Alien Tango are really fun reads - and looks like book 3 is available now too, with #4 coming in Dec.
Bri said on 04.06.11 at 05:02 PM • [link]

repeating others here but wanted to lend support to those i love -

Steph Plum - laugh out loud funny - even 15 years after they wee writtne - and the best is i can see all that happening in my home state! :)

in death series - very well done, cop procedural but so much more,

Laurens’ - Cynsters books - i think there are 15 of them, i like the earlier ones moreso than the later

YA - the percy jackson series (But that might be considered a war time atmosphere, but with Gods and ancient monsters)

Any of Kleypas - historical or comtemp

Thank you for your service. stay safe!
Tamara Hogan said on 04.06.11 at 05:08 PM • [link]

...those smoking hot soldiers with
abs of steel that most of my civilian friends envision I spend my days with are usually just kids I have to take care of and keep out of trouble…

Stephanie, these words simply made my breath catch. They’re SO damn young, aren’t they. Many thanks to you - and those abs-of-steel kids - for your service. Please stay safe.

In terms of both quality and series longevity, you just can’t go wrong with J.D. Robb’s “In Death” series. Though each book keeps the brain engaged by providing a self-contained, thought-provoking mystery, what I enjoy the most about the series as a whole is how Eve and Roarke’s relationship evolves over time. This is one of the few series I can think of that has the gonads to take readers BEYOND the HEA, exploring the ups and downs, the bumps and bruises, the banality and the bliss, of a MARRIAGE.

There goes Nora, breaking the rules again - thank gawd. ;-)
Lynn S. said on 04.06.11 at 05:19 PM • [link]

Lorraine Heath would be my recommendation. Especially the Leigh Brothers Trilogy and since you like young adult you might try her two young adult titles: Amelia & the Outlaw and Samantha & the Cowboy.

Linda Lael Miller has written at least three western series: McKettrick; Stone Creek; and Springwater. She’s not my cup of tea but my mother loves her.

Stay safe.
Lisa J said on 04.06.11 at 05:30 PM • [link]

Thank you very much for your service!!

I will second Gem Sivad. She has a series of westerns from Liquid Silver and now EC. All the books have been great. My favorite is Wolf’s Tender.

Sarah McCarty’s Promise series was also good.
Karenmc said on 04.06.11 at 05:41 PM • [link]

The Lorraine Heath westerns are a good choice. There are three in one series, then a few in a second series about the off-spring of the H/H’s from the first series.

Julia Anne Long’s Penny Royal Green books can be hilarious, as well as well-written, but you might want to avoid Since the Surrender (returning war hero with issues).

Stay safe, and keep those boys in line : )
Macaire H said on 04.06.11 at 05:47 PM • [link]

The Bridgertons are a must—smart, funny and heartwarming. Plus—there are eight of them AND short, downloadable second epilogues.

YA—Libba Bray has a wonderful trilogy: A Great and Terrible Beauty, Rebel Angels, and A Sweet Far Thing. Historica—somewhat Gothic, features the relationship between the girls but has a light romantic element. I also second the Rachel Vincent Soul Screamers series.

Deanna Raybourn’s Lady Julia Grey mysteries are good, as is her retelling of the Dracula story - The Dead Travel Fast.

Contemporary—Linda Lee Francis’ The Ex-Debutante is funny and romantic. Along those lines also is Jennifer Crusie’s Faking It.

Enjoy, and be safe.
Beret Brenckman said on 04.06.11 at 06:56 PM • [link]

The Nora Roberts backlist is huge and would be good escapist reading although you’ll find a lot of similarities in any author that you read a lot of close together. What about some of the classics of romance? Nora, Lisa Kleypas, Loretta Chase, Julia Quinn, Linda Howard, Elizabeth Lowell, Julie Garwood, Jude Deveraux? Good luck, stay safe, happy reading.
Emily said on 04.06.11 at 07:14 PM • [link]

The Widowed Bride is on my TBR list. It looks really good. It is a western, of which I don’t read a lot.
I like Georgette Heyer, but I am not sure she is your style. I would particularly recommend Faro’s Daughter, The Talisman Ring, or Cotillion. (No military and more action)
I hate to be negative, but I just read a J D Robb, (Kindred in Death). I thought it was really dark and depressing(as well as slightly over the top), very violent, etc. I question its escapism power.Definitely try one if you haven’t read her, but I am not sure I would buy the whole series if you haven’t read at least two.
I do like Willig. I also like Sherlock Holmes. For young adults books I recommend Gidget, a classic if you haven’t read it.
Kleypas’s Only With Your Love is great escapism on any level.
I wish I could recommend more.
Thank you so much for serving our country! I wish you the best of luck. I hope you are safe.
Emily said on 04.06.11 at 07:20 PM • [link]

Sorry
The Widowed Bride is by Elizabeth Lane.
susan said on 04.06.11 at 07:23 PM • [link]

I would definitely second or third the Maggie Osborne recommendation and add Ellen O’Connell for westerns. Candice Proctor’s books are good, and there is at least one that is set in the Australian Outback, which is kind of like a western. She now writes as C.S. Harris and her Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries are a really good series.
Bridget said on 04.06.11 at 07:33 PM • [link]

I highly recommend Lorelei James’ Rough Rider series, very hot and highly emotional and impossible to put down!

