Bitchin' Blog Posts
Pick a Romance for Our Host
by SB Sarah | by SB Sarah | April 25, 2008 | Friday at 12:18 pm | 100 CommentsYou know those sets of soaps that people give as hostess gifts? I need a host gift - specifically, a web host gift. Seems the fine folks at Esosoft who work in the tech support department and answer all my crazy email have never read a romance. They helped us out big time like damn and mon dieu back in January, and for some of the folks who were working with me, this site was their first exposure to the romance genre. So I figure, it’s time for them to experience the best of the genre.
Robert, who works tech support with other awesome folks, says that he, and many of his coworkers, are fans of mystery/detective and some sci-fi. So, what romance novel would you recommend? What’s new and rocking your socks? (Note: house rule - you are welcome to pimp your own books, but please also suggest at least one other book that is not written by yourself or any of your known aliases. Thanks!)
Back when I sent Paul Tolme a romance novel, the most frequently mentioned book was Northern Lights by whats-her-name. Nora Roberts. That’s right. Anyway. What would you recommend for tech support at our hosting service? I aim to send them an awesome romance.
Filed: General Bitching
Tagged: recommendations, paul tolme, nora roberts
Isacat said on 04.25.08 at 12:46 PM • [link]
If they like misterys, perhaps Mariah Stewart, Allison Brennan, Suzanne Brockmann… something like that.
Shannon Stacey said on 04.25.08 at 01:12 PM • [link]
Driven by Eve Kenin—-a little bit romance, a little bit Road Warrior.
Rox said on 04.25.08 at 01:22 PM • [link]
I always like me some Jenny Crusie. Maybe Agnes and the Hitman is mysterious enough for them.
Angela James said on 04.25.08 at 01:34 PM • [link]
The first two that came to mind were Allison Brennan and Driven by Eve Kenin, both of which I see have already been mentioned.
Naked in Death would be another choice, since it combines romance and mystery with some touches of the future.
Sara Thacker said on 04.25.08 at 01:34 PM • [link]
Lisa Gardner would be a good choice. My book, Coiled Revenge, is very James Patterson’ish with a twist of romance.
KTG said on 04.25.08 at 01:39 PM • [link]
Can’t go wrong with Diana Gabaldon.
Leeann Burke said on 04.25.08 at 01:50 PM • [link]
Well if they like sci-fi they might like Rowena Cherry. I’d suggest they start with FORCED MATE and INSUFFICIENT MATING MATERIAL. There is also THE JAGUAR LEGACY by Maureen Fisher for the suspenseful/mystery readers. I really enjoyed that paranormal romantic suspense.
However my favorites are HIGHLAND WARRIOR by Hannah Howell (who can resist a heroine who carries 11 knives on her for protection) and IF ONLY IN MY DREAMS by Wendy Markham.
Kelly said on 04.25.08 at 01:51 PM • [link]
I would recommend Cruisie’s Welcome to Temptation. A really good intro book to the field. It is funny, sexy, has a great mystery. Two other good choices would be Robb’s Naked in Death and Brigg’s Moon Called. In fact, these three together would be a good newbie kit.
Kerry said on 04.25.08 at 01:55 PM • [link]
Techies might also like the Victorian era white boy ninja component of The Shadow And The Star. Put a post-it on it describing it like that.
Trix said on 04.25.08 at 02:01 PM • [link]
I second Naked in Death.
Also, Bujold - Curse of Chalion and Paladin of Souls.
I think techies will like SF/Fantasy elements, just to stereotype a bit (I’m a techie, so there you go).
Joanne said on 04.25.08 at 02:12 PM • [link]
For people who are looking into a series for the first time it would be Robb/Robert’s LOYALTY IN DEATH, lots of action.. and romance of course.
Linda Howard’s MR. PERFECT, which is funny, sexy and makes fun of—- and has fun with—- looking for the perfect man… and has a murder mystery.
For Sci-fi fans it would be any of the Guardian series by Meljean Brook, because they have lots of everything—- history, wars, evil villains—- romance, of couse——and you can start any where in the series.
submit word: short56…. that is such a puzzle.
Rinda said on 04.25.08 at 02:26 PM • [link]
Gotta agree on Naked In Death. Excellent romance, sci-fi and crime.
You could always send the traditional hostess soaps along with. Creepy baby hand soap. (wg)
http://vitamindesignshop.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=30_31&products_id=242
My image word is deep69. heh
Leslie said on 04.25.08 at 02:29 PM • [link]
I’d recommend Linnea Sinclair’s Down Home Zombie Blues to a Sci/Fi fan. Also the Patricia Briggs books.
If they do the ebook thing (and are a little adventuresome—wink, wink) I think Morgan Hawke’s books on LooseId are great.
