So, I’ve been promising a list of my favorite romance novels to Irish, Alea and Tiffany. As most of you know, I’ve been a little busy, writing a book that I hope will be on someone else’s list of favorite romance novels some day, but now I am done (yay!) and ready to FINALLY make that list!
Of course, when I sat down to make the list, I realized that my favorite romance novels fill WAY more than one list. So…I’m splitting them up. Over the next few days, I’m going to list my top 10 Historical Romance Novels, Contemporary Romances, and YA Romances. I’m going to start with Historicals, because that’s what I’m thinking about right now and, between us, it’s the genre that I’ve probably definitely read the most of (read: literally thousands of books. it’s borderline embarrassing, but I console myself with the fact that I now write historical romance novels, so…nyah).
Here we go…in no particular order, my top 10!
But, wait. I can’t do it. It’s too hard. Because I could name 10 Johanna Lindsey books that are my favorites alone. Same with Lisa Kleypas. Same with…well…all of these authors. So…I’m actually going to name the top 10 historical romances written by ten different authors all of whom I hope to someday have my name uttered in the same sentence with. For the most part, you can’t go wrong with a book by any of these incredible women. But these are, in my humble opinion, their best.
**Clarification. This list was designed for Alea. Who is not a romance novel reader. At least, not yet. So this list includes some classics. I like to think that what we’re talking about here is a full on list of the top ten books that should be included in the CANON of romantic literature. Yeah, some of them are old. But you know what? They’re awesome.
- The Black Lyon by Jude Deveraux – I can remember reading this one for the first time. I can remember falling in love with the hero…and the heroine…and their incredible story. And I can tell you that this book is, quite possibly, the reason why I have so long dreamed of being a romance novelist.
- The Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas – This is the third book in a four-book series and, I’m sure that many would say that it’s breaking a pretty serious reading rule to start with book three. However, I say hang the rules and start with this one, as there is, quite possibly, no more perfect wallflower-rake romance than this one. And there is, quite possibly, no more incredible hero than Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent.
- Gentle Rogue by Johanna Lindsey – This was definitely the hardest choice. Because, the truth is, I cut my teeth on Johanna Lindsey and the gorgeous, incredible, amazing Malorys. And asking me to choose only one of her books is like asking mothers to choose their favorite child. But James Malory is a pirate and Georgina Andersen is a perfect match for him (and he calls her George, which I think is were Alex got her somewhat masculine moniker). More than that, they are a heckuva couple. And Fabio is on the cover. And the Canon has to have at least one of those.
- Till Dawn Tames the Night by Meagan McKinney – Ok, so…this one can feel a little bodice-rippery…the hero is a pirate. and not the most gentlemanly of them. BUT…if you can see your way past that, you’ll see that he’s dark and brooding and, well, pretty darn perfect. And you’ll want to be abducted on his ship anytime it’s convenient for him. (Also…this one is out of print…so if you find one, snatch it up!!)
- The Duke & I by Julia Quinn – You have to live under a rock to have not heard of Julia Quinn, who many say is a modern day Jane Austen. I sure say it. This is the first (and my favorite) of her famous Bridgerton Series. I love love love it. Of course, as I wrote “(and my favorite),” my head was screaming…no! What about The Viscount Who Loved Me? What about It’s In His Kiss? This list is IMPOSSIBLE.
- The Gift by Julie Garwood – Best. Prologue. Ever.
- The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt – Elizabeth exploded onto my bookshelf a year or so ago with this, the first in her Prince trilogy. Smart heroine meets dark, wounded hero…and saves him. Yummy.
- Devil’s Bride by Stephanie Laurens – Ok. I’m in love with Devil Cynster. Seriously. My husband makes fun of me for it. But I don’t care. If Devil were flesh and blood, Eric would have a serious problem on his hands.
- The Dragon and the Jewel by Virginia Henley – I’m not wild about some of Henley’s more recent stuff, but I was so obsessed with The Dragon and the Jewel when I was in high school that I actually wrote my final paper for AP European History about Simon de Montfort, the hero (who was actually a REAL PERSON!) of the book. So, it makes the list.
- Pleasure for Pleasure by Eloisa James – The last in the four-book Essex Sisters series…Josie is the youngest sister and her hero, the Earl of Mayne is about as debauched as heroes get…but oh does that make for a lovely lovely story. Le sigh.