I loved Carolyn Brown’s Honky Tonk series, funny and sweet stories. Each one had a song for a title…I Love This Bar, Hell, Yeah, My Give a Damns Busted, and Honky Tonk Christmas. Her Luckadeau series wasn’t as good, but still well worth reading.
Orchard said on 04.06.11 at 07:57 PM • [link]

Like everyone else, thank you thank you for your service to our country!

Here are my recs:

Ruth An Nordin - Second this recommendation

Sarah McCarty (Promises and Hell’s Eight Series)

Dorothy Garlock (Her books are not really a series but a lot of them are interconnected. Most of the characters are common people, sometimes of limited education - no secret heiresses or closet Dukes here. http://www.dorothygarlock.com/list.htm)

Pamela Clare - MacKinnon’s Rangers series. This take place in Colonial America

Sarah Donati - Wilderness Saga (I just bought the first book. I’ve heard geat things about this series and am excited to try it out)

Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold by Ellen O’Connell (This is a stand alone and I’m pretty sure it’s self published but I love, love, love this book. I’ve read it 3 times)
India said on 04.06.11 at 07:59 PM • [link]

For Westerns, I’d recommend Zane Grey and Louis L’amour. They’re not specifically romances, but I still remember how HOT I thought the Zane Greys were when I read them as a Wee Grommit. (The scene in WILDFIRE where the heroine is tied naked to a horse and sent through a forest fire by the Bad Guy still—as you can tell—stays with me. Boy, those were the days; they couldn’t be Explicit, but man, could they be Evocative…)

Thank you for serving—I wish you godspeed and safely home…
Marguerite B said on 04.06.11 at 08:12 PM • [link]

All of Cyndi Myers old Westerns are being re-released as ebooks by Aurora Regency Historicals. She’s writing new ones there as well as still doing her Harlequin Blaze stuff. http://auroraregency.com/ARHistorical.php She’s got a new one set in a Wild West show that I’m itching to read. I just haven’t gotten to it yet.
Jules said on 04.06.11 at 08:18 PM • [link]

I don’t have any recommendations (Harper’s Bride is a favorite of mine, too) but I would like to thank Stephanie for her service and wish her a safe tour. Keep taking care of the kids, and take care of yourself, too.
MB said on 04.06.11 at 08:44 PM • [link]

In the category of old, but still wonderful, the following LaVyrle Spencer historicals are available in e-book format from Amazon:

-The Fulfillment
-Morning Glory
-The Endearment
-Vows
-That Camden Summer
-Twice Loved
MB said on 04.06.11 at 08:50 PM • [link]

You also might like Diana Gabaldon’s ‘Outlander’ series. The later books are set in pre-revolutionary war America…so frontier? The books are loooooong, but super exciting. Which equals hours of reading pleasure for you!

I second Lois McMaster Bujold, Deanna Raybourn, Lauren Willing and Ilona Andrews.
SusanLS said on 04.06.11 at 09:05 PM • [link]

Hi Stephanie,

I’m an e-book publisher and I’d love to give you free copies of the four books we’ve published to date. There’s a lesbian romance/mystery/humor, a Civil War historical romance, a YA fantasy with a strong female lead, and an environmental suspense. Contact me @ .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and remind me who you are. I’ll send you a smashwords coupon good for free .mobi editions for all four or whichever you prefer. We’ve got sequels coming for some of these and more books coming as well. Stay in touch..

One of my sons-in-law is an Army pilot so I appreciate your service and the hardships it entails.

Susan
jcscot said on 04.06.11 at 09:43 PM • [link]

I’ll (tenth? twentieth?) the Julia Quinn Bridgerton rec as well as second the Sara Donati Wilderness rec - fabulous series.

I’m an Army wife and wish you a safe op tour - keep your head down and your chin up! - my husband heads back out later this year and I’ll be preloading his Kindle too (although probably not with the same books recced here!).

Good luck.
Jill Purinton said on 04.06.11 at 09:51 PM • [link]

thinking strictly old west:
Second the recommendation of Barbara Samuel’s books on Kindle.
Cait London’s Mac Lean series is on Kindle.
3 of Deb Stover’s historicals will be out on Kindle soon.
lorelai said on 04.06.11 at 10:07 PM • [link]

I don’t know much about the Western genre. The only one I’ve read is a Linda Lael Miller, which I enjoyed, but it’s just not my thing.