I agree with everyone, can’t go wrong with Crusie. When friends say, “come on, what about historicals?” I recommend Julia Quinn, Loretta Chase, or Lisa Kleypas, depending on the person.
lys said on 04.25.08 at 02:34 PM • [link]
I’d go with Revenge Gifts by Cindy Cruciger. Why? It’s a great read, it’s a romance, and the JavaScript at the beginning of each chapter is correct.
Also, some of the methods of revenge may appeal to your tech staff’s sense of absurd.
lys said on 04.25.08 at 02:39 PM • [link]
Now that I think about it…
You may also want to consider:
Clockwork Heart by Dru Pagliassotti
Agnes and the Hitman: Jennifer Cruise & Bob Mayer
Linnea Sinclair (Any of her stuff)
Lilith Saintclair’s Dante Valentine series.
Jaci Burton said on 04.25.08 at 02:45 PM • [link]
I’d recommend
Naked in Death by JD Robb
or Allison Brennan - start with the No Evil trilogy.
Deb Kinnard said on 04.25.08 at 02:47 PM • [link]
Though it might be OOP by now (I doubt it), KATHERINE by Anya Seton’s my first choice. Good romance, great male lead (mwahh). And Bujold is a good choice. If there’s a single female techie, anything by Catherine Anderson.
Joanne said on 04.25.08 at 02:47 PM • [link]
Well ick. Rinda that takes creepy to a whole new level… but I have a few people in mind that may be getting just that exact gift… thanks.
submit word: arms95…. okay, I can roll with that.
Robinjn said on 04.25.08 at 02:48 PM • [link]
Since I’m just finishing up Shallow Grave, (as in, I picked it up from B&N;Wednesday, read an hour Weds night, and finished it last night in a frenzy) how about Blood Ties? Not a traditional romance but strong romantic elements along with a great storyline. And Martinez? (pant, pant) Armstrong does a great job of making a hero sexy without having super-explicit sex scenes.
Another series that has good romantic elements but is more of a mystery is the Dana Stabenow Liam Campbell or Kate Sugak books.
For more traditional romance mixed with mystery I second the nomination of Linda Howard’s Mr. Perfect or the first In Death book by Robb/Roberts.
Finally, for more hard-core Sci-Fi with romantic elements, Karen Traviss’ City of Pearl.
My submit word? still67. Quit adding 20 years!
Tae said on 04.25.08 at 02:50 PM • [link]
As a science fiction/fantasy reader and a friend to many tech geeks I’d recommend the Mercy series by Patricia Briggs. however, this is not a traditional romance in that the heroine and hero end up together in the first book. I like that it’s a slow romance.
Also possibly Catherine Asaro. She’s a sci/fi romance author who is also a physicist. The first book in the Skolian Empire series is Primary Inversion which is a very good book.
sevendeadlyfun said on 04.25.08 at 02:53 PM • [link]
For mystery fans, I definitely 23rd the In Death series. It’s got romance, but enough of a mystery plot that the romance isn’t the only thing holding the book together.
Shiloh Walker said on 04.25.08 at 02:53 PM • [link]
If they are into mystery stuff and SF, I’d say the IN DEATH books. If they like urban fantasy, maybe the DARKYN books by Lynn Viehl.
Rinda said on 04.25.08 at 02:55 PM • [link]
Oh yeah, Primary Inversion by Catherine Asaro blew me away! Hard sci-fi and romance—gotta love it.
Joanne, I share the creepy soaps every chance I get. They crack me up.
Rachel said on 04.25.08 at 02:58 PM • [link]
Ooh, Deb! Katherine is SUCH a great book! And it’s not OOP! It and lots of other Seton books can still be found in B&N;, all with shiny new covers.
As for reccs, I have to go with a lot of other people and suggest Naked in Death. Or maybe The Reef, also by La Nora. That’s one of my faves, and I never think it gets enough love!
lys said on 04.25.08 at 02:59 PM • [link]
How about Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels series? My husband loved those and he is a Network Engineer and uber-geek.
really. trust me.
I am just a lowly programmer and I will never achieve his geek-ness!
Come to think of it, some of his D&D;buddies liked the series as well.
Darlene Marshall said on 04.25.08 at 03:07 PM • [link]
The Asaro recommendations are good—solid sf with strong romance. I’d also second the Linnea Sinclair recommendations. For a techie blast from the past, consider “Hot Shots” by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Sure it reads like a historical now, but this wonderful story of the birth of the PC movement has laughs, romance and tech heroes.
