Nine Rules for Beginning Romance Readers!

I met the fabulous Alea from Pop Culture Junkie when The Season was first released--Alea is a voracious reader of YA fiction, and she was kind enough to review The Season and welcome this fledgling YA author into her world. Little did she know that my next book, Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake (out next week!!! OMG!!!) would turn this pop culture junkie into a full-fledged Romance Junkie!

It's not every day that I turn someone into an addict...so I asked Alea to write her own Nine Rules for Beginner Romance Readers...in the hopes that we can turn a few more of you!

Nine Rules for Beginning Romance Readers

1. Be Open Minded
It never even dawned on me until a few months ago that I might enjoy reading romance novels, the thought never even crossed my mind to check them out. I got some suggestions, bought a few books and put them aside. I had really liked Sarah’s book The Season so knew I wanted to also read her adult romance, Nine Rules to Break When Romancing A Rake, I read it and was OBSESSED. And it can happen just like that, try a romance novel, see what you think, be open minded!

2. Try Everything
So you’ve tried your first romance novel and want to try out some more, where to next? I say try everything and see what you like. I’m discovering new romance sub-genres everyday. Ok maybe don’t try anything (I’m staying away from paranormal books for the time being) but try a bunch of the sub-genres, lines, authors, imprints and see what you like, you’ll never know until you try!

3. Ask For Suggestions
When I started tweeting about my new obsession with romance novels all sorts of people came out of the woodwork to share their excitement for certain books and authors, ask around and you will get some great suggestions!

4. Read Romance Blogs
Another good place to get suggestions are from Romance Blogs, a few of my favorites right now are Dear Author, The Book Binge, and this blog right here! Sarah has two great lists (so far) for new romance readers of Historicals & Contemporaries! Check them out!

5. Stay Organized
Now I’m sure you are up to your nose in suggestions. Start a wish list, mine is up to 91 books! Also if you are like me and love series it might be a good idea to write down what books comprise a series so when you are out shopping (constantly if you are me) you can be sure to fill out what you are missing from a series you are interested in.

6. Don’t Get Overwhelmed
The romance genre is one of the most popular, if not THE most popular so there are new books and authors appearing every week, don’t get overwhelmed. Right now I’m trying out a few authors and reading through their backlists. Start small.

7. Don’t Judge A Book By It’s Cover
I’ll be the first to admit some of the covers in the romance genre are not my cup of tea for various reasons, but don’t let that distract you! Beneath a not so attractive cover might be a wonderful story, don’t miss out!

8. Don’t Give Up
Just like any other genre and author, you might not like all the books, but don’t give up! Just because something is a best seller or widely loved doesn’t mean you will or have to like it! I think there is something for everyone in a genre, soon enough you will find your niche!

9. Have Fun
For me the romance genre is all about having fun! So sit back, relax and have enjoy!

Alea is doing a week-long romance celebration this week over at Pop Culture Junkie...don't miss it (and her interview with me, which went up on Sunday)!

And stay tuned for the rest of the month--and a dozen more Authors Rule(s) posts from an awesome range of authors! To read more of Authors Rule(s), please click here!

Rachael Herron's Nine Rules for Knitting in the Dark

Part of the fun of being a debut author is meeting an amazing group of other debut authors...and I've been lucky enough to be able to do this in two genres--last year in YA, when I met the fab 2009 Debutantes, and this year, in Romance!

Rachael Herron is one of those amazing debut romance authors...and her book, How to Knit a Love Song, out earlier this month, is one of those books that you can't help but cozy up to.  A big-city-girl-finds-love-in-a-small-town tale, it's fun and sweet and yummy...and, yeah. I guess you can tell that I loved it!

I'm so happy that Rachael took the time to come over as part of my celebration of Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake and share her own Nine Rules... for Knitting in the Dark!

Nine Rules for Knitting in the Dark

1. Touch is as important as sight. A purl bump is as evocative as a frown.

2. A double-point needle, left in the wrong place underneath a pillow, can be a fine murder weapon, if one knows just how one's enemy might fall heavily asleep. It would be hard to prove, of course. And that's just the point.