OK! That was, seriously, one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. WOW. And now I’m already second guessing the list…what about the newer, closer-to-debut authors? What about the other women who I religiously buy? I’m going to have to make lists of those, too. And this is going to have to become a recurring feature. Because three lists will not be enough.
But, for now…what Historicals did I miss? I welcome additions and debate! (And recommendations, as always!!!)
—
Looking for Contemporary Romance instead? Here’s that list!
How about Paranormals? Click here!
March 31st, 2009 at 3:03 am
YOU RULE! And you are going to make it a recurring feature? yay yay yay yay! YAY!
Thank you Sarah, this is awesome and just in time for my trip to Half Price Books tomorrow!
I know I’m not the only one when I say we can’t wait to read the lists to come and of course the books and also get a peek of your bookcase *hinthint*
THANK YOU!
March 31st, 2009 at 3:08 am
I’ve read some of these already and will have to check out the rest. I look forward to your other lists. =)
March 31st, 2009 at 3:15 am
Almost forgot to add a mention for Jo Beverly. I like her Forbidden Magic and company of rogues bk 2 An unwilling bride best.
March 31st, 2009 at 3:19 am
Irish…I’m embarrassed to say that I only just a few months ago read my FIRST Jo Beverly book. I am woefully unschooled in what I have heard is her total awesomeness. She’s first on my list once edits are done!
March 31st, 2009 at 3:23 am
no need to be embarrassed. so many books…so little time and all that. which one did you read.
March 31st, 2009 at 4:29 am
this is such a great list! Happy shopping Alea, I can’t wait to see what you think of them! and maybe I will go get myself some and see how I like them!
March 31st, 2009 at 5:02 am
Oh, what a great list! Have to check these out…though I am one to not have Fabio grace my covers :D
March 31st, 2009 at 11:19 am
Thought of another author this morn, more medieval than regency but maragret moore writes some good stories. Warrior’s Heart book 1 of her warrior’s series was a good read. (hmm…i’ve read more in romance than i thought over the years, who knew? lol)
March 31st, 2009 at 11:43 am
I have not read a single one of those! I will hang my head in shame and scurry to a bookstore – only, if my head is hung while scurrying, I will walk into something. Hmmmm, I will scurry to the bookstore THEN hang my head in shame while reading.
Thanks!
March 31st, 2009 at 2:41 pm
I can’t believe Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught didn’t make your list! Seriously:(
But, YAY, I was telling Alea about books by Julie Garwood and I forgot about The Gift! I’ll have to check out some of the others!!!
March 31st, 2009 at 2:56 pm
@Kimberly
Whitney, My Love…oh the memories. I’ll be honest…I always thought that it paled in comparison to her contemporaries…which will DEFINITELY end up on my Top 10 Contemporary list. But I know there are many who adore it…so I’m happy you added it here!
March 31st, 2009 at 3:17 pm
I just re-read my post and it sounded like I was chastising you…hehe! I haven’t read her contemporaries (I’m a sucker for the historicals), but I can’t wait to see that list!!!
April 1st, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Wow, I thought I had commented on how awesome this list was, but I guess not. Anyway, this list is awesome and I can’t wait to check these out from the library. I’m a fan of romance and have recently started liking historical romance.
April 3rd, 2009 at 11:17 pm
You’ll probably cover this subject later but for the uninitiated,who like me, might prefer the more classic “Traditional Regency Romance” (Georgette Heyer) to contemporary authors. I highly recommend her comedy of manners stories such as Black Sheep, Lady of Quality, Venetia, Frederica and the Grand Sophy.
Clare Darcy comes close to matching Heyer for wit and style.
If you prefer classic Regencies with adventure I recommend Patricia Veryan. I read the Sanguinet Saga and couldn’t put them down.
I also really enjoyed All the Tea in China (Rollicking Regency Series #1) by Jane Orcutt
It’s considered a Christian novel but given the time and place, the message isn’t too heavy handed and I enjoyed it.
I was recently recommend the books The Semi-Attached Couple and The Semi-Detached House by by Emily Eden, a Victorian lady novelist. She’s supposed to have written in a similar vein to Jane Austen and they’re both on my “to read next” list.
April 12th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
Great list! Believe me, I understand how hard it is to choose. I don’t think I could have even made a list like you did, I would literally go crazy trying to narrow it down!
