LovelySalome wrote:
“I have never read a book by Nora Roberts. Since she makes such lovely, snarky comments and represents our genre so well, I am dead curious to see what she writes. But her back catalog is just HUGE!! Where to start? I need recommendations! Maybe even La Nora’s favorite….”
Oh, the perils of being prolific. With some authors, you can start at the beginning of a long line of sequels – Feehan, Hamilton, Gabaldon come to mind. With others, the backlist is not so big as to be overwhelming.
Then, there’s Nora Roberts. Holy backlist, Batman. Where to start? The older Oxymoron Title collection? Hot Ice? Brazen Virtue? Genuine Lies? Government Organization? The trilogies? The paranormals, or para-Noras, as I call them?
LovelySalome needs a place to start – so, what’s your favorite Nora? And Ms. Roberts, do you have a favorite of your books? Or do you refrain from naming a favorite (in case it hurts the other books’ feelings)?
If I get to vote, I’d nominate the Quinn Brothers/Chesapeake Bay quartet (Sea Swept, Rising Tides, Inner Harbor & Chesapeake Blue) for some very memorable and well-written manly heroes, the Donovan Legacy series which has been re-released by Silhouette, and the Born In trilogy, particularly the first, Born in Fire.
Also, Candy has an ARC, damn her eyes, of Morrigan’s Cross, which I haven’t had time to go find in the store yet, and she says it’s very, very good. Admittedly, I’m much more of a Nora fan than Candy, so if she’s into it and I wanna read it that I’m going to engage in face-to-face commerce to get it, then Heckles McHappy it’s gotta be good.
Oh so many good books. I think I would recommend her Key series. Key of Light is the first. It has one of the best dogs in romanceland-Moe.
If you love Ireland I would recommend the Born in Trilogy. Start with Born in Fire.
If you like Wiccan/Paranormal I would recommend the Three Sisters Trilogy starting with Dance Upon the Air.
Stand alone books I would probably recommend Northern Lights because the hero was awesome.
Don’t forget about the J.D. Robb persona-start with Naked In Death. Just my personal view but I think Eve Dallas is my number one favorite heroine.
I second the Three Sisters Island trilogy nomination.
Also, I really enjoyed Carnal Innocence, which is a big thick suspense (and a stand alone, I think).
Oh, I second the Chesapeake Bay quartet, and I’d recommend it without hesitation. I’d also recommend the Dream trilogy (Daring to Dream, Holding the Dream, and Finding the Dream) and the Ireland Jewels trilogy (Jewels of the Sun, Tears of the Moon, and Heart of the Sea).
I’ve been good about not spending my paycheck at Borders lately, but seeing as Silhouette’s rereleased the Donovan Legacy, I might have to go shopping.
After reading through the “BOO!” postings on October 31st. I marched upstairs (I work in a library)and checked out my very first Nora Roberts book: Blue Smoke.
So far, I have been alternating between chewing my nails as the plot thickens, and kicking myself because I never paid any attention to her writing.
Thank you, SBs, for opening my eyes to such a fine writer!
Just writing in so I can keep up with the recs. I love the SBs – my e-mail wish granted!
ooooo the trilogy’s!! the donovan trilogy in particular..
these are perfect “put on your jammies , wrap up in a quilt, grab a bowl of m&ms *hehe* and get lost in the story type of books! (yes , many of my books are chocolate smudged…sometimes they DO melt in your hands)
Ahhhh – La Nora!
My favorites—the ones that stay on the “keeper” shelf…
I—> Series…
1. The “Born In” trilogy.
2. The Quinn Brothers quartet
3. The “Dream” trilogy
II—> Single Titles…
1. Three Fates… *my absolute favorite*
2. Montana Sky
If I remember correctly that book is tied in with Brazen Virtue. If it is the one I think it is then the heroes of those two books are homicide detectives and partners. I don’t remember which one is first, but all of that info is on Nora’s website. I always check there before I begin anything from her backlist because I just hate to begin in the middle of a series.
If you want a stand alone I reccommend Blue Smoke. Awesome book. There are others just as good, but that one just came out in paperback not too long ago so it should be very easy to find in places like Wal-mart and Target (if you are like me and live in a small town with no convenient bookstore):(
My first Nora experience was the Key Trilogy and I have been hooked ever since.
I would ABSOLUTELY recommend the Quinn brothers series. Of all the Nora series, that one has remained my favourite – especially because of the strong family relationships it depicts. In so many romances, it’s like the characters exist in a bubble with no family and no friends. The bonds between the brothers make them seem so much more real than the “normal” romance hero.
What was the one about the family of magicians? I think it was called Hidden Talents but I could be confusing it with a Jayne Ann Krentz book. Anyway, I thought of it while I was watching The Prestige and remember it being pretty good.
I have to admit to fighting the Nora Roberts pull for a very long time, I believed that someone putting out that many books couldn’t possibly be putting out quality. Then someone gave me a copy of Northern Lights and now I’m hooked. Nora I owe you an apology!