3. In the dark, soft is always soft.

4. The soothing sound of knitting needles clicking in the dark becomes even more relaxing -- a nighttime chant, a prayer, a rhythmic rosary of craft.

5. Doing something when you can only trust the tips of your fingers to guide you is a good test. Close your eyes right now. Do what you're doing. See how far you get.

6. Night knitting, folded correctly, becomes the best kind of pillow.

7. The working yarn has to trail across something. If it happens to trail across the person next to you, make it count. Make it work.

8. Glow-in-the-dark needles are like the Captain EO ride at Disneyland -- it was a good idea for a limited time, but it's bound to give you a headache, and you just don't need it.

9. Keep just one candle lit when you're working on something important. He'll tell you that you look more beautiful than ever in the soft glow. but you'll know what he really means -- he's happy his sweater is almost done.

Rachael has offered up a signed copy How to Knit a Love Song to one lucky commenter!  Comment below with the one craft you wish you were skilled in...and one person will be chosen at random on Wednesday! Don't forget to leave your email address so I can contact you!


ETA: CONGRATS to Martha!  And thanks to everyone for commenting! xo

And stay tuned for the rest of the month--and a dozen more Authors Rule(s) posts from an awesome range of authors! To read more of Authors Rule(s), please click here!

Gaelen Foley's Nine Rules for Heroines Pursued By Wicked English Lords

Allow me a quick trip down memory lane...to 1998--I was visiting my sister in her super cool apartment in Boston, and she handed me a book that would start a decade long pre-ordering obsession.  The book was Gaelen Foley's The Pirate Prince. Since that fabulous beginning, Gaelen has become one of my must buys...and OMG...

Imagine my squeeing when Gaelen agreed to write her own Nine Rules for my celebration of Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake. No. It's best if you don't imagine it. Suffice to say, there was much squeeing.  Even better, Gaelen's Nine Rules take the role of a worldly-wise instructor at a proper Regency girl’s school--and they prove precisely why she should be on every romance lover's must read list.  I dare you to read them and not fall in love!

Nine Rules for Heroines Pursued By Wicked English Lords
(Because you just never know when you might need this information.)

My dear young ladies, as your devoted governess, I have always made it my highest duty to arm you against the perils of the wicked world beyond the walls of our fair school. Yoo-hoo, in the back row! Do try to pay attention, gels, for mark my words, as soon as you say, “Oh, that could never happen to me,” that is the very day this alarming situation is sure to befall you. As romance heroines, we must always Be Prepared for any eventuality. Now then, to today’s lesson.

What to do if a libertine marquess—who also happens to be a spy for the Crown—should take it into his head that you are the woman he’s going to marry.

Whether you like it or not.

1. Don’t Panic. Just ignore him (for as long as possible). The mere fact that the marquess in question has several generations of fox-hunting ancestors does not necessarily mean he will become fixated on you, as if you were his quarry. He must lose interest eventually. (They always do, whilst thinking from their inexpressibles.) See, if you look closely, his slow, lazy smile will betray his true intentions—and you are most certainly not that kind of girl.

2. Refuse to smile back. He has, after all, the most dreadful reputation. You wouldn’t want to encourage him. Think of the scandal!

3. With caution, you may thank him if he should happen to rescue you from menacing brigands while you’re about your charity work amongst the poor, but that does not mean you owe him anything. A true gentleman never acts out of ulterior motives. (I said a gentleman.)

4. Whatever you do, do not promise him a dance. Give him an inch, he’ll take a mile.

5. All right, all right, perhaps one dance—as long as it’s not the waltz. But under no circumstances agree to a drive in Hyde Park in his curricle. You could end up somewhere entirely unexpected. Somewhere beautiful—but quite out of bounds.

6. Now then, it is true that English lords don’t take rejection very well, and marquesses may be the stubbornest rank in the peerage. Therefore, if your marquess should lose all patience with your reluctance and go over your head to your father, whereupon you are ordered to marry him, then the only course is to prevail upon his honor to at least delay the wedding until you know each other better. Having lulled him into a state of security--

7. Run away. Far, far away.

8. Say your prayers if he hunts you down. Heaven only knows what might happen if his icy self-control were to slip once he gets his hands on you . . .