But I’ll co-sign on those above who mentioned Lisa Kleypas’s contemporary series (Sugar Daddy, Blue-Eyed Devil, and Smooth Talking Stranger), the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon (looooong but SO good), and the JR Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood (I went through those like crack).

I would agree with one commenter above who mentioned how dark the In Death books can be - I’ve only read two and although they’re HOT and I would recommend them, for someone looking for escapism from the military, I would agree that you might want to try a couple first.

I’d add Susan Elizabeth Phillips’s Chicago Stars series (http://www.susanephillips.com/books_chicagostars.html). Wasn’t crazy about “Heaven, Texas” but the others are really good and just fun to read.

Thank you for your service Stephanie!
Betsy said on 04.06.11 at 10:12 PM • [link]

Most of my favorites have already been listed, so I’ll just add some ideas for inexpensive books:

If you like science-fiction / fantasy, many of the series published by Baen allow you to read/download the first book for free. Try an author, decide if you like, and then buy the rest.

You also might want to pick a classic—Mark Twain?—you can buy his complete works for under $2. Or Alexandre Dumas, Jane Austen, the Brontes.

In addition, the Kindle can run other software (like games or a notepad) . If your are a Sudoku addict, this is a good way to go.
Elaine L. said on 04.06.11 at 10:20 PM • [link]

I second and third the recommendations for Ellen O’Connell. She has 2 books out in ebook format and available on Kindle:

Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold
Sing My Name

Both are excellent in my opinion, and this is from someone who is not a big fan of Westerns (though I did love Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books as a kid). They are also pretty inexpensive ($2.99 last time I checked). Yay!

Also, I read Kaki Warner’s Open Country recently and it was also pretty good. It is the second book in a trilogy about three brothers who were raised on a ranch in New Mexico Territory in the late 1860s. I think someone up above mentioned the other books in the trilogy (Pieces of Sky, Chasing the Sun). Open Country is fairly gritty and violent, and stands alone pretty well. The heroine is a former Civil War battlefield nurse.

Carla Kelly, who is primarily known as a wonderful author of Regency romances, has also written several excellent books set in the frontier of the western U.S. Not available on Kindle, but definitely worth reading in paperback are Daughter of Fortune (out of print), and Here’s to the Ladies: Stories of the Frontier Army. Ms. Kelly also just published a new novel set in 1880s Utah and featuring a Mormon hero and heroine, called Borrowed Light. I haven’t read it yet, but it sounds intriguing: a rancher hero and a heroine who is a graduate of Fannie Farmer’s School of Cookery in Boston. Anyway, Ms. Kelly has built up quite a bit of credibility with me, so if she wrote the text on the back of a cereal box I’d probably give it a read.

Stephanie, I hope you have lots of fun reading with all these suggestions and stay safe and stay alive!
Jen B. said on 04.06.11 at 10:25 PM • [link]

YA -
Chronicles of Nick by Sherrilyn Kenyon (currently 2 titles)
Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins
Maximum Ride Series by James Patterson
Bitter Melon by Cara Chow
Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare
Dark Mirror by Mary Jo Putney
Those are just off the top of my head.
Westerns are a little toughter.
Any of the Larry McMurty books (but they aren’t romance)
If you read erotic romance then Sarah McCarty Shadow Wrangler Series (BTW, it’s also paranormal)
If you are interested try the Unusual Historicals blog. They offer all kinds of interesting historical romances so I am sure they have a western catagory.
Now, if you are interested in fun and funny or just plain different reads try:
The Viking Series by Sandra Hill (just don’t drink anything while your read because you will spew, there are military men but, well, Vikings. Say no more.)
The Parasol Protectorate Series by Gail Carriger
Pretty much any book by Lisa Kleypas (contemporary or historical)
Pretty much any book by Karen Marie Moning (let’s face it, they all contain highlanders, nuff said)
The Crystal Cave Series by Mary Stewart (it’s about Merlin and King Arthur and it’s amazing)
Mercy Gunderson Mysteries by Lori Armstrong (the lead character is former military)
Kushiel’s Series by Jacqueline Carey (don’t be put off by the size of the books, once you get going they read at top speed)
In the huge series catagory (a couple of the above recommendations qualify here as well)
Dark Hunters by Sherrilyn Kenyon (they tie in directly to The Chronicles of Nick mentioned above)
Lords of the Underworld by Gena Showalter
School for Heiresses by Sabrina Jeffries (the beauty is that is ties directly into the current Hellions series)
And in the literature catagory
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Now if you don’t mind reading erotic and you want something really good that is also a series
Rough Riders by Lorelei James
The Brown Siblings by Lauren Dane
Ok, that’s it. Good luck and I hope your tour is short and uneventful. Except your reading, of course!
Diva said on 04.06.11 at 10:46 PM • [link]

For YA, I love me some Jess Darling series by Megan McCafferty, all five are ebook available and are hilarious as well as romantic (takes the heroine from ages 15 to 25)

Western? I’m gonna say it…Janet Dailey’s Calder saga. It’s Old Skool, but pretty good and lengthy.

