Bitchin' Blog Posts
Links of Joy, Fuzzy Feelings, and Really Beautiful Men
by SB Sarah | by SB Sarah | November 07, 2010 | Sunday at 6:02 pm | 93 CommentsWant to grin? Have some happy, thoughtful links.
An Ode to Emilie Loring, romance author. Thanks to Holly G. for that link.
Q: Which romance authors (you can only name one) remain enduring favorites through every single book they wrote? New or older authors, doesn’t matter.
(I predict the top three favorites from the comments will be Heyer, Roberts, and McMaster-Bujold. My choice is Julia Spencer-Fleming, mostly because I’m going through a palate-cleanse of mystery reading and I can’t stop turning back to her books to enjoy and savor her character building and small-world-building skills.
Mills & Boon has a new charity calendar for 2011, featuring the men of the Leander Rowing Club. It appears that the men in the calendar might be without apparel - but the behind the scenes video makes me want one even more than the rumor of nude rowing.
The calendar proceeds support the Leander Trust, which helps children learn about rowing as a sport, and supports athletes at the world and Olympic level.
Q: Which sport should have a nude charity calendar next? Curling? I vote curling.
Filed: General Bitching, The Link-O-Lator
Tagged: romance, reading, nora roberts, mills and boon, lois mcmaster bujold, georgette heyer, charity, book, awesomesauce, authors
Lora said on 11.07.10 at 06:23 PM • [link]
Austen, by far.
Sport? I’ve always been a fan of Olympic men’s springboard diving personally.
Freshechelle said on 11.07.10 at 06:34 PM • [link]
nice melange of topics today. I’ve never read Emilie Loring but now I feel compelled to.
Lisa Hendrix said on 11.07.10 at 06:50 PM • [link]
Hey, look. The guy hiding his treasures behind the oar is reading A MISTAKE, A PRINCE, AND A PREGNANCY by Maisey Yates!
As for the one writer….for me, Eloisa James is my go to.
Scribblerkat said on 11.07.10 at 07:12 PM • [link]
I hate to be predictable, but - Georgette Heyer.
Must. have. calendar.
For the next sport, I suggest Western pleasure riding. Pun intended. Cowboys are always lovely calendar objects, but most cowboy sports aren’t healthy to be done in one’s boxers.
Sarah Frantz said on 11.07.10 at 07:13 PM • [link]
As for your question: not Austen for me. Don’t like Northanger Abbey or much like Sense and Sensibility AS ROMANCES. But Madeline Brent—every single one of his books does it for me *as a romance*.
ev said on 11.07.10 at 07:22 PM • [link]
Curlin?? Better watch where the ice goes. :)
Bujould is one of my faves but I will put that her in the sci-fi category so I can name another. Julia Quinn is right up there but trying to pick just one?? No. Can’t.
Joy said on 11.07.10 at 07:26 PM • [link]
Freshechelle—Emilie Loring, wow, she was the queen of American romance writing. Originally published in the 30’s and on she was reissued in paperback and were extremely popular. Her heroines were virginal but not shy, “gay” in the happy sense of the world and intelligent. The romance was what would be termed today “sweet” and there had some inspirational elements. Often set in New England, they are a quick fun read and very quaint in their depiction of the war years in America which seems impossibly ancient these days. Even libraries in the 50s and early 60s stocked her books which are somewhat hard to find nowadays.
Cathy in AK said on 11.07.10 at 07:56 PM • [link]
Curling?!? How about biathalon? Men with rifles and poles…..
Elaine Willis said on 11.07.10 at 07:59 PM • [link]
I was going to say Diana Gabaldon until you mentioned Georgette Heyer. I have been reading her since the 70s and I still go back to her for my comfort reads. The Grand Sophy will always be one of my all time favorite books.
Karen H said on 11.07.10 at 08:00 PM • [link]
Jayne Ann Krentz is my most enduring author favorite. I started with historical romances (thanks, Fabio!) and practically disdained contemporaries but when I found out Amanda Quick was JAK, I decided to give her a try. I loved her contemporaries (including the ones written under a different name) as well and then moved on to her paranormals. In whatever genre, I’ve been very happy with her books. I always look forward to the next one.
I agree with biathalon because the cross country skiing portion is good for thighs, chests, and arms!
Alley said on 11.07.10 at 08:02 PM • [link]
Hmmm. Not a one, I’d say. Even among authors whose writing I really, really like, I’ve found books that just don’t do it for me. Example: I love Meredith Duran’s writing, but one of her books is currently a DNF for me because the interaction between the hero and heroine was making me stabby. I’m more of a reader with favorite tropes rather than favorite authors. (Keeping in mind that some books and authors that are almost universally loved by the romance community do not appeal to me at all.)