9. If all else fails and it is no longer possible to resist his intoxicating kisses, at least make him tell you why, out of all the possible brides on the earth, he has chased you so hard. But be warned, his answer might melt away any further thoughts of escaping him, and you, dear heroine, might find yourself well and truly caught.

To learn more about the prudent care and management of marquesses, be sure and read My Wicked Marquess by the fabulous, NYT Bestselling author, Gaelen Foley. And don’t miss our next lesson: What To Do If You Are Kidnapped by Cutthroats, Drugged, and Given As A Gift to a Fearsome Warrior Duke. (Read My Dangerous Duke, coming in July!)

And Gaelen has offered up a signed copy of a UK edition of My Wicked Marquess to one lucky commenter!  Comment below with an author who has been on your "must buy" list for years...and keeps delivering. I'm super excited for this list...and sure to get some new authors on my list! One person will be chosen at random on Friday. Don't forget to leave your email address so I can contact you!

And stay tuned for the rest of the month--and a dozen more Authors Rule(s) posts from an awesome range of authors! To read more of Authors Rule(s), please click here!

Pamela Palmer's Nine rules of dating a Feral Warrior Shifter

To celebrate the launch month of Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake, I've asked some of my favorite authors to share their own Nine Rules here on the blog...

About six months ago, I was in the Avon offices and I made an embarrassing confession--that I'd never read a shapeshifter romance.  Well.  That was not going to be allowed to go on if I was ever going to be able to show my face proudly in those offices again.  I left with my marching orders...read Pamela Palmer's Feral Warriors series. I bought the first, Desire Untamed, on my way home.  I bought the next two the next morning; because I was hooked. Utterly. Completely. Hooked.

Holy Cannoli.  You gotta read these books.

So...I'm so so so thrilled that Pamela was willing to take time out of her crazy schedule of writing more of these books (the next...Rapture Untamed, about Jag, my favorite of the Feral Warriors...is out June 29th.  HAWT cover here!) to join my Nine Rules celebration!

Nine Rules of Dating a Feral Warrior Shifter

1. Don't wear clothes that snag easily on claws

2. Don't wear fur

3. Bring a purse big enough to carry an extra pair of his pants if he has to shift

4. Be prepared for anything

5. Don't be alarmed by the sudden arrival of large predatory animals

6. Be prepared to hold his weapons if he has to shift

7. Don't be alarmed if he starts stabbing the air with his knives -- you can't see the things he's fighting

8. Wear heels – no matter how tall you are, you’re going to feel small

9. Be prepared for the night of your life!

As a FANTASTIC added bonus to her awesome Nine Rules, Pamela has offered one lucky commenter the first three books in the Feral Warriors Series: Desire Untamed (starring hot Lyon), Passion Untamed (perfect Paenther), and Obsession Untamed (yummy Tighe)!

To win, comment below with the animal least likely to be featured as a hero in a shape-shifter romance (I'm looking forward to this one)! Pamela will choose the most unlikely animal and the winner on Monday! (Don't forget to put your email address in the comment!)

And stay tuned for the rest of the month--and a dozen more Authors Rule(s) posts from an awesome range of authors! To read more of Authors Rule(s), please click here!

ETA: Congratulations to Linda...who chose "turtle!"  Pam told me that "the thought of a pet turtle trying to race into battle, his neck sticking out as he makes NO progress, makes me laugh." Linda won signed copies of the first three books in the Feral Warriors series!

Kerrelyn Sparks's 9 Perfect Presents for Vampire Sweethearts!

I am SUPER jazzed that  Kerrelyn Sparks has joined me this week to offer up her Nine Perfect Presents to Give Your Vampire Sweetheart as part of my launch month for Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake! Kerrelyn's The Vampire and the Virgin--a continuation of her Love at Stake series--releases this week! Kerrelyn has offered up a signed copy of Forbidden Nights with a Vampire...to win, comment below with your favorite fictional vampire (winner announced on Thursday)!

I should warn you, when I first got this list, I couldn't stop laughing.  It's the perfect example of how hilariously entertaining Kerrelyn's books are...Here we go!