Props also to Meg Cabot’s two historical (Victoria and the Rogue; Nicola and the Viscount) for good-hearted tongue in cheek sendups of Austen. Plus her Queen of Babble Trilogy is fantastic! Very light and enjoyable.

Happy reading and big love to you, soldier!
kkw said on 04.06.11 at 11:02 PM • [link]

Wild West books aren’t my area of specialty, but I can second most of the recommendations here. I’ve read and enjoyed the Mallories, the Rough Riders, the Seven Brides… I loved the L’Amour books when I was younger. I heard he never did any editing or rewrites, and you can kind of tell - it’s not the finest writing in the world, but it moves along nicely, and the roughness suits the subject. Also in the good western though not really romance I remember liking Lonesome Dove ages ago. The top of my shit to avoid list is Cassie Edwards - she does lots of Indian fetish western stuff that I just find unreadable, and I’ll read shampoo bottles. Also I thought the Pink Carnation series was a huge disappointment, not in the Cassie Edwards category, but still seriously not good, and I don’t know if (pseudo)historical spying is in the same category as contemporary military, but I’d say give that a miss. Also in the Plum series (though quite funny provided you space them out over enough time) one of the main love interests is ex-military and the other’s a cop, so that might not be your thing. Lonesome Dove, now that I think of it, features ex-soldiers…Ex-soldier heroes are really common in romance, particularly Regency, if that’s an issue. It’s like shorthand for responsible, dangerous but protective, commanding but scarred, and generally chock full o moral fiber types. Don’t mess with my illusions here. I’m going to persist in casting you and all the folks you serve with in that mold, and you have my thanks regardless.
Hey, did HaBO ever find the name of Onan and the Horses one? Cowboys used to be much more popular, but I doubt many of those old series made it to the digital world. Shame, there was a lot of fun bareback barebacking out there. Kat Martin had some old west books, and there are so many others I can’t think of…
Emily Ryan-Davis said on 04.06.11 at 11:14 PM • [link]

WILDER’S MATE by Moira Rogers: steampunk wild west! and totally escapist.

If a little self-promoting is OK, I have four quick-read completely escapist heavy-on-the-nookie historical westerns available for Kindle (in order): All the Trees in Pearl, All the Women in Pearl, Interlude in Pearl (freebie short), All the Secrets in Pearl (m/m/f with a little f/f).
Carolyn said on 04.06.11 at 11:23 PM • [link]

Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, love it!
TracyP said on 04.06.11 at 11:28 PM • [link]

I’m not much of a Western reader, either, but at one time I couldn’t get enough of the Leigh Greenwood books. Very good. As far as series, my faves are anything by Richelle Mead (Vampire Academy series for one). I also enjoyed JR Ward, but they’re a little intense, so not as much “escapism” in my opinion. If you just want turn off the brain fun reads, Jennifer Crusie is one my favorites, especially her older stuff. Susan Elizabeth Phillips is also good.

Good luck, sister, and be safe!!!!
Nicole said on 04.07.11 at 12:05 AM • [link]

Hello Stephanie,

I second the recommendations for Jodi Thomas, Lorraine Heath, and Leigh Greenwood for westerns. I also like Jo Goodman’s westerns.

If it hasn’t been mentioned before, You should try Cheryl St. John. She writes primarily westerns and they are very sweet. She is one of my long time comfort read authors. All of the characters in her books are really good people, and the stories lovely.

I’d like to also recommend that you try Judith Ivory’s the Indiscretion. Although it’s not strictly a western, this book does have a lovely rancher hero. It’s a delightful book. Here’s the blurb from Amazon :
Lydia Bedford-Browne, the delicate daughter of an English viscount, decides to travel alone across Dartmoor, a vast expanse of barren flatlands, bogs and rocks. Her sole companion in the coach is a bruised and drunken Texas rancher named Sam Cody, who just missed his own wedding. When their inebriated driver falls off the coach, sending it careening into a bog, Lydia is more than thankful for the cowboy’s presence. Stranded with few supplies and little sense of direction, the two set out to find a road and, in the process, discover that they share an affection for Buffalo Bill novels and each other. Despite the knowledge that her family and society would consider a relationship between a westerner and one of “England’s daughters” deplorable, Lydia and Sam engage in an affair that ends abruptly when they are rescued. Through Lydia’s struggles to reconcile her affection with her sense of family duty, Ivory gently emphasizes the plight of the powerless female and imbues her heroine with an admirable strength.
taylor said on 04.07.11 at 12:14 AM • [link]

For funny escapism, can I recommend Terry Pratchett’s books?
They’re totally fantasy, NOT romances, but some of them might qualify as YA (and according to librarians do). There are quite a few, though, and they’re hilarious! Seriously, they’re so funny. So if laughing would get you through some down-time, they’re great. Also, they’re really well written and you can read them on several levels (he’s smart, that Pratchett—and subtle), so maybe good for some thoughtful escapism, too?