As for the calendar, they already make the soccer ones, which would be my vote. Mmm. Soccer guys . . .
Barb said on 11.07.10 at 08:09 PM • [link]
Hmmm
Author—a toughie. I love most Heyer, but not all, ditto La Nora. Lois Bujold does great romance in her books, but only a few of hers are on my keeper shelves. JAK in all her guises is a go-to author of mine, but once again—not all of her stuff rocks my boat. I guess I have to go with a fairly new author that hasn’t had a chance to disappoint me yet (snork). So it’s a toss up between Meredith Duran and Sherry Thomas—but I can’t narrow it any farther than that!
I’m with Lora—men’s diving! Springboard, platform—doesn’t matter!!
Emilie Loring—now that name brings back memories! I devoured a ton of her books back in the day, and Joy describes them very well.
Ha! spamword is sure62. Alas, I sure am 62.
Kelly S said on 11.07.10 at 08:22 PM • [link]
Jennifer Crusie - although, I’d prefer to omit her collaborations except Agnes & the Hitman.
Kristin said on 11.07.10 at 08:57 PM • [link]
I have a huge soft spot for Johanna Lindsey.
As for a naked sports calender, I vote for divers/swimmers next.
Christine said on 11.07.10 at 09:01 PM • [link]
Susan Elizabeth Phillips
sugarless said on 11.07.10 at 09:36 PM • [link]
God, rowers are hot. They can be cocky SOB’s (though not always) but, almost without fail, they’re always absurdly attractive
Julia Quinn for historicals, Meg Cabot (mostly and sort of as a guilty pleasure) and Jennifer Crusie. I’ve yet to read a book by Sherry Thomas or Jill Shalvis I haven’t liked, but I haven’t read them as extensively, so I guess I can’t comment.
quichepup said on 11.07.10 at 09:37 PM • [link]
I can’t say I love any one author’s books absolutely, too nitpicky.
The next sport with a naked calendar? Men’s ice skating. Let’s make it interesting.
Darlene Marshall said on 11.07.10 at 09:39 PM • [link]
Y’know, if guys had to play ice hockey nude it would be a whole new game.
And my “go to” author is Heyer.
Lynn S. said on 11.07.10 at 10:04 PM • [link]
Being completely unsporty the calendar question had my brain hurting a bit but looking throught the comments I’ll have to second Alley on the soccer guys, hmm soccer guys ... oh yes, there was another question wasn’t there. That one is easy. It’s Joan Smith all the way.
Ell said on 11.07.10 at 10:22 PM • [link]
All one writer’s books, forever and ever? Sadly, no. But… First my Absolute Favorite was Mary Stewart (high school). Then Elizabeth Peters. Then Lois McMaster Bujold. Then Jennifer Crusie. Currently Roberts/Robb. (Some SF and mystery writers in there, too, but this is Romance.)
I’ve had a very rewarding reading life.
Sue D said on 11.07.10 at 10:29 PM • [link]
My last attempt to do this got eaten, so I’ll try again.
Jennifer Crusie.
LEW said on 11.07.10 at 10:29 PM • [link]
Julie Garwood. She was my introduction to the genera and I have enjoyed all her books.
And I’m seconding biathlon. I love a man with guns.
Gary said on 11.07.10 at 10:34 PM • [link]
Gotta agree. And Bujold turned me on to Jennifer Crusie but I think she falls under “chick lit” as much as romance (which allows me to mention her and still pick another name, hehhehheh.)
Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Not interested in a calandar full of nood doods, and must say you’re being quite cruel. Curling? On ice? You have heard of shrinkage, right?
megalith said on 11.07.10 at 10:42 PM • [link]
I’m not sure whether you mean remained a favorite with the reading public or with me. If it’s the latter, I’m going to go with Eloisa James for Romance. The only book that really disappointed me at all was the first in her Desperate Duchesses series, and I’d still grade that one at a B minus.
For historical fiction, gotta go with Dorothy Dunnett. The woman was some kind of freaky genius. My paperbacks of her Lymond series are literally falling apart from being read so many times.
megalith said on 11.07.10 at 10:56 PM • [link]
Oh, right. The nekkid menfolks question. I vote for runners. Mmmm.
Why didn’t this question appear on my ballot last Tuesday? It would have made researching candidates SO much less painful.