Nine Perfect Presents to Give Your Vampire Sweetheart!

1. A roll of Vampos, the after-dinner mint that gets rid of blood breath.
   
2. A dozen blood-red roses.
   
3. A designer label black tuxedo and cape lined with red satin.
   
4. A king-sized coffin with room for two.
   
5. A flat screen television with a subscription to the Digital Vampire Network.
   
6. A sunlamp so he won’t look quite so pale.
   
7. A year supply of Bleer (synthetic blood mixed with beer).
   
8. A hot dinner date with you as the entrée.
   
9. Sex, sex, and more sex!  A good Vamp can last all night long!

The Vampire and the Virgin releases March 9^th!  Can you guess the perfect present the heroine gives her vampire?   To read an excerpt or enter one of Kerrelyn's own contests, please visit www.kerrelynsparks.com!

And stay tuned for the rest of the month--and a dozen more Authors Rule(s) posts from an awesome range of authors! To read more of Authors Rule(s), please click here!

ETA: Thanks to everyone who entered the contest...and to Kerrelyn for stopping by again!  The winner is Debbie Kelly!

Today, in Things that Make Me Smile.

Via the fantabulous Coe Booth.

Toni Blake's Nine Rules for Visiting Destiny, Ohio!

To celebrate the launch month of NINE RULES TO BREAK WHEN ROMANCING A RAKE, I've asked some of my favorite authors to share their own Nine Rules here on the blog...

I'm so excited to kick off the series with the fabulous Toni Blake, author of seventeen romances including the heartwarming, sexy ONE RECKLESS SUMMER. If you, as I am, are a sucker for homecoming romances--you know the ones I mean...the heroine goes back to her roots and falls for a dreamy local?--ORS is for you!

The book (and it's sequel, SUGAR CREEK, due out in June, Oh! The torment!), is set in a fictional small town called Destiny, Ohio--as much a character as the humans in the book.  Toni's Nine Rules take us to Destiny--and teach us how to navigate this little town.

Nine Rules for Visiting the Quaint Small Town of Destiny, Ohio
by Toni Blake

1. Be sure to stop by the Under the Covers bookstore on the town square and share a cup of coffee with Amy and Tessa. If there’s good girl talk or gossip to be had, this is where it will be going on and you don’t want to miss it. There’s usually a cat-in-residence, too, who will be happy to rub up against your ankles or sit in your lap.
2. Don’t speed in Destiny. Hunky cop, Mike Romo is a stickler about that sort of thing and will give you tickets repeatedly – just ask Rachel Farris.
   
   
   
3. Take a canoe ride across idyllic Blue Valley Lake. Besides being quite scenic, this quaint body of water has seen a lot of Destiny drama over the years, most specifically between good girl Jenny Tolliver and the bad boy of her dreams.
   
   
4. But never, never visit the old Brody cabin in the woods across the lake. It’s SUPER creepy – especially when you think you see lights on even when no one has lived there in years!
   
5. Buy some apples from Edna at the Farris Family Apple Orchard on Sugar Creek and ask her to tell you the story of her tragic first love over a piece of her award-winning apple pie.
   
6. Stay away from Mick Brody! His brother is in prison, after all, and he was always a bad seed. No, it doesn’t matter how hot he is – beware!
   
7. In case of trouble, remember that the Destiny Police and Fire Departments are right next door to each other, just across the square from Under the Covers. And both come complete with lots of sexy men in uniform, which has the potential to make any emergency more enjoyable.
   
8. Hang out at Creekside Park. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to watch hot, sweaty guys playing softball, or you might even be invited into a touch football game with Mike Romo, Logan Whitaker, and Adam Becker – “touch” being the key word here.
   
9. Plan to stay awhile and soak up everything Destiny has to offer, from the quaint garden parties to nights at the Dew Drop Inn, from hot and sexy encounters to deliciously sweet romance.

Number 9 won't be hard at all...and I'm going to prove it to you!

Comment below with your favorite Small Town for a chance to win a copy of One Reckless Summer, the first in the Destiny series--I'll select one random commenter on Friday to win!

To read more of Authors Rule(s), please click here!