Be safe!
jikie said on 04.07.11 at 12:46 AM • [link]

The Native Star by M.K. Hobson is a fantasy Western with romantic elements. Jo Goodman’s last two books, Marry Me, and Never Love a Lawman are westerns. And there’s A Reason to Live, by Maureen McKade.

Otherwise, I also second the Immortal After Dark series, Nalini Singh, Julia Quinn, Ilona Andrews, and Lisa Kleypas, and I’ll add Sharon Shinn (fantasy: 12 Houses series, Archangel series, Troubled Waters), Juliet Marillier (historical fantasy: Sevenwaters series, The Bridei Chronicles), Kelley Armstrong (Paranormal Suspense: The Otherworld series), Clare Dunkle (YA historical fantasy: The Hollow Kingdom Trilogy, By These Ten Bones), and Sherwood Smith’s YA fantasy Crown Duel.

Please stay safe!
Peyton said on 04.07.11 at 01:12 AM • [link]

It’s not a romance, but I’m currently being blown away by Neal Shuster’s YA novel Unwind.
Ashley said on 04.07.11 at 01:36 AM • [link]

I’ll second LaVyrle Spencer and Georgette Heyer. Also LM Bujold’s Sharing Knife and Chalion books. I think you might like her Vorkosigan saga too, even though the setting is military/space. The characters and writing are great, and you can get the whole series for free at the Fifth Imperium (legally, it’s marketing), so no loss if you don’t like them.

http://baencd.thefifthimperium.com/
Ashley said on 04.07.11 at 01:37 AM • [link]

Oops, forgot, for magical YA, can’t beat Patricia McKillip.
becca said on 04.07.11 at 01:46 AM • [link]

If you like SFR, I recommend the Liaden books by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller - I’d ignore the DRAGON books, and just start in with I DARE - they’re from Baen, and are DRM-free as well as being reasonably priced.

Top94 - a lot of my top 94 books are listed here!
Chris said on 04.07.11 at 02:00 AM • [link]

Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead (6 books)
House of Night series by PC Cast(8 books)
Maximum Ride series by James Patterson (7 books)
Morganville Vampire series by Rachel Caine (8 books)
sylvie said on 04.07.11 at 02:06 AM • [link]

Stay safe, Stephanie! Thank you for your service.

I second and third - Susan E. Philips’ Chicago Star series - about 7 or 8 books in the contemporary romance category - warm, light-hearted, and laugh out loud wicked humor.

Nalini Singh is phenomenal with her Psy-Changeling series, but I think they have themes of military, so if you want to avoid military, that may not be the series even though it’s amazing. I think a few paranormal series have that issue with vague themes of soldiers and war, so choose carefully.
Bev Stephans said on 04.07.11 at 02:59 AM • [link]

I highly recommend the Linda Lael Miller westerns. If you go to the Fantastic Fiction website, you can see all of the series as they were written. This could help you buying decision. I believe all of her books are available on Kindle.

Jenna Kernan has written some interesting historical westerns, but I don’t know if they’re available on Kindle.

Nora Roberts has written some historical westerns and they should be available on Kindle. I second the recommendation for the ..In Death books.

Stay safe and thank you for defending our Country.
Mama Nice said on 04.07.11 at 03:29 AM • [link]

As I was skimming though I just thought you all should know I read “Texas Wrangler” as “Texas Wanker” now that would be a read, huh?

Lots of great recommendations have already been said: the Julia Quinn Bridgerton series and Amanda Quick books for historicals ...

I used to read more westerns back when my 13 year old heart was aflame with the Young Riders, so it’s been awhile, but one of my favorites is a Johanna Lindsey classic from her Wyoming Westerns series: Savage Thunder. There are 3 books in that series, all pure escapism.

Take care and come home safe.
April said on 04.07.11 at 03:50 AM • [link]

I HAVE to recommend Outlander - not old west but historical and it is LONG and EXCELLENT and will definitely take you away.

Please stay safe!
Sweeney said on 04.07.11 at 04:08 AM • [link]

Okay first off, thank you. And stay safe. And thank you. Again.

As for the Kindle…how about Julie Ann Long? I love her stuff, it’s historical England Regency (I think?), but her characters are so lovely. She always is a huge escape for me!
Wahoo Suze said on 04.07.11 at 04:14 AM • [link]

Linda Lael Miller’s old historical romances were delightful, and mostly western. Then she wrote some execrable vampire books and disappeared from my radar. Now she’s back with a contemporary western series by HQN, and they’re not bad.

She tends to write in series, as well, so you can check her website.