Milena said on 11.07.10 at 11:08 PM • [link]
Well, maybe this will sound funny, but—Elizabeth Peters. Although her books are “officially” mysteries, they always have romance in them, and they all work for me. I’d have picked Heyer, but there was one of her books that I only finished because I always do. (And I agree that Jane Austen’s books don’t always work as romances, even though they’re all great books.)
MichelleKCanada said on 11.07.10 at 11:49 PM • [link]
Well Diana Gabaldon isn’t true true romance since her books are hard to label but since it is Jamie and Claire that I love, and I love their romance, I am sticking with Diana Gabaldon.
Sharon said on 11.08.10 at 12:47 AM • [link]
One? Just one? Impossible.
But, of writers currently writing, I’d go with Susan Elizabeth Phillips because she reignited my fading interest in romance years ago with This Heart Of Mine.
I love Julia Spencer-Fleming, but I think of her as strictly mystery—mystery with romantic elements, but primarily mystery.
Didn’t the French soccer team do a nude calendar a couple of years ago?
bungluna said on 11.08.10 at 12:47 AM • [link]
I’m with the soccer fans for a guy calendar.
As for the romance writer most enduring in my reading life, JAK by far, in all her incarnations. LM Bujold I love but don’t consider a romance writer. Dorothy L. Sayers wrote the greatest smart romance but is a mystery writer. Other authors mentioned here have found a place in my shelves, but the one with the most keepers by far is Jayne!
Abra said on 11.08.10 at 12:53 AM • [link]
Lois McMaster Bujold could write a telephone book and make it worth reading.
Mo said on 11.08.10 at 12:56 AM • [link]
Jill Shalvis. I have enjoyed every single book of hers and I have read most. She just keeps getting better with time.
Ridley said on 11.08.10 at 01:04 AM • [link]
Q: Which sport should have a nude charity calendar next?
Hockey! Tell me you wouldn’t want to see Henrik Lundqvist or Marc-Andre Fleury in the buff.
Then again, Zdeno Chara was a bit frightening when he posed nude for ESPN Magazine.
Kim in Hawaii said on 11.08.10 at 01:04 AM • [link]
Cathy Maxwell delivers humor, love, and fun every time.
Naked calendar? Caber throwers and surfing dudes.
Jo O said on 11.08.10 at 01:07 AM • [link]
I agree with Abra re Lois McMaster Bujold.
As for calendars, you can’t beat the French rugby players’ Dieux du Stade
HelenMac said on 11.08.10 at 01:16 AM • [link]
Hmmmm. If I had to pick one author, it’d have to be Lee Rowan: everyone else I autobuy has had at least one ‘meh’ (or worse) book for me, but I haven’t read anything of Rowan’s that I haven’t loved. Yet. I say ‘yet’, because having said that, I’m going to utterly hate the next one, now, aren’t I?
(And I suppose being relatively recently published helps, here)
@sugarless : I agree, almost always absurdly hot, but a disproportionate percentage are douchbags.
I’d say rugby players, but that exists already (Dieux de Stade, *swoon*), so…swimmers. It’s just…I have a thing for tall, ridiculously shoulder’d guys.
SylviaSybil said on 11.08.10 at 01:23 AM • [link]
Lois McMaster Bujold. I own everything she’s written and they’re all worth multiple rereads.
RamonaLong said on 11.08.10 at 01:26 AM • [link]
Hi there, Smart Bitches! A little birdy told me to check it out here. Thanks for linking my favorite romance novelist tribute. My mother will be pleased to know the Emilie Loring love is being spread around.
Since I’m here, and y’all are talking about the menfolks calendar, maybe I suggest a nekkid SWAT team?
Cat S said on 11.08.10 at 01:35 AM • [link]
As for the sport…rugby, definitely rugby [fanning self].
Deb said on 11.08.10 at 01:36 AM • [link]
Absolutely can’t limit myself to one, but back in the day (i.e., the 1970s), I read all the historicals by Jean Plaidy and all the gothics by Victoria Holt. It was only later that I discovered that they were the same person.
In the 1980s & 1990s, I consumed everything I could find by Jennifer Blake, Mary Balogh, and Edith Layton. These three are still my “comfort” reading of choice.
Las said on 11.08.10 at 02:10 AM • [link]
The only author who comes close is Johanna Lindsey. I have a major soft spot for her, even though I can say that her books are nowhere near as good as those of other writers. Many of her books are keepers that I’ve reread several times, even though they might have been DNFs if I had read them more recently or they were written by other authors.
Vi said on 11.08.10 at 02:14 AM • [link]
Lisa Kleypas. There’s something about her writing that’ always appeals to me. Her books are like having the perfect bra: comfortable, sexy and supportive of the ta-tas; everything you wear it, you feel awesome. (I have bras on the brain, sorry. I need to go bra shopping desperately.)