Another nerd hero/tech/mystery combo is Jayne Ann Krentz’s Trust Me. Sam Stark understands fractals, but not women. As another of his wedding days goes south, he meets Desdemona Wainwright and her theatrical family and suddenly chaos theory takes on a whole new meaning. There are laughs too, and I especially adored the babysitter, Macbeth.
Finally, if you’re talking SF romance, Lois McMaster Bujold should be on the short list. Shards of Honor is solid SF with a strong romance at the core. Bujold and Asaro are both Hugo and Nebula award winners, so that boosts their cred with the non-romance SF readers.
Corrine said on 04.25.08 at 03:13 PM • [link]
For a mix of fun, mystery, and romance, you should send What the Lady Wants by Jennifer Crusie or Hidden Star by Nora Roberts. Both are great detective stories with a sizzling couple and the best characteristics of each writer’s abilities.
RStewie said on 04.25.08 at 03:38 PM • [link]
Anything by Jennifer Cruise. She’s a wonderful example.
Becky said on 04.25.08 at 03:41 PM • [link]
I can’t believe that no one has mentioned our DA BWAHA winner- The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason. Techies- at least the ones I know- love Buffy, and TRFA has been described as Buffy does Regency.
Melissa said on 04.25.08 at 03:52 PM • [link]
I’d recommend Shanna Swendson’s “Enchanted Inc.” series. It doesn’t have much of a romance, but it does have a lot of magic and a good storyline, which should appeal to D&D;fans. I also still like the idea of a character whose superpower is that she doesn’t have any magic at all.
Coincidentally, her fourth book in the series called “Don’t Hex with Texas” comes out on Tuesday. If they guys like the first books they won’t have to wait a year for the next one. :)
saltypepper said on 04.25.08 at 03:54 PM • [link]
They’re into mystery and/or SF? Then I would recommend Lois McMaster Bujold’s Shards of Honor. It starts one of the best series in SF (6 of the 13 novels have either won or been nominated for a Hugo Award), it’s a top notch romance and it’s also great SF. The story centers around the heroine (who is super smart and capable) figuring out a major political plot piece by piece, so there’s some mystery going on there too, for those who like that genre.
It’s fantastic, and the rest of the series is excellent, too. Bujold has been on my automatic buy list for years now.
Suze said on 04.25.08 at 03:54 PM • [link]
Eve Kenin, yep. J.D. Robb, yep. Patricia Briggs, yep. Lois McMaster Bujold, HELL YEAH! “Cordelia’s Honor” is the omnibus edition of Shards of Honor and Barrayar, its sequel.
Another SFF writer with strong romantic elements is Wen Spencer. I LOVE the Ukiah Oregon series (Alien Taste, Tainted Trail, Bitter Waters, Dog Warrior), and Deep Blue was highly enjoyable.
BevQB said on 04.25.08 at 03:57 PM • [link]
Okay, for sci-fi romance, ya just gotta send Grimspace by Ann Aguirre. In addition to the sci-fi elements catching their attention, it’s a good intro into female heroine centered urban fantasy.
Though it’s not quite a romance (yet), I bet they’d get into Karen Marie Moning’s Darkfever. A brilliant intro to the female first person POV and urban fantasy.
Definitely Naked in Death by J.D. Robb. A little more romance, but will still appeal to their sc-fi interests.
Linda Howard’s All the Queen’s Men should appeal to most guys- plenty of action but they’ll get some romance too.
Now it gets harder. Do you think they are ready for erotic elements? What about historicals?
Maybe ease them into historicals with Colleen Gleason’s The Rest Falls Away.
Paranormal? You think they are ready for J.R. Ward yet? How about the humor in Shelly Laurenston’s The Mane Event, or would that be too racy for them?
Bev(QB)
Maureen said on 04.25.08 at 03:59 PM • [link]
My suggestion is Cry No More by Linda Howard
Kaite said on 04.25.08 at 04:00 PM • [link]
What about the Kushiel series? They’re generally shelved in sci-fi/fantasy, but they’re some of the most intense s&m;erotica around. In parts. :-)
Crystal Jordan said on 04.25.08 at 04:27 PM • [link]
For sci-fi lovers, I’d go cross-genre with a sci-fi romance. My favorites are Susan Grant and Linnea Sinclair. Someone already mentioned Down Home Zombie Blues by Linnea, so how about How to Lose and Extraterrestrial in 10 Days or the Legend of Bazai Maguire—the whole 2176 series was pretty good.
Diane said on 04.25.08 at 04:43 PM • [link]
I’d also recommend the previously mentioned “Naked in Death”, Patricia Brigg’s “Moon Called” and Ann Aguirre’s “Grimspace”.
Any of Genitta Low’s or Marliss Melton’s books would also probably be a hit.