ETA: Winner! Thanks to all for commenting...I think its so fun that everyone has a favorite small town (mine is Ashland, NH)! But, sadly, only one person can win! Congrats to Miss Tammy! Everyone else...keep trying all month to win goodies from the other authors who will be stopping by for the 9 Rules celebration!

9 Things That Made 2009 Awesome

As 2009 draws to a close, I'm feeling a little nostalgic...after all, it was the year I published my first novel!

So, in honor of today...December 31st, 2009, on the cusp of a new decade that will bring who knows what, I give you, 9 Things That Made 2009 Awesome.

1. January 20, 2009 - History is made. And this happens.

2. March 1, 2009 - THE SEASON is released into the world. PW references its "clever conversation in the spirit of Jane Austen." I fall off my chair.

3. This rug from CB2 - Yes. It looks like grass. Yes. We have a dog. Never say we are not risk-takers.

4. I finish my second book - Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake clocks in at nearly twice the length of The Season. My editor does not break up with me when she reads it. Sue Grimshaw at Borders True Romance compares it to Eloisa James. I fall off my chair.

5. The 2009 Debutantes - a few scores of writers all launching their writing careers in 2009. We keep each other sane. And honest. And we survive our debut year with relatively few scars.

6. The Jane Austen Society of North America, Connecticut Chapter Annual Tea - The ladies of JASNA/CT invited me to spend a day with them in early December to celebrate Jane. They ply with me with tea and cakes. I have a splendid time.

7. Cate Blanchett as Blanche Dubois - A Streetcar Named Desire at the Brooklyn Academy of Music blows my mind. I realize that a female director can make a play I've read 30 times seem like something I've never heard of.

8. RWA 2009 - I get to hang out with Diana Peterfreund, Anne Mallory, Sabrina Darby and Julianne MacLean. I sit next to Stephanie Laurens at an event. Manage, barely, not to fall off my chair.

9. Sherlock Holmes - Robert Downey Jr. + Guy Ritchie + Victorian London = Epic Win.

So...farewell '09.  Here's to you.  May 2010 be even awesomer.

Happy New Year, y'all.

Read More Romance - Part II (Contemporary)

Several months back, I made a list of my Top 10 Historical Romance Novels...which was, quite possibly, the hardest thing I've ever done. I set out to make a list of my Top Romance Novels, period, before I realized that I could list 10 novels that I loved set between the years 1812 and 1815 off the top of my head.  So I went with historical.  And promised more lists soon.

Soon, as many of you who are regular readers know, became not so soon.  But I did not forget you!  I swear!  This week, I'm tackling contemporaries.  Not easy.  Because contemporaries fall into so many different categories...there are the Harlequins and Silhouettes that I read voraciously every month after my sister's HQN and Loveswept Book-of-the-month club boxes arrived...and then the big, sweeping single-title contemporaries that make us all sigh...and that doesn't even touch Harlequin Blaze...or the new, hardcover single titles...or romantic suspense!  

Sure, I'm a historical lover.  But, between us?  There's something about curling up with a good contemporary that is awesome.  Gone is your life...your problems...your world...and there is someone else's life...someone who could easily be you.  And there's a man...a pillar of a stud who just might live next door.  Or who might be sitting on a plane next to you the next time you fly somewhere for work.  And that's a powerful fantasy. But the contemporary romance seems to wax and wane...and I hate hate hate the idea of it fading away because people don't appreciate its power.

Which is why I was so happy when Smart Bitches, Trashy Books & Dear Author teamed up to Save the Contemporary earlier this year. And it's why I persevered in FINALLY building this list. Here we go again...in no particular order...my top 9 contemporary romance novels (because now that I have a book with a 9 in the title, I am eschewing lists of 10)!

**Disclaimer. This list was designed for people who are not romance novel readers. At least, not yet. And it's not comprehensive.  This list includes some classics. I like to think that what we're talking about here is a full on list of books that should be included in the canon of romantic literature. Yeah, some of them are old. But you know what? They're awesome.