Mary Anne Graham said on 11.08.10 at 02:43 AM • [link]
Gosh, it’s like potato chips. If I had to name one it would be… nope. Can’t do it.
My “all time faves” would be Julia Quinn, Johanna Lindsey and Diana Palmer. When they wrote “straight” romance (which is suspenseful enough for me) I adored Elizabeth Lowell and Linda Howard.
For me, one of the “newer” authors coming real close to earning a place on that list is Nicole Jordan. Without fail, I’ve enjoyed every book of hers that I’ve read. I haven’t read all of Nicole’s work yet, but I expect to enjoy the rest.
becca said on 11.08.10 at 03:25 AM • [link]
Lois Bujold is the only author I collect in audio, print and e-format. Her stuff always repays re-reading (*love* Aral and Cazaril)
Heyer never disapppoints.
Up until recently, I’d have said La Nora too, but I found the Brides Quartet and The Search to be rather meh, and Indulgence in Death was derivative - I may drop down to borrowing the In Deaths when they come out and just buying them in paper.
Jennifer Crusie and SEP and JAK and Elizabeth Peters are also auto-buys
Do I have to only pick just one? Can’t do it.
ready27 - I’m ready to list 27 of my favorite books
edieharris said on 11.08.10 at 03:26 AM • [link]
Since “discovering” her two years ago, Kresley Cole (specifically the IAD series); it’s like baked mac-n-cheese, hot fudge sundaes, and fuzzy blankets all rolled into one for me. But on the more long-term scale, Lisa Kleypas’ historicals, all the way. (...We can’t honestly be expected to pick just one author, can we? I mean, c’mon.)
Three words: Swiss ski jumpers. Okay, four words: naked Swiss ski jumpers.
Tae said on 11.08.10 at 03:28 AM • [link]
Brockmann, I’ve never been disappointed by anything she’s written. Sure some of them I don’t love as much as the others, but I continue to read everything she writes. I’ve given up on Julia Quinn since the last couple of books just don’t grab my interest.
I might also say Judith McNaught since she’s also not disappointed me at all, of course she doesn’t write very frequently which may contribute to not disappointing me.
Soccer, I love me some soccer men. I’d definitely buy a calendar with naked soccer players.
GirlyNerd said on 11.08.10 at 04:00 AM • [link]
Lisa Kleypas is my go to for historicals. I haven’t read a clunker yet. I also love Karen Moning and Kresly Cole! Those three are on auto buy for me.
Vi said on 11.08.10 at 04:01 AM • [link]
Lisa Kleypas. There’s something about her writing that always appeals to me. Love her, love her, lover.
And Nalini Singh. Heart her as well.
elph said on 11.08.10 at 04:36 AM • [link]
If I can only pick one favorite, I’m jumping on the Crusie bandwagon. Even the few of hers that didn’t make my top picks were still fun reads.
Although, Gary makes a good point that Crusie’s more recent works might not strictly fall under the category of romance. In which case, I would have to nominate Karen Hawkins.
(Yes, I know I’m cheating.)
Kes said on 11.08.10 at 04:43 AM • [link]
Julia Quinn, first and always.
I’d add Bujold, with a ‘No Sharing Knife series’ disclaimer. I really had to struggle to finish those, and they’re the only books by Lois I won’t bother to buy.
kkw said on 11.08.10 at 04:44 AM • [link]
Heyer. If the can be only one, it has to be Heyer. But as The Highlander so elegantly illustrates, it’s an absurd premise. The curling calendar, on the other hand…
Annie said on 11.08.10 at 05:12 AM • [link]
I can’t pick one. Jennifer Crusie and Susan Elizabeth Phillips for contemporary and Georgette Heyer and LIsa Kleypas for historical. Ilona Andrews and Lilith Saintcrow for PNR.
Mama Nice said on 11.08.10 at 05:22 AM • [link]
Laura Kinsale, something about those tortured heroes of hers does it for me, I suppose.
Rugby…but I feel like they have something like that already? Those dudes like to be nekkid.
Stefanie said on 11.08.10 at 05:53 AM • [link]
Definitely Susan Elizabeth Phillips because even the ‘meh’ ones (What I Did For Love, Breathing Room) are enjoyable, good reads. For historicals, I haven’t read a Julia Quinn that I haven’t liked or found adorably amusing. They are also the only two whose new books are auto-reads for me, because usually I read/buy what catches my eye in the library/UBS. I tink I’d also put pre-suspense Julie Garwood on my list. Her Scottish romances are the only ones I’ve really liked of the Scots-genre
Megaera said on 11.08.10 at 06:13 AM • [link]
Bujold, definitely, although I have to second the Sharing Knife disclaimer, and I’m decidedly ambivalent about her latest Miles book (not, I hasten to add because of the ending, but because where the event that ends the book falls in the book). But I’m going to go with the “she’s SF” cheat, and say Jennifer Greene. I just like her people. Consistently.
