Behold, the excitement! I am containing myself to one exclamation point (not including the title) and that was it. Please appreciate my restraint, here.
I have A Pile Of ARCs to give away of my October book, Everything I Know About Love, I Learned from Romance Novels, which so very, very many of you helped create.
From the depths of the box on my dining room table currently being fought over by my cats, I have 10 shiny copies to giveaway.
But that is Not All.
This book is all about the lessons we’ve learned from reading romance novels, and it includes stories from romance readers and authors. My goal with this book was to show that the romance community is filled with incredibly smart and thoughtful readers and writers, and to put to rest the tired idea that romances create unrealistic expectations of love, relationships and sex. Romances, as many of us know, are more often a road map of What To Do and What Not To Do in real life relationships.
So many people contributed, and so very many people went above and beyond to make suggestions and provide stories and lessons learned that this book really isn’t about the genre so much as it is about the women who read and write romance, and how much we have learned from our favorite books. Therefore just giving away the ARC isn’t really enough.
Here’s my plan. Leave a comment and please tell me the one romance novel you want to recommend above all others to someone who hasn’t tried the genre (yes, just one) (yes, I suck) and you are entered to win.
What can you win? Awesome stuff!
Ten winners will be picked at random and each winner will receive an ARC of Everything I Know About Love, I Learned From Romance Novels (Which I refer to as “EIKAL” because there is nothing I love like a REALLY LONG TITLE, BABY, YEAH!).
The winner will also receive one of the following titles from these authors who also appear in the book:
But wait, there is still more. I have 10 copies of a special Jennifer Crusie omnibus edition that contains both Bet Me and Welcome to Temptation in one book – and each winner will receive a copy of that book, too. Each of these authors, plus many many more, appear in the book, providing stories and advice or landing a spot on one of the recommended reading lists in the book.
There will be more chances to win, do not worry. I’m giving away 10 here, and a few on Goodreads and on Twitter. (Any possible giveaways on Facebook will have to be random like a semi-drunk fairy landing on the keyboard and highlighting someone’s comment by chance while I’m half-looking at the screen to stay in line with the Facebook Terms of Service. Then I have to contact the winners by semaphore with hot pink flags while facing the eastern skyline.)
Standard disclaimers apply: I’m not being compensated for this giveaway. Void where prohibited. Do not wear a pelisse in the rain. Stirrups are required, but boots are optional. We’ll sell you the whole seat but you’ll only need the edge. Stripes and plaid are rarely a positive fashion statement.
Comments will be open until noon on Friday, 20 May, and I will announce the winners then. Contest is open to international readers, and since my stats indicate no readers in Greenland, if someone enters from Greenland and wins I’ll send them extra stuff. Come on, Greenland!
Honesty time: I am enormously proud of this book, and humbled by the number of people who shared how much their romances mean to them, and how valuable romances have been in their lives. This book wouldn’t be what it is without the authors and readers who contributed, so I can’t send out the ARC by itself. It has to have company.
I’ll go with The Summer of You by Kate Noble. I actually did recommend that one to my mom. It had me totally tearing up.
I love Jennifer Crusie and really liked Julia Quinn’s Ten Things I Love About You. But The Summer of You would be my top choice.
Congratulations Sarah!
Just one… hmmmm…. I’ve got so many stuck in my head but I recently read The First Husband by Laura Dave and it was so fantastic that it’s my current recommendation for what I think everyone should read.
Now, if we were talking a book I learned a lot from…. when I was in middle school I managed to get my hands on 2 books that were VERY inormative! Smart Women by Judy Blume and Scruples by Judith Krantz.
Cotillion by Georgette Heyer.
Because sometimes the charming rogue you *think* you want isn’t really good for you … and the sweet-natured guy you might have overlooked is the very best thing.
(I love Freddy. He’s a trifle awkward and wholly adorable.)
PS: Congrats on the book!
I’ll go with WHITE ROSE ENSNARED by Juliet Hastings. Sure it’s more erotica than romance, it’s part of the nigh-discontinued Black Lace book line (“Erotic fiction written for women, by women”), there’s lots of bondage and non-consentual sex, and it’s currently out of print. But it’s a wonderfully kinky historical romance (shameless review plug: http://thearmchaircritic.blogspot.com/2010/02/white-rose-ensnared-by-juliet-hastings.html ), it’s pretty easy to find on eBay, and it’s a less creepy choice than anything by H.P. Lovecraft. And it gets me entered in the contest!
Congrats on the book!
Ooh it is almost impossible to go with one book!
How about early Linda Howard starting with the Mackenzies and Suzanne Brockmann Navy Seals?
Hmm, one book. Couldn’t it at least have been one author??? 😉
Hmm, it is a toss-up between Sea Swept by Nora Roberts (it was one of my first by her and I still love Cam and Seth), Honor’s Splendor (anything by Julie Garwood really) and Nalini Singh’s Caressed by Ice (who can resist Judd??? lol).