• Perfect by Judith McNaught - I got a complaint or two that McNaught's Whitney, My Love wasn't on my Historical list.  There are a few reasons why that is--but the most important is this: I think Judith McNaught's contemporary romances blow her historical ones out of the water.  Take Perfect.  If you've ever had that fantasy where a movie star falls in love with plain-old-you?  This is the book for you.  Yes, the plot is crazysauce: Falsely imprisoned movie star escapes and has no choice to kidnap a plain Jane teacher.  They hideout in a cabin in the snow and fall in love. Of course.  Don't judge me.  If you can stay dry-eyed through your first reading of this book, then you're allowed to judge me.  I see you judging me.  
  
  
• Texas! Chase by Sandra Brown - Any list of best contemporary romance novels has to include two things: cowboys and military men. Here's my first nod to cowboys (but, as I'm typing, I realize that there's going to be at least one more).  This one is tough. The hero is SERIOUSLY wounded.  His pregnant wife died in a car accident, and he's roped into marrying the woman who was driving (and who happens to have loved him for her entire life).  IT COULD HAPPEN!  He's kind of an ass to her...until he realizes that ohmigosh he loves her. I know. But, I swear, as a reader, you go with it.  Because you can't help it.  It's just that good.   
  
  
• Midnight Jewels by Jayne Ann Krentz - This was my first Jayne Ann Krentz book...and one of my first single-title contemporaries.  It is still my favorite of all of her books, and I'm not really sure if it's the nostalgia factor or the fact that I'm completely and utterly in love with the hero--and was from the very first second I saw his name.  I mean, who doesn't fall for Croft Falconer? Add to it the fact that the whole story is centered around a rare book, and stop it. I'm sold. This is also as close to romantic suspense as this list will get. 
  
  
• Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas - It's no secret that I think that Lisa Kleypas writes quite possibly the most perfect historical romance heroes (I'm looking at you, St. Vincent). And I will follow her blindly.  Regency? Victorian New Orleans? Gypsies?  Yes.  But when she went contemporary, I thought, Oh No! But...but...how could these heroes ever compete?  And what is this first person POV? And then I met Hardy Cates and....Oh YES. YES YES! Add to that the fact that the book deals with some really tough issues--spousal abuse--and still delivers a passionate, heart-wrenching lovestory, and...well, yes.
  
  
• Nobody's Baby but Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips - I was woefully late to the SEP party.  That said, I have made up for lost time in an extraordinary way. And, while I haven't completed my tour through her catalog, I've come close...and I feel confident in putting Nobody's Baby but Mine on the list.  Such a fun read. Brilliant physicist goes after hot hot HOT football player thinking he'll be dumb enough to both even out the gene pool and give up those genes without a fight.  Too bad he's clever, funny and smart himself.  When these two go head to head, you won't want it to end.
  
  
• Sweet Liar by Jude Deveraux - As you know from my historical list, Jude Deveraux holds a very special, very important place in my heart as the author of the very first historical romance I ever read--The Black Lyon.  With that, she started a long and rich collection of books about a single family, The Montgomerys, who ultimately merge with the Taggart family.  There are about six centuries worth of Montgomerys and Taggarts in the Deveraux catalog, and when we get to modern day, there's always a risk that heroes living now can't possibly compete with dukes and earls and larger-than-life heroes of then.  And then you meet Michael Taggert, the hero of Sweet Liar, and you forget that there was ever a risk.  Because this book, a brilliant contemporary wrapped up in the history of the St. Valentine's Day-esque massacre, ultimately is one heckuva love story.  If you've never read a book by JD, don't start here...but definitely finish with this one.
  
  
• Frisco's Kid by Suzanne Brockmann - Remember when I said that no contemporary romance list is complete without a Navy SEAL book?  Well, if you're going to read a Navy SEAL book, it ought to be by Suzanne Brockmann.  Because the woman does SEALs like nobody's business. Frisco's Kid is one of her Tall, Dark & Dangerous series, and my personal favorite.  I am a sucker for a wounded hero, who can only be saved by the love of a good woman (who isn't?).  Here, we've got wounded soldier + good woman + 6-year-old niece + the body and mind of a SEAL. Is it getting hot in here? Yum.
  