Roberts is like the little girl with the curl in the middle of her forehead for me. There are exceptions, but for any given book or trilogy, I either love it or hate it. Mostly love the trilogies and the category romances, pretty much hate the romantic suspense and the Robb books.
As for the nekkid sports guys, hmm… You’re going to make me choose???
Maggie P. said on 11.08.10 at 06:46 AM • [link]
Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Heyer. Like many others, I have to separate historical and contemporary.
Hockey (Ice) would be awesome, those guys are so strong… there is something primal about that.
Daisy said on 11.08.10 at 09:00 AM • [link]
Elizabeth Lowell/Ann Maxwell - her books just do it for me. Always.
Nekkid men? Why any ole’ sport will do. =)
Ivana_k said on 11.08.10 at 10:34 AM • [link]
Bujold, definitely
Kaetrin said on 11.08.10 at 11:24 AM • [link]
Picking just one is hard!
It would be between Mary Balogh, Jenny Crusie, JD Robb (some of Nora Roberts’ categories I don’t love so much, even though I do love her books generally, but I’ve never read a JD Robb I didn’t like). And then there’s Diana Gabaldon.
Hmm. Sorry, I can’t pick one.
Ros said on 11.08.10 at 01:21 PM • [link]
Heyer. Obviously.
Loretta Chase and Laura Kinsale as worthy runners-up.
Also, newcomers on the block India Grey and Sarah Morgan (though not her medical romances for me).
minna said on 11.08.10 at 02:14 PM • [link]
It’s like trying to pick my favorite out of my children. I second most of the above, and now I need to have a look at some authors I’ve previously missed.
If it’s got to be only one, JAK.
Lyssa said on 11.08.10 at 03:04 PM • [link]
I thought about this, and though Julia Spencer-Fleming, Nora, Heyer, and Brockmann, Andrews are frequent rereads for me, my heart still belongs to Bujold and her “little git’ Miles. (and Miles had romance all across space before he found the right woman…and he always appreciated his partners as more than just someone in bed with him, he saw the whole person…)
Pat said on 11.08.10 at 04:14 PM • [link]
One author? Loretta Chase. Can’t think of anyone who even comes close.
MIcheleKS said on 11.08.10 at 04:28 PM • [link]
My always go-to authors would be Nora Roberts and Linda Howard and my newest go-to authors would be Pamela Clare, Nalini Singh, and Roxanne St. Claire.
And for hot nekkid sports guys- I’d say soccer, swimmers, surfers. I loved the nekkid French rugby guys and would love to see more (like maybe Australian or British).
Carin said on 11.08.10 at 05:12 PM • [link]
One author: Sarah Mayberry. (I’ve still got a couple more to read before I can claim to have read EVERYTHING though) If I can pick more than one, I’d add JD Robb. Others include Kresley Cole, Julia Quinn, and Loretta Chase, though it’s based on what I’ve read so far by these authors.
Sport *played* naked: figure skating for sure. The physics of it are… interesting.
Naked calendar sport? Soccer.
quill said on 11.08.10 at 05:29 PM • [link]
At first I thought it would be hard to pick just one author, but then I realized that while I have many, many favourites, if I had to pick only one forevermore it would be Ruth Wind/Barbara Samuel. Even though I have not yet forgiven her for not finishing her last historical series.
And if my vote tipped the scale and The Bitches could then make it happen, my vote for next nekkid calendar would totally be for rugby.
Donna said on 11.08.10 at 06:44 PM • [link]
So, just one?.... No, it’s like picking a favorite child.
Sports calendar? Divers, no doubt about it. Had a grad asst in bio 101 back in the day. Always sat in the front row. Always found a reason to make him write on the black board.
CT said on 11.08.10 at 08:29 PM • [link]
This is a great thread, and I am looking forward to making a list of recommendations. McMaster-Bujold is the writer who really wallops me on an every-read basis, but I tend not to think of her as a romance author, like many above. But she does write romance, and she heads my list.