Totally second Louis L’Amour and Zane Grey.
BethC said on 04.07.11 at 04:20 AM • [link]

A completely different direction: a non-fiction, real-life Western romance. Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels, Ree Drummond’s story of her courtship, wedding & first year of marriage to The Marlboro Man, as she refers to her husband. Much of it is in blog entries on her website already, and some of the entries are heart-breaking and hilariously funny at the same time.
Anna Richland said on 04.07.11 at 07:45 AM • [link]

It is possible that someone hasn’t heard of Sookie Stackhouse (by Charlaine Harris) even in the post-HBO show world. If not, I recommend the series as totally fun escapism.

When you want to feel “smart” about reading a romance and still indulge: Daphne du Maurier’s Frenchman’s Creek. Would you run off with a pirate? Really? This book has often led to interesting discussions with friends about honor vs duty vs love, women vs. men’s interpretations, and whether those who sneer at romance novels have the same sense of “honor” as a concept as romance (and genre Western) readers have.

A biography about a woman having a big adventure before we could do what boys could (ie, fly things): West with the Night by Beryl Markham. She was a pilot, the story’s amazing and true. And the shortest biography I’ve ever read.

“Classic” (ie early) Amanda Quick: Ravished, Rendezvous, Reckless, and the lush bird of paradise cover, Surrender.

Also, not a romance AT ALL (although somehow he manages to score with a different great woman in every book) but the main character in Lee Child’s Reacher series is an ex-MP with something of a chip on his shoulder about having been RIF’d. If you’re going somewhere hot, 61 Hours is set in a blizzard in North Dakota and might be a good break. DO NOT get the one set in NYC - Gone Tomorrow. Scary Afghan plot line will not make you sleep better. You said no military, but the Reacher series doesn’t glorify the buzz cuts boys. First, Reacher is basically a drifter, not a paramilitary “consultant” dude. The military component is more about interfacing w/red tape and acronyms. Lee Child knows a lot of acronyms and makes them all readable.

Ditto on the stay safe - may all your boring times be interrupted by nothing more than dinner at a good DFAC and a trip to the gym. Wishing you a commander you’d volunteer to follow, not one you’re stuck following. Part of my current romance is actually set in Afghanistan, and I have a few questions (like, do they serve chicken cordon bleu there like Brown and Root did in the Balkans, or does it fall under a pork ban?). If you have time to answer a few questions, please drop me a direct email - AnnaRichland (AT) gmail.com.
Michelle R. said on 04.07.11 at 10:25 AM • [link]

I don’t have a western suggestion for a series, but my fave series at the moment are the books by Jaye Wells.

Red-headed Stepchild
Mage in Black
Green-eyed Demon

My last fave YA was Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce. There will be at least one more book in the series, called Sweetly.

For my fave standalone western, that would be Silver Lining by Maggie Osbourne.
Hell Cat said on 04.07.11 at 10:56 AM • [link]

If you want intelligent YA, try Melissa Marr’s Wicked Lovely series. It’s got young characters but they’re not mindnumblingly stupid, either. It’s an odd mix. There’s 5 books in the series, with the last just released. It’s paranormal/urban fantasy, though. I’m not sure how high up that is. YA is a relatively new genre for me, so I don’t have a lot of recommendations. And zero for the Western since I mostly read those in the Harlequin line for the long doctor visits or need for happiness. (And often it seems the ranchers are former military, so that’s a definite no-no.)

I have about 4-5 YA checked out from the library at the moment, but it’s a bit early to recommend them as I haven’t started.

I love the rec for Anne Bishop, but I should warn that it can get completely and utterly brutal in parts. Like it might not be the right fit for being deployed, depending on where, so that’s something to take into account. I mean, I’ve been in love with the series since it first came out and I’m highly attached (I just read the latest from the library the other day). I just have to caution on the serious parts of the books. Don’t get me wrong: any book that has someone like Karla in it is awesome, but it’s definitely got horror aspects. And it’s not HEA minded.

I second or third or whatever the Mercy Thompson series, though it’s only got about 5 books right now, too. But it’s a fun read. And I’m reading Eileen Wilks Lupine series. Lily’s a cop, so I don’t know that’d fit into requests, though.

I’m tempted to recommend Estep’s series, simply for the Ashland urban fantasy world building, but it’s about a Robin Hood assassin. Might fit a bit close to home, but it’s a great series. Gin’s kind of awesome, and wow, I’d like to snag an Owen Grayson of my own. She’s a perpetual student slash retired assassin whose family was murdered by a crazypants. I’m not sure the hacking and killing would be on your high side of downtime, though. You might adore the dwarven sisters, though. And Finn.

Kelley Armstrong was mentioned and I think you might like her a lot. She’s got The Otherworld books, as well as the YA set in the same universe. Paranormal. But there’s enough characters out there to be fully covered. Plus it’s like, what, 14 books all total? Plenty of reading. And most of them are focused on strong women who kick serious butt in many forms.