Isacat said on 04.25.08 at 04:47 PM • [link]
I remembered another one, The Givenchy Code by Julie Kenner, an on-line game translated to real life and with mistery. And you are right, Roberts or Howards are winners too.
Lin said on 04.25.08 at 04:55 PM • [link]
Another vote for Jennifer Crusie—Agnes and the Hitman especially.
Becca said on 04.25.08 at 04:59 PM • [link]
I also vote for Lois McMaster Bujold. I love the In Death books, too, and I know that both LMB and the In Deaths are read and enjoyed by both males and females. That’s one of both LMB and La Nora’s strengths: that they can write books that appeal to both men and women.
Sisuile said on 04.25.08 at 05:01 PM • [link]
I’d go with the Liaden books by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller—They’re Skiffy as anything, but with a good, solid romance aspect. Also, I have yet to have anyone I’ve loaned Agent of Change to not call me three days later saying, “WHERE’S THE NEXT BOOK!?!, which I consider a recommendation. I mostly have ended up loaning it to guys, who don’t seem to mind the romance aspect since they get caught up in these things. If they read SF regularly, though, they’ve probably already read either the Asaro or the Bujold and just don’t consider them romances.
azteclady said on 04.25.08 at 05:09 PM • [link]
Without reading the comments first (yeah, bad aztec, bad!), Blue Smoke by that very one Nora Roberts you speak of :grin:
Randi said on 04.25.08 at 05:13 PM • [link]
Ooooo, Welcome to Temptation by Crusie: check
In Death: check
Northeren Lights: triple check
Catherine Asaro: check
Now, what about some Katherine Neville? The Eight, maybe?
entire39: no, I have wayyyyy more books than that.
azteclady said on 04.25.08 at 05:14 PM • [link]
just to fix the italics
Randi said on 04.25.08 at 05:15 PM • [link]
ps. Did Paul ever read Northern Lights, and if so, what did he think? He should come back to let us know…
Marcia in OK said on 04.25.08 at 05:15 PM • [link]
I recommend giving a set of the first three In Death books by JDRobb/Nora Roberts.
Agnes and the Hitman by Crusie/Mayer would also be a good choice.
Susan said on 04.25.08 at 05:18 PM • [link]
Unbroken Hearts, by Anna Murray
It’s an action western/romance, fast-paced, and enough plot drive to satisfy a man, and the sweet woman wins her man.
Any book by Jodi Thomas or Linda Lael Miller . . . whatever you pick—avoid the clutch cover if this is a read for a man.
Susan said on 04.25.08 at 05:21 PM • [link]
Unbroken Hearts, by Anna Murray (Amazon Kindle)
A Jodi Thomas book— the Texas series. Avoid clutch covers if this is a book for a man.
Ottrree said on 04.25.08 at 05:45 PM • [link]
Definitely Bujold—the only living writer with four “Best Novel” Hugos—but I’m a little surprised no one’s mentioned the Komarr / A Civil Campaign duology. Bujold designed Komarr as a later-point access to the Vorkosigan saga.
Marissa said on 04.25.08 at 05:50 PM • [link]
Historicals: Anne Gracie and Julie Anne Long. Also Lady Fortune by Anne Stuart… why am I pimping all of these Annes?
They are all good, and it just happened that way, I swear!
Esri Rose said on 04.25.08 at 05:50 PM • [link]
J.D. Robb and L.M Bujold are definitely good bets.
Colleen Gleason’s Gardella series is a great suggestion. I also haven’t met anyone, male or female, who doesn’t like Marta Acosta’s books. I think they should also read an Elizabeth Hoyt, too, just to show how a really sexy book can be a fabulous read. My favorite Crusie is still “Welcome to Temptation.” Of course, you probably don’t have bunches of those lying around, since it’s pretty old.
I wound up with 60 author copies of Bound to Love Her. It’s fantasy, not sci-fi, but it is action-packed and light on introspection, which gives it some crossover appeal. I’m happy to send one.
I’m going to have to try a bunch of these, especially “Agent for Change.”
Frannie said on 04.25.08 at 06:36 PM • [link]
My guy loves Tara Janzen and quite likes Shannon McKenna (although her most recent was a little too brutal even for him, a die hard Deadwood fan!)and Alison Kent. Pamela Clare’s Unlawful Contact could be a good choice too.
Michelle said on 04.25.08 at 06:38 PM • [link]
Another vote for Naked in Death.
Faking It by Crusie
Katie MacAlister’s Aisling series would be good too-it has Jim the talking demon dog.
Virginia Kantra said on 04.25.08 at 06:39 PM • [link]
Linnea Sinclair, absolutely.
I enjoyed all the Nora Roberts titles mentioned, but I’d push Angels Fall. Or was it Angel Falls? The book’s upstairs, and I’m too lazy to check.