Jennifer Crusie is a high-hitter, and this reminds me that I promised SBTN a review of her ghost story! Egads. I will do that ASAP. Always a good read, and were it not for the two below, she would be solidly in my top three. However, there’s Bujold, and then there is my childhood:
1. Contemporary: Anne Weale (pseudonym of the late Jay Blakeney). When I was a wide-eyed kid ravenous for the printed word, sometimes all I could find at Salvation Army stores was romance. I read a lot, and a lot of it was formulaic or painful in other ways, but I latched onto Anne Weale with a fever. Her characters are *interesting*, and the things they know that she shares with you are interesting. I still look for old AWs on travel trips via used bookstores.
I had the pleasure of correspondence with her through email while my mother was dying of breast cancer, and she was marvellous and kind. Sharp, and she spared no fools, either. One of my great regrets is that her autobiography will never be completed—she mentioned it in emails, and I was so looking forward to it. One of my most enduring fantasies would be to see that in print.
2. Historical: Clare Darcy. She was a Regency writer mostly from the 70s, I think, and her books were also readily available in Sallie Ann as hardcovers. What a hoot! Exquisite descriptions of excruciating politness, pell-mell heroines, interesting, interesting, interesting. As with AW, I never felt condescended to as a reader, and that was just as important to me at 10 years old as it is at 40.
Thank you, Lois! Thank you, (Jay) and Clare!
CT said on 11.08.10 at 08:33 PM • [link]
Forgot I was supposed to limit to one, not 3.
1. If Bujold counts, then Bujold.
2. If not #1, then
2a. Contemporary: Anne Weale
(2b. a close second is Historical: Clare Darcy)
3. Should any of the above be unable to satisfy the duties that attend to my readerly demands, heaven knows Crusie is a sure thing for a great read.
Ha! That’s the best I can do.
DianeN said on 11.08.10 at 10:25 PM • [link]
Another vote for Suzanne Brockmann here. And I’d enjoy seeing a NASCAR calendar, but only if I get to pick the drivers myself. Some of them definitely need to keep those firesuits on!!
LibrarianLizy said on 11.08.10 at 10:44 PM • [link]
Oh, Nora Roberts most definitely. Even some of her older categories and some of her newer series (Signs of Seven anyone) that aren’t her vest work are still, IMO, far superior to most everything else.
But if I got to name one more, it would have to be Julia Quinn. Or maybe Lisa Kleypas. Or Diana Gabaldon. Or maybe…no. I should just leave it at Nora.
My vote would be for a rugby or soccer calendar. Something extra athletic.
Spam word: order77. As in I’ll order 77 of those calendars please.
J said on 11.08.10 at 11:21 PM • [link]
Ok - I’ve liked/loved everything by Julia Quinn…Lorraine Heath…Linda Howard (ok, there were a few stinkers, but overall…!)...Anne Stuart…J. D. Robb…Sherrilyn Kenyon…J.R. Ward (I’ve not read everything by all of these, but of what I’ve read…!) And I don’t mean to sound poorly read, but at 46 I’ve never heard of Lois McMaster Bujold - what am I missing??
LynnetteH said on 11.09.10 at 12:06 AM • [link]
Hmmm… Just one? I would have to say J. D. Robb, followed closely by Catherine Coulter and Suzanne Brockmann.
A nekkid calendar - how about tennis? Or even a mixed sports calendar - you know best of the best?
Lyssa said on 11.09.10 at 12:20 AM • [link]
@J LMB is a writer who falls into the science fiction or fantasy genre normally. Her books however are so well written that everyone I know who tries them ends up reading everything the woman has written. I recommend the Vorkosigan novels starting either at Shards of Honor, (the first book chronologically) or with The Warrior’s apprentice (the first book that introduces her most famous character Miles.) Miles, the star of most of these books, is unique in that his physical stature, and physical ability is not his selling point, but rather his wit, his tenacity, and his ‘forward momentum”.
It takes almost 13 books I believe before he meets his ‘true love’ but that is not because he isn’t a romantic. Miles is perhaps the most romantic character I have ever read…But then again, this was the author, and these are the books I voted for.
Kate Pearce said on 11.09.10 at 12:21 AM • [link]
Heyer I think.
Howard and Balogh for more modern authors
And for rugby players calenders?- google Dieux du Stade for a calender full of French rugby players. Too hot to link :)
MelB said on 11.09.10 at 12:22 AM • [link]
Ah fave romance author that I always turn to…Amanda Quick, Gaelen Foley and Lisa Kleypas for historical. I’ve purchased every single title they’ve written and reread them when I need comfort. J.D. Robb is on the autobuy because I can’t get enough of Eve, Roarke and the rest of the gang, though I admit Born in Death and Seduction in Death were giant clunkers so I no longer own them.