So, if I had to decide what to take with me to that lonely island – I mean, if a book is that good, who can resist?? 😉 – I would have to go with Sea Swept. Especially because a friend of mine started reading it (it was lying around after I got it from the library) and she also read the others in the series, so it must have been good… 😉 And I can (and do!) reread it regularly.
I agree that it does depend on the person I’m recommending to but if you are going to torture me until I choose just one, then I would choose Georgette Heyer’s Venetia. Because I think it is possibly the most perfectly romantic romance I know. I adore both hero and heroine and most of all the hero and heroine together. It has my favourite rake redeemed trope, except he’s not all that redeemed at the end – just enough to make a good husband but not enough to be dull. The secondary characters are awesome and it has all Heyer’s humour in abundance.
Congratulations on the book, Sarah! Can’t wait to read it.
I love series that revolve around strong families (whether biological or chosen), like the Hathaways, the Bridgertons, the Calhouns, the Quinns, etc., and that would be my starting point for a new reader. I’d want her/him to get a glorious taste of the genre, a satisfying ending, and know exactly where to go for more.
Since I have a theory that non-romance readers are most open to the genre as a summer beach book, I’d start someone off on Courting Catherine, the first book in the Calhoun Women series by Nora. It has intrigue, the Maine coast, and a heroine who happens to be an auto mechanic. It was one of my first, and it’s a series I keep on hand for re-reads when I’m feeling homesick.
I vote for Heyer’s The Grand Sophy. More zany and madcap than Austen, it still has the comedy of manners aspect while also having a main character that behaves more modern, so one doesn’t need to be a historical fan to get into it. Sophy is a total Manic Pixie Dream Girl but relatable! She shoots a guy, HER FRIEND, in order to keep her genius scheme going! While my one complaint is that there isn’t enough book after the love admission, a new-to-romance reader might like that. it doesn’t ever get mushy.
Too…difficult…
I try to vary my recommendations based on what I know about the person’s established reading habits. But if I HAD to pick just one…the one I recommend most often would probably be Loretta Chase’s Lord of Scoundrels.
Congrats on the new book, can’t wait to read it!
Congratulations on the new book, Sarah! 🙂 I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
Much like some of the previous comments, what I’d recommend would really depend on who was asking. However, if I had to pick just one…I think I’d go with Night Play by Sherrilyn Kenyon. Not necessarily because it’s the greatest romance novel on the planet – since nearly everyone has a different opinion – but because it was the book that lured me into the romance genre and has held me captive ever since. 🙂
Heyer’s The Unknown Ajax. He makes her ‘gurgle.’
Just one huh? Well it would depend on the person I was recommending to…
I was going to say Mr. Impossible, but I would probably go with Northern Lights by Nora Roberts. It’s a strongly written book with a good setting, the mystery is good (but not too heavy/dark like Blue Smoke), and I really was rooting for Nate and Meg. It would definitely be at the top of the list if I was to give someone a basket full of gateway drug books for Romances 🙂
*cough*Mr. Impossible is still a veeery close second though.*cough*
I would suggest the very first romance novel I ever read- Splendid by Julia Quinn. It’s the right mix of lightness, high drama, and all-around humor. It’s, without a doubt, an amazing gateway to world of romance. It has the HEA, it has the adorable heroine, it has the multi-faceted issues.
It is pretty light, but for a novice, it’s a perfect taste of whatelse is in the genre.
I’d recommend Zoe Archer’s Warrior, to start off the series. Archer’s books have some of the most well-matched protagonists ever, adventure, sexiness, and cool settings. It’s like Indiana Jones meets romance novels. What’s not to love?
I love Sabrina Jeffries’s series, The School for Heiresses. I think the women are fun and daring, and not at all what I was expecting when I started reading romance. This was what got me hooked on Regencies.
My choice of favorite romance novel came to my head before I even finished reading the post. Most definitely is Anyone But You by Jennifer Cruise.
Want. Badly. Congratulations on your book! Can’t wait to read it. 🙂
I’d recommend Jill Shalvis’ Instant Attraction. Amazing contemporary romance that would hook a reader, plus it’s the start of an awesome three book series.
One? Hmmm…
I’ll go with Sea Swept, by Nora Roberts. I think that that one would appeal to lots of newbies.
Congrats on the book!
WOO-HOO !!! Congrats and a big HIGH FREAKIN’ FIVE!!
The best book in the world is “It Had To Be You” by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I don’t know how many copies I had bought and handed out! Love it!!
I would have to go with The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook because it has great worldbuilding and mixes in other genre types -such as mystery and suspense, which might distract a reluctant reader from the romance portion and thereby let the awesomeness of romance take them completely by surprise. And they shall become one of us! Mwahaha!
JUST ONE….ARGGHHH…Ok – I would have to say that would be Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh. Once I got in this world, I feel in love with her books. I have been dreaming about them constantly. Oh yeah….pick ME
My one recommend? That’s tough… I guess it would have to be An Obsession With Honor by Bette McNicholas and Andrea Kent – I read it this winter and absolutely loved it! It’s got it all – history, adventure, a hero who respects the heroine, a heroine who is smart and determined, and no ‘forced seduction’ common to old school books. Sigh. So good.