OOPS. I was wrong. Apologies to Sonja and La Nora. Carnal Innocence is a stand alone. Brazen Virtue is the sequel to Sacred Sins. When will I ever learn to look stuff up before I make an ass of myself instead after it is too late. Now I gotta go find a copy of Carnal Innocence, because I have not read that one yet.
I’d recommend the paperback In Death books from Naked through Portrait.
Okay, my faves have all been named…but who cares, I’m naming again.
Fave stand alone:
Northern Lights Nate was so damn yummy. He needed me. Truly.
Fave series:
Chesapeake/Quinn Brothers
Three Sisters Trilogy
Key Trilogy
Born In Trilogy
And I have a really warm spot in my heart for her first pubbed novel:
Irish Thoroughbred
That story left me in a dreamy place the first time I read it. Horse racing and lurve. Sigh.
While I might agree with any of those listed above, let’s not forget about the very FIRST Nora, Irish Thoroughbred!! She was every bit as good a writer in the beginning as she is now!!! Of course, she’s expanded her repertoire to include the para-Nora’s (like that characterization!), the whole JD Robb persona, and the intense intrigues of stories like Sacred Sins and Midnight Bayou (my personal favorite!). And let’s not forget the delightful MacGregor and his progeny, as well as the Stanilaski’s. And the ties among them. And the ties between books, like Loving Jack—Jack (a girl) was writing a western historical called Lawless—so Nora writes Lawless—and later one of the O’Hurley triplets gets her big break in acting with the lead role in the movie, Lawless! Great author and great books!!!
I love the fact that you can pick up ANY Nora Roberts book and enjoy it.
She’s my go-to author for vacations especially, because I know I won’t be tempted to throw her books into the pool.
I agree with Pete, she is a great author.
To a new reader, I would suggest Blue Smoke and Angel Falls.
Her MC triology is about vampires, shape shifter, witch… very paranormal. Wasn’t a big fan of thoses genders but La Nora has a way of pulling you into a book.
My faves:
Hidden Riches
the Born In trilogy
Sacred Sins (I just love Ben)
Carnal Innocence (ditto Tucker)
Northern Lights
But seriously, you can’t go wrong with any of them.
OMG! A topic that’s near and dear to my Nora-loving heart!
As the proud and slightly obsessed owner of nearly 400 Nora titles (Silhouette original categories, reissues, anthologies, single titles, series, complete set of IDs in all covers, original hardcovers and a partridge in a pear tree), I have a few recommendations for y’all:
Single Titles
Birthright
Three Fates
Montana Sky
Blue Smoke
Series
Irish Trilogy: Jewels of the Sun, Tears of the Moon (OMG Shawn Gallagher!!!), Heart of the Sea
Key Trilogy: Key of Light, Key of Knowledge, Key of Valor
I’m also placing my Diva stamp of approval (insert extreme fangirl squeeing and genuflecting here) on her newest trio of paranormals, the Circle Trilogy.
One word: Larkin. Get it now.
The Circle Trilogy is:
Morrigan’s Cross
Dance of the Gods
Valley of Silence
ALSO, do NOT forget about the In Death books by J.D. Robb. These are gritty, sexy, futuristic police drama with some of the funniest, hottest, and best-drawn characters of any series or single title anywhere. If you like your men like chocolate (rich and addictive), you’ll fall ass over teakettle for the ultimate darkish hero, Roarke.
OMG, and hunt up the MacGregor books, if only just for the sole fact of Daniel MacGregor and his machinations as he not-so-gently pushes his family into matrimony.
That would be Honest Illusions with the completely drool-worthy Luke Callahan and the passionate Roxy Nouvelle. What’s not to like about a man with magic hands???
I’m always glad to introduce someone to Nora. 🙂 I just gave a pile of extras to my DH’s coworker who had *GASP!!!* never read Nora. I mean, how did she LIVE???
coworker who had *GASP!!!* never read Nora. I mean, how did she LIVE???
I’ve survived, but barely. Obviously I had to seek Bitchery help…
And just in time, too.
I envy you your discovery of all of these incredible characters, truly I do.
Sure, I reread like a maniac in between releases, which (thankfully) keep me fairly well-supplied, but it’s not the same as “meeting” them for the first time.
I may have some more extras in a box somewhere, if you’re interested, salome. Let me know.
One can NEVER have too many Noras.
I can’t believe how hard this question is! I second the Eve Dallas as best heroine. Ever. And damn Roarke for making every hero I write seem… just not quite good enough.
I love all the ones mentioned here. Honest Illusions, any trilogy and I haven’t seen the Stanislaskis mentioned—lovely family books and hot, hot, hot!
And I have a signed copy of Irish Thoroughbred. (g)
I just bought a used copy of a 3-in-1 Nora Roberts trilogy with Honest Illusions, Private Scandals, and Hidden Riches in it. It cost me seven bucks that I don’t have.
Thanks, Smart Bitches. Bitches.
Northern Lights was good. So was Montana Sky. But my absolute favorites are the “In Death” books. Roarke just crack me up. I don’t know how she writes a character that owns everything and can do everything, and still be sympathetic, likeable, and fun to read.