Naked sports calendar…Rugby, definitely rugby. Oh my Lawd those men are hot!!!
ghn said on 11.09.10 at 01:12 AM • [link]
Favorite author: Bujold. So I’m predictable when it comes to that! ;-)
Next nude sport: I don’t know - maybe tennis? I was going to suggest skiing, but that would be downright cruel to the participants - it was coooooold where I live today! *shudders*
vic said on 11.09.10 at 01:34 AM • [link]
I loved reading Emilie Loring - they were considered suitable reading for me when I had run through everying in the local and school library before I was a teen in the ‘60s. They were pure and happy, but not preachy in the way that Grace Livingston Hill was.
Now my favorite go to for contemporary reading is Susan Elizabeth Phillips even though there are a few books of hers I dislike. Jayne Ann Krentz, (non Harlequins) Jill Shalvis, Jennifer Cruisie are usualy satisfying as well.
J R Ward has captured my imagination for her paranormal/urban fantasy bromances.
Heyer remains the gold standard for historical, but Eloisa James and Loretta Chase are at the top of my list.
JB Hunt said on 11.09.10 at 01:43 AM • [link]
Loretta Chase!
dreadpiraterachel said on 11.09.10 at 05:26 AM • [link]
I add myself to the ranks of the Heyer fans; she’s just so damn wonderful! I’ve only ever disliked one of her books. Cousin Kate was a complete letdown, since I expected a light and frothy, delicious comedy, and instead got… what I got. I was going to be more explicit, but I don’t want to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t yet had the misfortune of reading it.
I can sit down any time and read a Georgette Heyer and be completely, utterly happy. They draw me in, and when I finish them, I always sigh blissfully and cuddle my darling husband. So yeah. Heyer makes me happy. Happiness makes my marriage better. Ergo, Heyer makes my marriage better! :-)
Kinsey Holley said on 11.09.10 at 06:02 AM • [link]
Ooh, Lyssa - Baen is offering almost all the Vorkosigan novels (I don’t think Memory is included) for FREE download right now, in a variety of formats. Go here: http://baencd.thefifthimperium.com/24-CryoburnCD/CryoburnCD/.
I love me some Miles. He can do pushups with his tongue, you know.
Katherine said on 11.09.10 at 06:23 AM • [link]
Those rowers are yummy! Ix-nay on the curling calendar - ice = shrinkage!!! I’d vote for swimming.
Fav author - two:
Nora Roberts (I have re-read the “Born in” series again and again)
Lisa Kleypas. It’s not so much the world-building that does it for me but the rich emotional development. She’s got just the right balance of salty and sweet. I know there is going to be a HEA, there is going to be angst/sadness/miscommunication/drama, and that I will probably become verklempt and I will enjoy every moment. (Many other authors do the emotional angst, but some I find too painful or eye-rolling-get-over-it-already).
Niveau said on 11.09.10 at 07:19 AM • [link]
I am drooling at the prospect. That would be So. Totally. Awesome.
Author-wise… Jennifer Crusie for stand-alones, India Grey for series. And Tamora Pierce for YA! Not technically romance, but her books do feature it…
CT said on 11.09.10 at 07:47 AM • [link]
Okay, here’s a rough-and-ready tally of all positive mentions. I didn’t limit it to people’s #1s or account for pseudonyms—just a general guide of where else you might want to look for Good Reads. I also didn’t redo the list to ensure accuracy, so YMMV.
Andrews, Ilona 2
Austen, Jane 2
Balogh, Mary 3
Blake, Jennifer 1
Brent, Madeline 1
Brockmann, Suzanne 4
Bujold, Lois McMaster 18
Cabot, Meg 1
Chase, Loretta 5
Clare, Pamela 1
Cole, Kresley 3
Coulter, Catherine 1
Crusie, Jennifer 13
Darcy, Clare 1
Dunnett, DOrothy 1
Duran, Merredith 2
Foley, Gaelen 1
Gabaldon, Diana 4
Garwood, Julie 2
Greene, Jennifer 1
Grey, India 2
Hawkins, Karen 1
Heath, Lorraine 1
Heyer, Georgette 15
Holt, Victoria 1
Howard, Linda 4
James, Eloisa 3
Jordan, Nicole 1
Kenyon, Sherrilyn 1
Kinsale, Laura 2
Kleypas, Lisa 8
Krentz, Jayne Ann 7
Layton, Edith 1
Lindsey, Johanna 3
Lowell, ELizabeth 2
Maxwell, Anne 1
Maxwell, Cathy 1
Mayberry, Sarah 1
McNaught, Judith 1
Moning, Karen 1
Morgan, Sarah 1
Palmer, Diana 1
Peters, Elizabeth 3
Phillips, Susan ELizabeth 8
Pierce, Tamara 1
Plaidy, Jean 1
Quick, Amanda 2
Quinn, Julia 10
Robb, JD 6
Roberts, Nora 10
Rown, Lee 1
Saintcrow, Lilith 1
Samueal, Barbara 1
Sayers, Dorothy 1
Shalvis, Jill 3
Singh, Nalini 2
Smith, Joan 1
Spencer-Fleming, Julia 3
StClaire, Roxanne 1
Stewart, Mary 1
Stuart, Anne 1
Thomas, Sherry 2
Ward, JR 12
Weale, Anne 1
Wind, Ruth 1
CT said on 11.09.10 at 07:54 AM • [link]
Correction: I’m betting JR Ward is supposed to be “2,” not “12.” I used a “1” untilt he second mention, when I replaced it with a “2.” Carry on.