Out of your list, here are the ones that I have NOT read (yet);
~The Dragon and the Jewel by Virginia Henley
~The Gift by Julie Garwood
~Till Dawn Tames the Night by Meagan McKinney
~The Gentle Rogue by Johanna Lindsay
~The Black Lyon by Jude Deveraux
All of those are on the top of my list, believe me! And most of them I’ve read others by that author, even if I haven’t read that exact book.
I know what you mean about Devil Cynster– that was one of the first romance novels I ever read, and although Laurens work in general is one of my favorite early romances, Devil’s Bride will always remain in my heart as number one. He was perfect, and if he were real… Well, let us just say that you and I might have to have a bit of a brawl over him! ;)
I would recommend some more to you, but that list would never end, and it’s much too hard to narrow it down!
Enjoy, and I hope you find more great novels like these to share with us! Spread the love of romance, I say!
TBQ
September 20th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
I stumbled upon this in a google search and I have to say this is a GREAT list! Gentle Rogue by Johanna Lindsey is what got me addicted. Awesome job! Please post more in the future.
January 21st, 2010 at 7:13 pm
Awesome list!! I love anything by Lisa Kleypas, and The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt is one of the best! Looking forward to reading "Nine Rules" :)
July 17th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
I started out with Johanna Lindsey too! My favorite one in the Malory series was actually Tender Rogue, about Lord Anthony. That and Gentle Rogue were the first romance novels I ever bought.
And I started on Devil in Winter first too…mostly because it was the only Kleypas book in the library! I bought it, and currently, I'm re-reading it for the millionth time. No one gets any dreamier than St. Vincent…
November 21st, 2010 at 4:48 am
i like your list!
April 18th, 2011 at 8:03 pm
I didn’t like The Devil in Winter, but the rest of the Wallflower series is great. My favorite is It Happened One Autumn. I love Lord Westcliff!
April 20th, 2011 at 11:26 am
Love the list – I would say #11 should be Slightly Dangerous by Mary Balogh. Just found your books this year and really enjoyed them. Looking forward to Eleven Scandals next week.
April 23rd, 2011 at 10:40 am
Ooh…good addition, Janessa!
April 26th, 2011 at 10:31 pm
Great list (and many are on my keeper shelf–not that I have much luck getting rid of anything, but I do try to pass them on if I don’t think I’ll read them again).
I have to second the mention of Slightly Dangerous, though. I’ve had many shifting favorites over the years (Tender Rebel would have made the top of my list before I discovered Wulfric Bedwyn ), though, and a few on your list that I now need to seek out.
April 27th, 2011 at 12:35 am
After reading the list, I almost decided not to post my 2 cents, then I decided what the heck! Sharing personal reading lists is something very private but if you ladies are brave enough to do so, I think I should also share some of my favorites. I have read most of the books on the list with the notable exceptions of:
* Gentle Rogue By: Johanna Lindsey
*Till Dawn Tames the Night By: Meagan McKinney
*The Raven Prince By: Elizabeth Hoyt
My favorite Jude Deveraux book is A Knight in Shining Armor. I was also so happy to read that many other people enjoyed The Devil in Winter because it is my favorite Lisa Kleypas book (ever!). I will agree with Kimberly that Whitney, My Love.. is awesome but I think that my favorite book by Judight McNaught is A Kingdom of Dreams. (Just to appease you though, Whitney does sit on my shelf in hardcover).
Sharing these lists is a great idea! Instead of just listing some of the favorites we can come up with, we should list an author and then proceed to tell everyone which books are our favorites. That way we don’t snub some amazing writers ;-) In any case, I have a feeling some of these lists will be endless…
April 29th, 2011 at 9:29 pm
OMG I have read every book on your list and just finished your latest novel I love every one of them and think your books can definitely hold it’s own with this list I started reading romance novels after I lost my mom she read them and could never put them down. Now I know why the first book I ever read was a Johanna Lindsey I have read every one of hers and all of the ladies on your list can’t wait for more of your stories.
May 3rd, 2011 at 3:46 pm
I agree with everyone else on about your list. Most I have read. The one I have I’m about to change that. Loved Devil In Winter and St Vincent. As for Julia Quinn lets not foget Romancing Mr. Bridgeton..Penelope and Colin. And I see no one has mentioned Suzanne Enoch love Sin and Sensibility, Valentine Corbett Marquis of Deverrill mmmmm..
Can’t wait to re-read Devils bride and some other books from the list like Jo Beverlys Slightly series.
May 3rd, 2011 at 3:49 pm
Not Jo Beverly but Mary Balogh.. Sorry.. Do like some of Jo Beverlys Malloren Series.