What about Lisa Gardner’s The Perfect Husband, Eileen Dreyer’s A Man to Die For, Suzanne Brockmann’s The Unsung Hero? (I’m picking older titles that bridge romance and mystery/suspense.)
Virginia
JEANETTE said on 04.25.08 at 06:42 PM • [link]
I send the first 3 In Death books by J.D Robb as gifts for Christmas or birthdays a lot.
So I think In Deaths would be good. I send the first 3 because then they are hooked and start reading them all.
Appeals to men as much as to women. I’ve seen both get totally hooked.
Marci said on 04.25.08 at 06:43 PM • [link]
Absolutely Naked in Death and the whole In Death series. Also, Nora Roberts’ Carnal Innocence, Carolina Moon and Divine Evil, to name just a few. I also loved the Night novels,
Fast Women by Jenny Crusie is one of my favorites. Agnes and the Hitman was fun too.
And Suzanne Brockmann’s Navy Seals novels are favorites of mine. Both the Troubleshooters and Tall, Dark and Dangerous series.
And maybe suggest some mysteries that have a romance subplot. I love Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters and pretty much all the Amelia Peabody mysteries. Also the Vicki Bliss series.
The Stephanie Plum series, another mystery capper with romance thrown in to spice things up.
And how about the vampire series from Laurell K. Hamilton and Charlaine Harris. The first books in these series are great reading and might be authors that are unknown to these techie gods.
For a gift set, I’d totally do Nora and Jenny and I would probably throw in an Emma Holly novel too.
Cynthia said on 04.25.08 at 07:01 PM • [link]
Restoree and The Ship who Sang by Anne McAffrey.
flip said on 04.25.08 at 07:17 PM • [link]
So wide the Sky by Elizabeth Grayson. This is a western. The heroine had been captured by native americans. After one escape attempt, they brand her face. Years later, she is rescued. One of the rescuers is her first love, an army captain. However, he can’t cope with her years as a captive. This is a romantic story, but men really can get into the story. It also tells the story from a male point of view.
I would recommend Tami Hoag, Dust to Dust. My dad has given me grief all my life for reading romance. But he loves Tami Hoag. He read her earlier novels after reading her mysteries. There is a romance in this story. Actually, there is a very good romance.
Silver James said on 04.25.08 at 07:20 PM • [link]
LaNora’s/Robb In Death series! Yes. Wonderful introduction and guys like them, too. *Roarke - swoon* I LOVE Lori Armstrong’s Julie Collins series (Blood Ties, Hallowed Ground, Shallow Grave), new one coming this fall can’t wait! *bounce* *fans self at thought of Martinez* *nodnods to Robinjn* He is HAWT!
Wow…there’s so many out there to chose from. Katie McAlister’s Aisling Gray, Guardian series was funny. Jim the demon Newfoundland is hysterical if you’ve ever been owned by a Newfie. The Rowena Cherry books were interesting, as are the Anne Bishops. For men, though, as an introduction…I think I’d stick with Naked in Death and Blood Ties.
Do NOT include any Cassie Edwards, unless you want to show them what not to read. (Sorry. plagiarism issues aside, I find her stories an affront.)
*busily scribbles down titles to add to her TBR list*
young28 - OMG, I wish!
Jenns said on 04.25.08 at 07:21 PM • [link]
Northern Lights. Definitely.
Jules Jones said on 04.25.08 at 07:31 PM • [link]
Another vote for Bujold here. And for the mystery side, Elizabeth Peters with the early entries in the Amelia Peabody series. (I like the later ones, but the first couple have a very strong romance element.)
Kristie(J) said on 04.25.08 at 07:33 PM • [link]
Along with so many others Naked in Death sounds like the perfect choice. I also agree with Driven by Eve Kenin.
Victoria Janssen said on 04.25.08 at 07:34 PM • [link]
The Patricia Briggs Mercy series is a good bet, I think. Also Crusie’s AGNES AND THE HITMAN.
Mystery-wise, I really loved Tracy Grant’s DAUGHTER OF THE GAME. It’s exemplary.
If they’re sf fans, it’s likely they’ve already read Bujold.
distracted said on 04.25.08 at 07:35 PM • [link]
I still recommend The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger to all my friends, male or female, romance enthusiast or not. I’ve never had one person say they didn’t like it—it has a bit of everything.
Nicole Reillan said on 04.25.08 at 07:39 PM • [link]
Tossing in my two cents to the nominations:
Welcome to Temptation by Jenny Crusie
Gabriel’s Ghost by Linnea Sinclair
Naked in Death by J.D. Robb
I don’t think Gabriel’s Ghost was specifically in the recommendations, but it’s the one she won the RITA for, and it’s my current favorite. (I haven’t read Games of Command yet considering my 60+ TBR pile, but I’m hearing excellent, excellent things.