The Chicago Stars series that’s been recommended are usually good, light fare. Not a lot of thinking involved or required. Just enjoyment. In the same vein as MaryJanice Davidson’s paranormal series. If you want some light fare in the paranormal world, there’s always Linda Wisdom’s Hex series. That’s just plain fun with Jazz and the ‘eat everything in sight’ slippers. Or Michelle Bardsley’s Broken Heart series. (Definite MJD similarities with those. It’s literally just lots of laughs and enjoyment.)

Sadly, that’s all I can reference offhand on the recommended and my recommendations.

Stay safe and don’t get overly distracted by the funny moments in life that pop up at the most awkward times.
Melissa said on 04.07.11 at 02:19 PM • [link]

Dorothy Garlock is a good western writer who has some of her books available on Kindle.
Windycity D said on 04.07.11 at 02:57 PM • [link]

How about the McKettricks series by Linda Lael Miller.
Historical western and also contemporary westerm. I found her by accident a few years ago and like her books. Her more recent ones are not that great. It is like she dialed in the books but her older McKettrick series are GREAT….
So the three series would be:
McKettricks
Stone Creek
Montana Creed

As for contemporary, I would suggest Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
Her Star football series is great.

I will pray for your safe return and happy reading!
Lauren said on 04.07.11 at 03:27 PM • [link]

It’s not really a romance series, but for pure escapism and compulsive page-turning (with a fair amount of romance thrown in), I would highly recommend the Robert Jordan ‘Wheel of Time’ series. The 13th book (out of 14) was just published this year, and almost all of the books are long. If you google it, you will find a crazy amount of obsessive fandom out there, and for good reason. I bought the first book in 1989 or so and I’m still obsessed. There is some war/fighting in it, but it’s all on horseback with swords and magic, so I seriously doubt it will remind you of work. Good luck overseas!
Jody W. said on 04.07.11 at 03:38 PM • [link]

Maggie Osborne was always my favorite Western romance writer! Don’t know how much stuff of hers is Kindled and it’s not really in a series, but it’s good. If you run out of books over there, I bet you can give the SBs a yelp here and get some care packages sent your way!
cleo said on 04.07.11 at 05:54 PM • [link]

Sweetwater Seduction by Joan Johnston - it’s available on Kindle and it’s a great western, complete with prim school marm heroine, hired gun hero and a crazy in a good way plot. And she’s written other western historicals that I haven’t read - someone else recommended them too.

It’s more challenging that I thought it’d be to come up with a good series that doesn’t include soldiers or the military. Susan Mallory’s Fool’s Gold is a nice contemporary series - I think of it as traditional romance - interesting characters, low conflict. I was going to suggest her Buchanans series too, but my favorite book in that series (Sizzling) has an ex-marine hero who has a lot of baggage from his service, so that’s probably one to avoid.

Thanks for your service and be safe.
ashley said on 04.07.11 at 06:31 PM • [link]

wild western bride by rosalyn alsobrook: this ones actually quite sweet, he owns a farm and she comes through with the orphan train, and they get married so that they can adopt two orphan brothers who would otherwise be separated.

Mail order temptress by Jane Kidder: fun and annoying at the same time lol a series of misunderstanding between a farmer and his mail order bride that was nothing he wanted but everything he needed.

those are the best western types I can think of right now.
Anony Miss said on 04.07.11 at 10:31 PM • [link]

Thank you for your service to America, and the middle east too (where I live). Stay safe!
Lisa R said on 04.08.11 at 02:24 AM • [link]

Not romance, but the alphabet series by Sue Grafton (A is for Alibi, etc) is pretty good. Main character is a female private detective solving crimes, etc. The series is up to letter U or something like that.

Anything by C.S. Friedman (fantasy)!

Not a western, but romance: Julia Quinn writes light-hearted Regency. It’s light on the sex but great on the emotional pay-off.
Regina said on 04.08.11 at 03:08 AM • [link]

Hello and Thank You for your service!

I don’t read Westerns, but Moira Rogers’ Sanctuary series (4 books and 3 prequels so far - werewolves, witches and vampires), and Wilder’s Mate (the first in a new steampunk series) have strong Western/frontier elements, not to mention hot S-E-X!
Stephanie said on 04.08.11 at 03:28 AM • [link]

A big huge thanks to everyone who took the time out to write a response to my request. I’m absolutely floored by the amount of responses this recieved. I truly appreciate all the suggestions, including the non-romance ones I’ll be able to share with my coworkers.

In my pre-Army life I taught High School and Jr. High Lit, and was able to live among books and book lovers, so its awesome to find a community of people who adore books as much as I do now that I can no longer spend my days immersed in the pages of a novel. Thanks ladies!
Rebecca said on 04.08.11 at 06:36 PM • [link]

Mrs. Mike by Benedict and Nancy Freedman is really amazing. There are two other follow-up as well. They take place in the Canadian wilderness.
Vicki said on 04.09.11 at 12:44 AM • [link]

Oh, I had to comment. I love Mrs. Mike. It always makes me cry.
Cheryl St.John said on 04.09.11 at 08:03 AM • [link]

Stephanie, if you want to send me the email address you use for your amazon Kindle account, I would love to send you some of my westerns.