Congrats on the upcoming book – can’t wait to read it!
I would probably recommend Nora Roberts’ Bride Quartet. To me, they embody the best elements of contemporary romance in one sparkling package 🙂
I’d have to pick “The Duke and I” by Julia Quinn. It’s funny, smart, and focuses on the development of the relationship, not Massive Sexy Time.
It’s not the first in the series, but I would recommend Demon Bound by Meljean Brook. I love her Guardians series, and this one is my favorite so far. Brook knows how to write complex characters you care about and root for. And the overarching story is fantastic.
Has to be Jennifer Crusie “Welcome to Temptation”. I tell everyone how funny her books are but I also think they are really smart. Romance, sex, wit, etc. What more could you ask for?
I would have to go with a classic and recommend Heyer’s Devil’s Cub. It’s an oldie, but it stands up, the characters and engaging, the plot entertaining. Or maybe These Old Shades.
If I needed something more modern for the person, I’d choose something from Susan Elizabeth Phillips, perhaps What I Did For Love, or Dream a Little Dream or….
Frederica by Georgette Heyer 🙂
Ahhh! Congratulations!
This recommendation is based off of experience. My friend had never read a romance and was curious, so I gave her the Bevelstoke series by Julia Quinn. She LOVED them, and is now addicted! Since I can only choose one… I’ll have to go with What Happens in London. Funny, cheeky, over-the-top but fabulous, it’s a great book for someone who has reservations about the genre. Not to mention the sexytimes, which are lovely.
Soo… PICK ME! No matter what, I’ll be reading your book, though. Congrats again!
If I had to pick just one book to give to someone to get them started in romance I’d choose Jewels of the sun by Nora Roberts. It’s light and has a great story line and just draws you in.
Congrats—if I don’t win I’ll be looking for it in October.
I just recently introduced my MOM to romance books… I knew I could not start her out with a historical or paranormal or any particular sub genre that would leave her feeling that ALL romance books have the same characteristics, so I gave her my copy of Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James. No, I do not consider this book to be perfect, but it is comical with a solid premise and the love scenes are mostly absent. She really enjoyed it so I plan on finding more for her to try! Love this contest!
Since the name of your book is Everything I Know About Love, I Learned from Romance Novels, it seems only appropriate that I mention that everything I learned about British History I learned from Romance novels.
My single novel choice is written by the author that sets my standards for all other Regency Era stories-
Devil’s Bride by Stephanie Laurens
I’ve always said that Devil’s Bride is closer to perfection than any other Romance novel I’ve ever read.
Congrats to you Sarah!! **throws confetti** Way to go, girl!
I would still have to say my all-time fave, The Talisman Ring by Georgette Heyer. This book won me over to the genre in my feminist-literary-snob-totally-anti-romance salad days and is still one of the best out there. It’s intelligent and witty (and so are the characters!!) and has absolutely everything—comedy, suspense, mystery, adventure, atmosphere, action, and TWO romances for the price of one. Gotta love it.
Capcha ask33—ask 33 different people and they will name 33 different books!
I do believe I have spent more time contemplating this question than I did deciding which car to buy. Spell of the Highlander (Moning) is my go-to pick me up when I’m blue, or dissapointed in a current read. There is a scene or two that give me the romance chills every time I read them.
This probably isn’t the best choice for everyone…but when I first introduced my sister to romance novels I handed her my well worn copy of Judith McNaught’s Something Wonderful. It was the first romance novel I read, so you can imagine how the sweeping storyline and dramatic romance appealed to my teenage heart…oh wow!!! (okay, and still does!)
I hope I win!
Those who tell me they’ve never read a romance novel before gets a copy of Jennifer Crusie’s BET ME. Every person I’ve ever given the book to races out to get more of her backlist, and asks for more recommendations. I believe BET ME is the best contemporary romance ever written.
When I grow up, I want to have Jennifer Crusie’s talent. In the meantime, I’m just happy to have something outstanding to read.
Sarah, congratulations on your new book, and I can’t wait to read it!
It would depend on the person, so I have to go with either
MacKenzie’s Mountain or Son of the Morning. I think either
book would be great for a 1st timer. Linda Howard has a hook
for just about everyone.
I think most of the people I know who are unfamiliar with the romance genre are men. Consequently, I’d have to recommend a book like Naked in Death. It’s not super sappy, Eve is a male friendly heroine, and Roarke is badass. If you’re a woman, you want to do Roarke but if you’re a man, you want to be Roarke. The love story is not the main plot so I think I’d be able to ease men into the genre with this book.
I’m going with Faro’s Daughter by Georgette Heyer. Why, you ask? I’ll tell you why. It’s because I’ve successfully used that book to get numerous people hooked on Heyer and then romance for life, including…
Drumroll please…
My Viking Rock-star super-manly husband who formerly wouldn’t even touch a romance novel!
That book has it all: it’s a comedy of manners while still retaining a bit of swashbuckling adventure; it’s hilarious; it has a fantastic secondary romance; and it’s written with Heyer’s distinctive wit and charm. How can you not love it?