Robin said on 04.25.08 at 07:44 PM • [link]
I would first recommend Meljean Brook’s Demon Angel and the rest of the series, especially for a male reader who is into SF.
And whenever I go to the car dealer for car maintenance, I tend to see men reading the In Death series, as well. But I don’t know how that series will play for steadfast SF readers. In any case, I’d go for the first few books in the series.
Also, Bujold’s Sharing Knife and Sharon Shinn’s Archangel, but neither of those is specifically Romance, so I’d put those later on the list.
Anne said on 04.25.08 at 08:04 PM • [link]
How about Ugly Duckling by Iris Johansen? Its got spies fighting or The Hunt -Susan Siezmore or Kitty and the Midnight Hour by Carrie Vaughn, Dead Witch Walking- Kim Harrison or something by Catherine Mann- she writes military themed romance.
lys said on 04.25.08 at 08:12 PM • [link]
Bujold is a good choice, so is the Linden Universe….
How about some Mercedes Lackey? It’s fantasy that morphs into romance…Besides who can resist a Snarky Unicorn?
The Obsidian Mountain Trilogy
The Outstretched Shadow: Volume One
To Light a Candle: Volume Two
The Fall of Darkness: Volume Three
Agnes said on 04.25.08 at 08:41 PM • [link]
As a primary SF&F;reader who occasionally dabs into romance, I would be careful recommending supernatural/SF-y romances to hardcore SF&F;readers. Frankly the worldbuilding in most of those I have read suck big time.
Writers who write SF&F;with romance elements (Bujold, YES!, Briggs, early Hamilton, maybe even Lackey, although I am currently re-reading old favorites and the constant teenage whining is actually getting on my 35 year old nerves and actually spoiling my memories of those books) might be a better bet.
Bujold tried to merge the genres in her last series (The Sharing Knife books) and has some interesting comments on how difficult an exercise it was, and how the readers’ response varied based on expectations built through primary reading genre (SF fans vs. romance readers). For those who are interested scroll down to the… seventh paragraph in the interview after http://fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2008/04/sharing-knife-passage-by-lois-mcmaster.html[url=http://fantasybookcritic.blogspot.com/2008/04/sharing-knife-passage-by-lois-mcmaster.html]this review.
Agnes said on 04.25.08 at 08:43 PM • [link]
Uh, weird things happened with that link. Trying again.
J Urbik said on 04.25.08 at 09:56 PM • [link]
I would recommend just about any Linna Sinclar book OVER the Zombie Blues books. I found I had a hard time convincing myself to finish that book, and I had been SOOOO looking forward to it coming out.
I would also recommend Shards of Honor over A Civil Ccampaign. I love both books, but I think Shards has more of a hard edge to it that will make it appeal more to men who think of them selfs as sci-fi/ computer people (I was a total sci-fi person until a couple of years ago when a friend badgered me into reading some Stephanie Laurence-and I found I really liked having explicit sex in my books :grin:)
I would also recommend The Eight -I have never read anything else by her, but my mom picked that book up somewhere, and in my ever present search for new books(the library just did not get books in FAST enough, and i did not get enough money to by my own) I scammed it from her when it was new. I have loved it ever since, never really thought of it as a romance, though of course it is.
Diana Galbradon is just excelent writting, and LOTS of it!
Also, Agnes and the hitman had me falling down laughing and getting very funny looks from others on public transportation.
Pippy
EmmyS said on 04.25.08 at 10:07 PM • [link]
If they’re into sci-fi and urban fantasy, how about the Crimson City series? It’s actually by multiple authors (one book per, not multiple authors writing each book) and although they’re definitely romances, there’s a lot of action too.
Amazon search results
karmelrio said on 04.25.08 at 10:46 PM • [link]
EmmyS just beat me to it - The Crimson City series by Liz Maverick, Marjorie Liu, Patti O’Shea, Carolyn Jewel and Jade Lee. Great mix of romance, sci-fi and the worldbuilding is great.
Along the same lines, Liu’s Dirk & Steele series.
MplsGirl said on 04.25.08 at 11:02 PM • [link]
I’d second the Kushiel series.
And may I suggest that you pick a book that doesn’t look like a romance, but more closely resembles a sci fi or general fiction title?
Jora said on 04.25.08 at 11:41 PM • [link]
Maybe Unmasked by CJ Barry? And if they like it, they can move on the Unmasqued: An Erotic Novel of the Phantom of the Opera. Or Unmasked: Erotic Tales of Gay Superheroes.