There’s a new one due out now!
i ought to read one of them books now right?!?!?!?!? :bug:
Born in Ice is one of my favorites. But it’s second in the trillogy, so you should start with the first, Born in Flame. Born in Shame is the last of the three. I think this series, of what I’ve read of La Nora, is her best. IMHO, of course. Other milage I’m sure will vary. 🙂
Oh, well, gosh. I’m so flattered I forgive lovely salome for ignoring me up to now. Foolish, foolish salome.
I had an irritating morning, followed by multiple puppy interruptions of my work day. So this is a lovely ego boost to carry me through the weekend.
I always say my favorite book is the one on sale now—the newest book on sale. It’s always true, and hurts none of the other books’ feelings.
Again, I’m very flattered—and find it incredibly satisfying, that much of the bitchery have their particular favorites.
Carolina Moon for me.
waaaayyyyy too hard. way way way too hard.
since i love each and every one of nora’s books, i’m gonna say lovelysalome should print out a list, put all the titles (or at least the first in each series and the stand-alones) in a hat, and pull one out.
how’s that??
*all of a sudden has a craving for a nora*
hmm, tough decision—clean my room, or read a nora. *evil grin*
I didn’t like Northern Lights but I don’t know if that’s a “real” dislike or because I “read” it on tape traveling to Missouri for five months away from my family. I can’t get into Eve and Roarke (I know, whisper it softly). But…
I LOVED Honest Illusions: Luke is amazing. I love the first three Quinn books (the last one is meh, IMO). I love the “Born in…” series. I’m not so hot on her older category books. Blue Smoke was fantastic! And Birthright was unbelievably good! Loved loved loved that one.
My personal favorite is the Irish(Gallagers) trilogy. Jewels of the Sun. Tears of the Moon and Heart of the Sea. I love these stories so much!! I am actually reading the third book (Valley of Silence)in Nora’s Circle Trilogy right now and although these are so different than the usual Nora books I love this trilogy!
Montana Sky—it’s like a trilogy all in one book! That’s the first Nora I read, and then I was hooked. I can’t wait to see the Lifetime movie they’re making (just made?). I’m resisting the temptation to reread the book until after I see the movie.
Honest Illusions is probably my favorite standalone. I’m glad to see so many others love that one too.
For trilogies, I have to recommend the Donovan Legacy and the Dream trilogy, as much for the California coast settings as for the characters.
I was desperate one winter, I’d read ALL of JAK’s backlist, ALL of Elizabeth Lowell’s backlist, Evanovich was only on #3, when someone on Amazon mentioned the Stanislaski’s. Been hooked ever since. But my all time favorite series is the Night series—Night Shield, Night Smoke, etc. But really, can’t think of a single one I haven’t enjoyed. Keep writing, please, Ms. Roberts.
I love the Eve Dallas books, and am a big fan of the supernatural books (Three Sisters, Circle trilogy). No one has mentioned the “In the Garden” trilogy (Blue Dahlia, Black Rose, Red Lily) Nice romances with a creepy ghost story too.
Another vote for the Night series! Those were excellent as well. I’m fairly sure all of my favourites have been mentioned, but I must give a special shout-out to Hidden Riches, which was my very first Nora at the age of 12. I still remember the quote that went with it: the famous stanza from “The Walrus and the Carpenter”. I figured it was fate because it was a long-time favourite of mine and I had recently covered it in class.
Ooo and Three Fates is pretty wicked too.
I have a soft spot for the first romance novel I ever read, The MacGregor Brides. Nora’s the only non-historical romance author I read, and that’s saying something.
I was always partial to Divine Evil(1992)and Hidden Riches (1994) for her older books. One her newer books, (newest one I’ve read) I’d recommend Northern Lights (2004).
If you enjoy on going family members, you might like her MacGregor family starting with Playing the Odds (1985), Tempting Fate (1985), All the Possibilities (1985), One Man’s Art (1985), For Now, Forever (1987), Rebellion (1988), In From the Cold (1990) The MacGregor Brides (1997), The Winning Hand (1998), The MacGregor Grooms (1998), The Perfect Neighbor (1999)
Two of her trilogies/series I enjoyed were NIGHT TALES Night Shift (1991), Night Shadow (1991), Nightshade (1993), Night Smoke (1994), Night Shield (2000) and CONCANNON SISTERS Born in Fire (1994), Born in Ice (1995), Born in Shame (1996).
Hope you find something you enjoy in all the recommendation.
Ok, I’m a NR virgin as well. But that’s cause I pretty much ONLY read historicals. But I have to fly to Ohio next week and I hereby swear to do so with either Northern Lights or the first of the Quinn Brothers in hand.
Well, my first Nora (or first that I knew was a Nora, it turned out I read one of the Silhouette’s way back in the day) was Seaswept – the first of the Chesapeake Bay Series (which was apt being from the DC area myself). I also adore Birthright.
I do agree with others that it is hard to go wrong and you could pick a pretty cover and just go.
I agree with Sarah will the Chesapeake Bay. Born In is my favorite trilogy, although the Gallaghers of Ardmore runs it a close second.
I’m reading the second in the Circle Trilogy as we speak (literally, I just put it down to check my email) and it is very good, although Dance of the Gods is dragging a bit. I can’t wait to start the third.