  
• Warrior by Elizabeth Lowell - Ok...this one makes the list for nostalgia reasons as much as anything else.  This book was originally published as a Silhouette Desire and my friend Lindsay and I passed it back and forth and drooled over the hero--Nevada (wounded warrior and TOTAL Alpha male)--until the cover fell off.  I still have my original copy, Scotch taped together with love.  And the scene in the cabin when they finally FINALLY give into each other?  Knee-watering.  (NB: My version of this book is out of print.  This link takes you to an HQN reprint that includes another book in Lowell's series. That one's worth the read, too!)
  
  
• And while I'm all the way down here on memory lane, discussing those series books that I fell in love with when I was 13, I have to give a slot to Diana Palmer. So... The Long, Tall Texans Series by Diana Palmer - More cowboys.  Yes.  But who doesn't love a good cowboy? Ok.  I'm totally cheating here...because when I was a kid, these books were individual titles.  But now, you can read about Calhoun, Justin and Tyler in one fell swoop. Start with Calhoun--Texas playboy and all-around bad boy.  But, oh. My.
  

Now, like always, I'm questioning the list...what about the newer authors?  The Harlequins I've loved recently?  Uhm...Toni Blake? Kristan Higgins? Jenny Crusie? Forget it. This is too hard. I apologize, in advance, for the books I've missed. It's your turn to tell me what I *have* missed. Did I pick the wrong book from one of these authors?  Or did i blow it by not including some other author altogether?

Comment with omissions, debate (and recommendations, as always)!

---
Looking for the earlier list of Historicals?  Here it is!

A Novel Romance

If you've never watched a web series...you should try Life from the Inside, which proves just how funny and clever web-based television can be.

The premise:

Mason Evan Harris was the best "English Language Obscure Foreign Holiday Novelty Songwriter" in the business. That was 5 years ago. Now that his money has run out, he's reluctantly come out of retirement to start a new career as a less-than-enthusiastic jingle writer. The road back to financial stability would be easier if his friends would just leave him alone...and if he was willing to leave his apartment.

Today, the LFTI team gave me this little thing of awesome...an Internet short that is made for romance fans...and the men in their lives. I like to think this is what Eric does when I'm not home.

The Benefits of Pining....

Yesterday, Sue Grimshaw, the romance buyer for Borders (uhm, could there be a better job than that? I don't think so) blogged a book report style post of NINE RULES TO BREAK WHEN ROMANCING A RAKE. Now, after I finished having my minor heart attack, brought on by the fact that "OMG my book is in the real world and I can't stop anyone from reading it," and then by "OMG she liked it!" I realized that it's probably time to confess something.

I'm a piner.

I've been a piner my whole life.

So much so, actually, that when my friend Meghan (who has known me for better than 12 years) read Sue's very reasonable question about Callie, the heroine of NINE RULES (who pines for her hero for 8 long years): "I realize in the 1800’s a woman is probably more apt to pine for a longer period of time, but to relate this story to today’s reader, isn’t 8 years a bit much?", Meghan said, "Uhm, clearly Sue does not know that you are a piner of Olympic proportions."

Yes. Yes I am.

Some might call this a flaw. They might suggest that pining is the mark of desperation. To them I say, I prefer to think of it as a mark of persistence.

May I present Exhibit 1: My husband.

I started pining for Eric in 1997. I was in college when my friend Cat, who was dating his roommate--Jake--called their house on speakerphone, and I heard Eric's voice on their answering machine. I can remember precisely where I was, sitting in her Pier I papasan chair, and his voice was deep and rumbly and lovely and I leaned forward in a vague approximation of the way I would ultimately tumble for this mysterious disembodied voice of a man. I had to meet him. And I can't really say why it was so difficult. Cat and I were in Western Massachusetts; Jake and Eric were in Boston. There is no good reason why we never met...but we didn't. And he moved back to California, and I moved to New York and that was that.

But in August of 1999, Cat & Jake got married. In Fresno, California. And I knew this was my chance to finally meet THE VOICE. And I will tell you, I worked out for an entire summer in the hopes of wooing him away from whatever girl he brought to the wedding with my feminine wiles and bridesmaid-dress shrouded person (thank you to Cat for not choosing a hideous bridesmaid dress). And there, as we were standing in line, ready to enter the reception, I saw him. 6'4" and blonde, standing across the room. And I said, "Cat. Who is that?" (because, at this point, it's totally not about the bride--she's already found her guy) And she smiled, and said "That's Eric."