Jessica MD said on 11.09.10 at 09:36 AM • [link]
For me, Nalini Singh has been excellent every novel.
For the calendar, rugby. Don’t really watch it—or any other sport—but every rugby player I’ve ever seen a pic of has been super hot.
Rachel said on 11.09.10 at 09:57 AM • [link]
Elizabeth Hoyt. Good characterizations, interesting settings & plotting, a fine way with words & she can bring teh sexy.
Mags said on 11.09.10 at 05:21 PM • [link]
Gotta go with Susan Elizabeth Phillips. She’s definitely my go to comfort re-read. (I like Bujold, Gabaldon & Chase, but contemporary romantic comedy is my favorite genre.)
Susanna Kearsley said on 11.09.10 at 05:51 PM • [link]
Every single book? Hmm. For older authors, Jan Cox Speas. For newer authors, Kelley Armstrong.
And curling? I’m with you all the way, Sarah—especially if the calendar includes our own John Morris… http://guingel.livejournal.com/323195.html
Karin said on 11.09.10 at 06:07 PM • [link]
For romance, Mary Balogh-not all of her books are keepers but every single one is good. She never wrote a clunker. For mysteries with romantic subplots, I’m surprised no one has mentioned Patricia Wentworth. I also feel Liz Carlyle should get an honorable mention.
Marianne McA said on 11.10.10 at 01:35 AM • [link]
Bujold, but she’s not romance. (And I haven’t read Falling Free, so it’s technically possible that I won’t love them all.) And Heyer: I love most of them, really I do. But not The Conqueror, or Royal Escape or Penhallow, so that disqualifies her. And Mary Stewart is disqualified by her later books, and Julie Cohen by the sex-tape-making aliens.
Be easier if we only had to love 95% of their oeuvre.
I can’t, for the moment, think of a Judith Duncan book I don’t like, so I’ll plump for her.
Tessa said on 11.10.10 at 05:03 AM • [link]
I’m still making my way through Heyer, so far so good, but I suspect that Loretta Chase’s fabulous dialogue will edge Georgette into second place.
But if only one author, I second the Dorothy Dunnet vote. Because of Lymond, since I threw the 4th Niccolo against the wall at the (profoundly out of character) ending, then stayed away for 6 months in protest before finishing N. so I could start Lymond. She’s brilliant and gives you so much to chew on in each book. I love the romances in each, but it takes a richness and depth (of character, of world-building, historical research) to make me reread anything, much less more than once.
Literary Slut Kilian said on 11.12.10 at 09:10 AM • [link]
D.E. Stevenson is my go-to author. So happy whenever I can find one of her books. Tied for second are Georgette Heyer and Elswth Thane.
I’d like to see some nude archers.
shalimar subagja said on 11.15.10 at 08:40 AM • [link]
I’m a sucker for any books by Johanna Lindsey, Meg Cabot, and Candace Bushnell.
The other romance authors I luuurve are Nancy Warren, Vicky Lewis Thompson, Lori Foster, and Jo Leigh. Their writings are hawt!^^
Hannah said on 11.27.10 at 07:07 PM • [link]
Just an FYI: There is already a nude women of curling calendar that has been made for several years.
The link below is NSFW but the first picture is from the 2008 calendar I believe:
http://www.nerve.com/archived/blogs/naked-women-of-curling-2008
Here’s the site for the 2010 one (SFW unless you follow the link to the news article about the calendar):
http://www.thecurlingnews.com/blog/women-of-curling-calendar-2010/
Apparently the athletes/models receive money from the sales. So, it’s high time they did a calendar for the men, no?
Care to comment?
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