Thanks for serving our country.
Cher :-)
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Donna McDonald said on 04.09.11 at 04:38 PM • [link]

Stephanie,

The included link to Dating A Cougar is my first published novel and the kindle edition is free at Smashwords. You can get it at Amazon, but don’t pay for it there. Just go to Smashwords.com. I have put the link in my post.

This romance is about older characters falling in love and many readers have found it funny. The hero is a medically retired Marine and reviewers have really liked him. Please consider adding my novel to the list to take with you. I would be honored to think I was able to entertain you and make you laugh at little, give you a little something back for what you are doing.

Thank you for your service to our country. My best wishes for your safe return.

—Donna
CrookedGoose said on 04.10.11 at 02:15 AM • [link]

There’s a lot here but they’re all fun reads and perfect for escape. I starred the ones that I reread.

YA:
** The Sky is Everywhere, Jandy Nelson
** Anna and the French Kiss, Stephanie Perkins
- Matched, Allie Condie
- Forest of Hands and Teeth, Carrie Ryan
- Chime, Franny Billingsley
- Jane, April Lindner
- Wicked Lovely series, Melissa Marr

Regency:
** Wallflower series, Lisa Kleypas (#1 is the best)
- Love by Numbers series, Sarah Maclean (starts with Nine ways)
** The Perfect Mistress, Betina Krahn
- Adventurer’s Club series by Suzanne Enoch

Vampire Love
- Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Colleen Gleaso-n
- Sookie Stackhouse series, Charlaine Harris
- Anita Blake series, Laurel K Hamilton (only the first 8)

Just Fun:
- Parasol Protectorate Series, Gail Carriger
(Soulless, Changeless, Blameless and 2 more coming soon)
- Shades of Milk and Honey, Mary Robinette Kowel

Thanks for doing what you do!
Rachel said on 04.10.11 at 06:21 AM • [link]

I think all my recommendations have been mentioned already, but I’ll reiterate.

Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton’s are definitely a loveable group.
Karen Marie Moning’s Highlanders and Fever series are both freaking phenomenal. She is THE reason that I read romance, and talk about delicious men and spunky women. And both will DEFINITLEY take you out of the everyday and into another world. Highlanders. I’m not sure you can ever go wrong with them.

Definitely the Evanovich series. I still find them hilarious, even after finishing 16 books.

For some paranormals: Katie MacAlister’s Aisling Grey or Dark Ones books. Aisling is a 4 book series, Dark Ones are connected books and there are 9 + some novellas.

Susan Elizabeth Phillips also has a phenomenal set of books that get me every time. The Chicago Stars series is 7 books, but every single one of her books are amazing. I re-read them yearly.

I don’t have tons of Westerns that I know of. Lisa Kleypas’ Sugar Daddy, Blue-Eyed Devil, and Smooth talking Stranger are all set in Texas and have a sort of contemporary outlaw feel. Ellora’s Cave also has a lot of Westerns, and you may be able to find them for your Kindle if you match from the EllorasCave DOT com website.

Hope that helps. Please stay safe and THANK YOU for your service. I do not get a chance to say that enough. :)
Cara said on 04.10.11 at 08:24 PM • [link]

I also give a big vote for Linda Lael Miller’s series, which include both old and modern westerns (often connected, which makes it even more interesting). Diana Palmer has also done some westerns. Joan Johnston’s series are also good—try Sisters of the Lonestar series (Frontier Woman; Comanche Woman; Texas Woman) for old west, and Hawk’s Way and Bitter Creek series for modern westerns. I also loved Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series (okay, all her books), and since the characters are so strong and witty, they’re especially good if you need a laugh.
cleo said on 04.11.11 at 03:48 PM • [link]

Another thought - Zoe Archer’s Blades of the Rose series. It has a kind of Victorian Indiana Jones flavor, plus magic and hot sex. Good escapist fun, and the third book (Rebel) is set in the Canadian wilderness. There are a few battles in each book, with magic and 19th Century weapons, but no military. Discovered this series on this blog, so happy to pass on the recommendation.

provided91 - may you be provided with 91 excellent book recommendations and 91 blessings for your safety
Cakes said on 04.13.11 at 09:18 AM • [link]

Another vote for the McKettricks. *le sigh* And the Bridgertons.

I would caution you on the Outlander series if you are trying to avoid violence in your reading. I only read the first two and stopped b/c they were so violent.

Stay safe.
kylie said on 04.18.11 at 10:11 AM • [link]

I second (or third) the McMaster BUjold books- the Sharing Knife series is a bit more in the romance vein than the Chalion series. Tamora Pierce is also good.
On a somewhat dfferent plane- the Kylie Chan series (starts with White Tiger) is good- martial arts and magic in Hong Kong. Romance is involved, but of a forbidden and separated kind. And it appears to be on Kindles.