EmmyS said on 04.25.08 at 11:50 PM • [link]
Another good one I just finished was La Vida Vampire by Nancy Haddock. Vampires, a hunter society, murder, a mysterious wizard, and a shapeshifting dolphin best friend who we never see (although apparently this is the first in a series so presumably he’ll show up then.)
This one has a lighter feel than some modern vampire stories - not laugh-out-loud funny, but not all dhark and dhreary, either…
karmelrio said on 04.26.08 at 02:01 AM • [link]
It might be interesting to give him the first book in J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series - there’s more male POV in this series than most… I wonder if it would appeal to a man.
Tae said on 04.26.08 at 02:23 AM • [link]
I can’t believe I forgot the Liaden books by Miller and Lee. Definitely sci/fi romance.
I also can’t believe that I forgot Sharon Shinn with her Angelica series or her stand alone books like Jenna Starborne, Summers at Auburn Castle and others.
Chrissy said on 04.26.08 at 02:25 AM • [link]
Rush of Wings by Natalie Pheonix (or is it Natasha?)
TracyS said on 04.26.08 at 03:01 AM • [link]
I agree with all of those that have said the IN DEATH books. Romance with mystery and a little glimpse of what the future might be.
Chrissy said on 04.26.08 at 03:07 AM • [link]
Isn’t Sharon Shinn great? The Angel books were so incredibly lyric, rich, and unique!
I’m actually enjoying the 13th house, too. Different, but really good.
Jacqulyn Carey is awesome, and so is Anne Bishop—but I consider both fantasy with romance elements. Melanie Rawn, too.
Trumystique said on 04.26.08 at 03:23 AM • [link]
No More Lies by Susan Squires
Finders Keeper by Linnea Sinclair
Catch the Lightning by Catherine Asaro
Some good sci fi romance and my verification word is usually 69!
Miki S said on 04.26.08 at 04:08 AM • [link]
Birthright is one of my favorite Nora Roberts’ novels that isn’t only a romance.
Wryhag said on 04.26.08 at 04:15 AM • [link]
Seems we all leap at the chance to foist our reading tastes upon others. What’s up with that? (No, I’m not going to mention . . . )
Lucia said on 04.26.08 at 05:19 AM • [link]
Carla Kelly’s, Beau Crusoe - Her Majesty’s Navy, shipwreck, lifeboat ethics ... I think you know where this is going.
KellyMaher said on 04.26.08 at 05:31 AM • [link]
Y’all have already mentioned a ton of the ones I immediately thought of, but there’s one I haven’t seen: Die for Me by Karen Rose. It is an absolutely faboo romantic suspense with serial killers, a cop, and an archaeologist. There’s a sequel, Scream for Me, coming out in May and I’ve got the ARC and have just started it. Highly, highly recommended.
Lucia said on 04.26.08 at 05:32 AM • [link]
Oopsie. This is Regency. Give the fellows this one. They’ll love it. I didn’t want it to end!
Ginger said on 04.26.08 at 05:59 AM • [link]
I’m thinking of ones that my husband also reads, so I’d suggest some sf/f/horror with strong romantic themes and vice versa:
Undead and Unwed by Davidson
Dead until Dark, by Harris
Dead Witch Walking, by Harrison
Now I’m straying out on to less sure ground, because those are the main series I think of as having crossover elements that J. reads. But others that I think have been mentioned and I would imagine would be fun -
Happy Hour at Casa Dracula, by Acosta
Kitty and the Midnight Hour, by Vaughn
What about the electricity angle in the Retrievers series, starting with
Staying Dead, by Gilman
(the magic constantly frying electronics element might by fun for tech types)
the Weather Warden books, because lots of geeky guys like to watch the Weather Channel for some reason I can’t figure out?
Thin Air, by Rachel Caine
umm, all of these are sorta paranormal, aren’t they?
for contemporary I’d probably go with one of the already mentioned trifecta of Crusie, Roberts, Holly.
Chez said on 04.26.08 at 07:27 AM • [link]
Hubby will read Laurell K Hamilton (either series), Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse), MaryJanice Davidson (Undead series), Iris Johansens thrillers, Keri Arthur (werewolves and stuff). Personally I reckon anyone who loves SF/F could try Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels books.
Elizabeth said on 04.26.08 at 08:57 AM • [link]
I would like to second Laurell K. Hamilton. Her Merry Gentry series is designed to be a mystery/detective/fantasy story (with a number of additional scenes that are essentially porn). This series is shorter and gets to the point faster than her Anita Blake series (though I personally like that one better). They’re both good, but it depends on what you’re looking for.
KTG said on 04.26.08 at 04:37 PM • [link]
Also: Ill Wind from Rachel Caine
I’ve been meaning to get my husband to read those. I mean a hot chick with a hot car! What’s not to love?