May 21st, 2011 at 8:15 pm
In addition to several of those authors, I add everything by Eloise James, new Patricia Rice, and Celeste Bradley. Lots of fun stories.
June 16th, 2011 at 11:32 pm
Excellent list Sarah. (You are now on my list of must reads too.) Love that you put in Devil in Winter, because really that near perfection in HR. I would add Marsha Canham and Judith McNaught on the authors that one must read.
June 22nd, 2011 at 10:42 pm
I am so proud to say that I’ve read half of that list! Now to tackle the other half! :) Thanks so much for the recs!
July 8th, 2011 at 10:08 pm
I have read all your books! Really great stuff! Two other authors that are my favorite……..Lorraine Heath and Monica McCarty!!
November 13th, 2011 at 11:42 pm
Besides the fact that Nine Rules to brake was read by me in one night on a road trip, (and not while I was in the car either… This was during the almost nonexistant time when I was SUPPOSED to be sleeping..)when I read your list and the first book was The Black Lyon (probably my first romance novel too! and such an awesome story) I was suddenly possesed with even MORE admiration for you! As if that was possible. I think you are incredibly talented and would take one of the tops on my favorite authors. Thought you’d like to you.
…and – as if it actually needs to be said- I can’t wait for your next series.
December 17th, 2011 at 9:29 pm
Hi Sarah!
I’ve read almost all of you books on this list, and I must agree that they are quite good. HOWEVER, I would like to also add Anne Mallory to this list. For the Earl’s Pleasure is one of my favourite books!
January 12th, 2012 at 7:08 pm
I have read all of the books on your list. I would also add Victoria Alexander, Karen Hawkins, Suzanne Enoch and Elizabeth Boyle. But I also first read Devil’s book by Stephanie Lauren’s and I have yet to stop reading her books. I also love your books. And the Mallory series by Johanna Lindseya re great as well.
February 11th, 2012 at 10:13 am
[...] book I can find for the least expense at the time) working my way through Sarah MacLean’s list of must read romances. She hasn’t let me down yet. Two of her picks happen to be of the piratical persuasion and [...]
March 5th, 2012 at 2:19 am
I heartily second Janessa’s addition of “Slightly Dangerous” (Wulfric Bedwyn FTW! – you know, when “win” means wounded, hardened, gorgeous, powerful man who just can’t help but love his heroine), and would also throw in Laura Kinsale’s “Flowers From the Storm,” as well as Julie Anne Long’s “What I Did for A Duke.”
March 15th, 2012 at 8:26 pm
Okay, you have done pretty well. Love, love Devil Cynster and the Devil in Winter is fabulous. However, I have recently fallen in love with the Duke of Helston from A Dangerous Beauty by Sophia Nash. However, Devil Cynster is always number 1.
March 20th, 2012 at 6:42 pm
You’re so witty Sarah Mac! Love your books! Love your booklist, read 6 out the 10 you listed, we must have the same taste ;) I will now read the 4 others you listed on your advice. Please, please, please write more historical romance as it is my means of escape from my humdrum world of existence. You inspire me to write romance of my own, maybe someday! :)
March 20th, 2012 at 7:20 pm
I’ll keep writing if you keep reading, Pearl!
March 20th, 2012 at 6:51 pm
Oh are we writing in our fav authors on this comment page? Aside from Sarah? :)
Johanna Lindsey (I have every single one of her books)
Lisa Kleypas, Julia Quinn, Nicole Jordan, Lorraine Heath
Mary Balogh, Judith McNaught, Julia London, Stephanie Laurens, Galen Foley, Tracey Anne Warren.
I could have my own romance novel library from the amount of books I’ve accumulated. I agree with all of the ones that Sarah listed and I have to say that Judith McNaught’s “Whitney” and “Almost Heaven”, Julia Quinn’s “splendid”, and Johanna Lindsey’s “once a princess” are up there on my top’s.
March 20th, 2012 at 7:20 pm
Oh…Almost Heaven!! It’s…well…heaven.
March 27th, 2012 at 8:32 pm
[...] read this book because Sarah MacLean blogged about it and she said it was wonderful. Share this: This entry was posted in 2010 and tagged [...]
March 30th, 2012 at 1:51 am
I’ve read almost every book in this list and i agreed with almost every book except Devil in the Winter. i love that book to death, but i have to say that Secrets of a Summer Nights is better. Probably because I can completly related to Annabelle’s silliness =P