And I was certain. The Voice was The One.

I wish I could say that it ended there...but it didn't. We talked, we laughed, we went for mexican food and to a movie, and then I came back East. And he stayed in California. For two more years. And we had a purely Internet-based friendship.

But, oh, did I pine.

And this is the best part: So did he.

And then, September 11th happened. And, there, in the midst of tragedy, we realized that pining isn't all it's cut out to be. Sometimes, you just have to take the risk--because the reward is worth all the nerves and fear and potential heartache.

Sometimes, you have to make a list and do the things you've always wanted to do.

And that's where NINE RULES TO BREAK WHEN ROMANCING A RAKE begins.

Things that are Awesome: Obama <3s Romance

President Obama with a romance novel.


Want the whole story? Read it here on Geri Krotow's blog.

So Excited for RWA!!!

Just a quick post for now because I'm getting SO excited for RWA this year! I've printed out my workshop schedule...and downloaded my workshop handouts...and am getting SO SO excited to hang out with a whole community of people who are as geeked-out about romance as I am! Yay!

I'll be twittering like mad from the conference all next week...and will most certainly blog from DC...but for now, an announcement!

For those of you who are around on Wednesday afternoon (July 15th), swing on over to the Marriott Wardman Park exhibit hall for the 2009 "Readers for Life" Literacy Autographing! More than 500 romance authors are scheduled to participate in this two-hour autographing event--raising thousands of dollars to donate to ProLiteracy Worldwide (FYI...I'll be the one freaking out about signing in the same room as Elizabeth Hoyt. And Julia Quinn. And Nora Roberts. And Eloisa James. And...OMG. I can't think anymore about it).

So, yeah...bring your cash and buy signed books for a great cause. And if you have time...come hang out by me so I look less like a squawking fangirl and more like a bona-fide author (even though we all know the truth).

BEA Update! Mark Those Calendars!

I'll have more info on my Book Expo shenanigans next week, I hope, but I just wanted to put myself on your calendars!

I'll be signing at Table #2 at the BEA Autographing Area on Friday, May 29 from 10 - 10:30am! This is during the "Romance Salute," which sounds awesome...I'm not a little bit sorry that I can't go stalk the other Romance Authors on the list!

But I shall persevere...and hopefully see you all there!

Calling All New Englanders!

I'm super excited to be reading at "Rhode Island Author Night" on this Friday, May 1, at the Barnes & Noble in Smithfield, Rhode Island. When I was first invited to be a part of the event, I had no idea there were so many authors in RI...and a fair share of romance novelists to boot!

So...those of you who are in or around the Ocean State next Friday evening, be sure to come out and hang with all of us! Aside from yours truly, Rhode Island Author Night will feature the literary stylins of:

• Edward Lee, Jr, author of Ripper,
  
• Jim Ignasher, who writes nonfiction about my homestate,
  
• David Bettencourt, author of a history of the amusement park of my youth, Rocky Point Park,
  
• Fr. Matthew Powell, author of Performing Parables,
  
• Thomas D'Agostino, author of Haunted RI -- and, as one of the 13 original colonies, I'm guessing there are LOTS of ghosts in RI,
  
• Donna Russo Morin, author of Courtier's Secret,
  
• Annette Blair, Romance Writer,
  
• Dr. Ed Iannucilli, author of Growing Up Italian (which I imagine will be a portrait of my youth),
  
• Hannah Howell, Romance Writer,
  
• Patricia Grasso, Romance Writer,
  
• Eric Sturtvant, Illustrator extraordinaire.

It should be a really fun event...hope to see you all there!

Matt Lauer Says Romance is Recession Proof!

After yesterday's piece on Romance and the Recession in the New York Times, the Today Show jumped on the bandwagon this morning with this piece...more kitsch than news, but interesting nonetheless!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Read More Romance - Part I (Historical)

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!!!)

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Looking for Contemporary Romance instead?  Here's that list!