Mary Winter said on 04.26.08 at 10:41 PM • [link]
Being a help desk monkey, err, it support perfessional myself (and working with said, it geeks), I would recommend Linnea Sinclair, or other really superb futuristic/sci fi fantasy romances. I also wouldn’t hesitate to throw a little erotic romance in there, and anything Kate Douglas does is golden! Good tech support is super hard to find. Treat your guys like the keepers they sound like they are.
(and a laugh, my verification is days66 when I work third shift)
Denni said on 04.27.08 at 12:37 AM • [link]
Lois McMaster Bujold
Rob Thurman
or Linnea Sinclair
Madd said on 04.27.08 at 08:02 AM • [link]
My man is a Sys. Admin. and he’s all over Catherine Asaro’s Skolian Empire series. He really liked Laurell K Hamilton’s Anita Blake series before she shifted focus. He enjoyed the Crusie/Mayer pairing for Agnes & The Hitman and Don’t Look Down, even though I had to badger him into reading them.
I would highly recommend C.J. Barry’s UNForgetable series, Anne Bishop’s Ephemera duology, the Crimson City series by Liz Maverick, et al., the 2176 series by Susan Grant, et al., Catherine Asaro’s Lost Continent series, Robin D. Owen’s The Summoning series, maybe Lara Adrian’s Midnight Breed series and P.C. Cast’s Partholon books.
RedSonja said on 04.27.08 at 03:10 PM • [link]
I second (third? fifteenth?) the Patricia Briggs suggestions. Also, Sharon Shinn’s Thirteenth House series. But most of all, Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Underworld. My husband (very into scifi/fantasy, not at all into romance) read the first one, Bitten, on his own before we ever met and loved it. (That was actually why he contacted me online - I mentioned that I had read the book and really liked it!)
rooruu said on 04.27.08 at 04:08 PM • [link]
Adding my voice for:
Diana Gabaldon Outlander/Cross Stitch etc
Patricia Briggs - Blood Bound etc
Which should work for women or men. Both writers have energetic, engaging voices telling stories in compelling detail.
And The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger is still my favourite novel (if you haven’t listened to the unabridged audiobook with William Hope and Laurel Lefkow, you’ve missed out). Sci fi, fantasy, romance, I don’t know which genre you’d pigeonhole it in, but it’s so good.
And none of these, in the editions I’ve seen, have uber-romance-cliche-girly-pinky-gilty-mantitty covers as what might be offputting to them as is trying summat new.
Maybe that’s a way to get them in, a well-read audiobook? If you have a longer commute, or other iPod time, it’s a possibility.
Another Damn Sarah said on 04.28.08 at 05:34 AM • [link]
How about the Freedom series by Anne McCaffrey? The first one (Freedom’s Landing) is practically a romance novel, for all it masquerades as sci-fi. Anything that contains the sentences, “Never in her albeit brief experience at this sort of dalliance had she been so eager to accept all a man could give her. Not even Brace Tenneman, and she’d thought he was the best-looking man on the football team in her sophomore year,” can not owe something to romance novels. Despite the really handsome alien with a huge schlong, the book does present an interesting take on ethnocentrism and the building of a society.
I second the Sharon Shinn novels. I’ve only read the first three in the Samaria series and The Shape-Changer’s Wife, and they were all very enjoyable. They are, however, fantasy and not hard sci-fi. The Samaria series is fantasy/light sci-fi.
Also seconding The Time-Traveller’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. It’s really long, but it’s all good.
Deb Morrissey said on 04.28.08 at 06:00 PM • [link]
Thirding the Liaden series, by Lee and Miller! The 2 prequels, Local Custom and Scout’s Progress, especially, though almost every book has at least a little romance in it.
MB said on 04.30.08 at 12:28 AM • [link]
Ilona Andrews “Magic Burns” and “Magic Bites” are great new urban fantasy novels that should work for men or women. Or Jim Butcher maybe?
I second the mentions of “The Time Traveler’s Wife”, Diana Gabaldon’s “Outlander”, or Jennie Crusie’s “Agnes and the Hitman”. Also Suzanne Brockmann!
Off the wall ideas: “Sunshine” by Robin McKinley”, or “Her Majesty’s Dragon” by Naomi Novik. Also Donna Andrews has a mystery series featuring cyber/computer sleuth Turing Hopper.
TraeCat said on 05.01.08 at 07:48 PM • [link]
Hard to find but definitely worth the effort and will engage the sci-fi and romance fan:
Louise Copper’s Initiate, Master and Outcast.
Incredible trilogy. Freakin’ awesome.
As a matter of fact, I recommend these books to everyone. Go forth and read these. You will be amazed.
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