How do you like that melodramatic title?
Someone recently asked me for my top recommendations. This is a toughie. There are many books I still have not read, and probably never will. Especially in the contemporary romance category, which is not my favorite.
So, let's rephrase: Here are Penelope's Favorite Romance Novels! This is a mix of mostly historical and paranormal (my favs), as well as a couple of extras (steampunk, contemporary, etc). I am going to add this as an extra page on my website, and will add/detract as my opinion changes.
1. WARRIOR by Zoe Archer
An extraordinary adventure. Packed with beautiful imagery, larger-than-life characters and a mystical storyline that takes you on the journey of a lifetime.
2. SKIN GAME by Ava Gray
I think this might be the only contemporary in this list. It blew me away. Totally unexpected, extremely sexy. Probably the most brilliant contemporary I've read.
3. SOULLESS by Gail Carriger
An incredible mix of historical humor, creative steampunk inventions and paranormal antics. Absolutely one-of-a-kind, quirky and enjoyable read.
4. THE FEVER SERIES by Karen Marie Moning
A departure from her earlier historical romance novels, this series is an epic fantasy. A thrilling first person narrative that combines horror, suspense and romance in an unbelievably riveting tale. Highly recommended.
5. THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE by Jennifer Ashley
The plotline wasn't perfect, but the hero is the most unique character I've ever seen in an historical romance. Ashley has created a truly fascinating, flawed, intense and sexy character in Ian Mackenzie. This book is amazing.
6. DREAMING OF YOU by Lisa Kleypas
The ultimate historical showcasing how opposites attract. Derek Craven has lived a brutal life, Sara Fielding is a sheltered writer from the country. Their love story is a classic.
7. A HUNGER LIKE NO OTHER by Kresley Cole
This paranormal series has its ups and downs, but this first installment is almost flawless in my humble opinion. Cole knows how to punch up her stories with pop culture references, smoky hot sex scenes, and an astronomically cool paranormal world.
8. MORE THAN A MISTRESS by Mary Balogh
This is my favorite by Balogh (with Simply Love in close second place). Balogh's voice is so beautiful, balanced, sensual. It's the perfect vehicle for an historical romance, and this story is fraught with emotion. It's a DIK.
9. HALFWAY TO THE GRAVE by Jeaniene Frost
This book blasted me into a fabulous paranormal series when I least expected it. Frost dishes out crazy high octane action, super intense sex, and fantastic characters. I recommend the entire series.
10. RAVISHED by Amanda Quick
I'm a JAK fan of epic proportions. These historicals are like sour cream and onion potato chips. You can't eat just one. You want to read every single freakin' book, in chronological order, and save all the old print copies until they disintegrate in the basement. This book is a fabulous twist on the Beastly hero. It's got Quick's signature quirky heroine, intellectual and grumpy hero, an intriguing storyline, and a lovely romance. Win. (With This Ring gets honorable mention).
11. THE ENDEARMENT by LaVyrle Spencer
A stunning example of LaVyrle's storytelling. This American frontier historical has one of the sweetest, most satisfying endings I've ever read.
12. LORD OF SCOUNDRELS by Loretta Chase
This historical romance is absolute perfection. I love every scene, every twist and turn in the plot, every nuance of the hero and heroine's development.
13. DARK LEGEND by Christine Feehan
I'm one of the die-hard fans of this Carpathian vampire series (although I have skipped a couple that were too violent for me). Dark Legend is my favorite. Feehan knows how to create an immortal bonding that is so romantic and intense, you crave your own tortured soul. Gabriel is the ultimate immortal hero.
14. THE BRIDE by Julie Garwood
Once you read Garwood's Scottish heroes, you'll be addicted. Her romances have been accused of being less than historically accurate, but I couldn't care less. This book showcases her talent with characterization....there is no way you will read this book and not fall madly in love with Alec Kincaid. No. Way.
15. NO TRUE GENTLEMAN by Liz Carlyle
This is part of a series, but No True Gentleman can be read alone. It has absolutely phenomenal chemistry between the heroine and hero, a really lovely formal voice which lends itself so well to the historical genre, and beautiful prose throughout. I adore this book, and Maximilian de Rohan is one of my all-time favorite heroes.
16. A DUKE OF HER OWN by Eloisa James
After I finished reading this the first time (I have re-read it many times since then), I felt giddy with happiness. The same way I felt after finishing Lord of Scoundrels. This book is sublime. Eloisa James does not always hit it out of the park, but when she does, she writes extraordinary books. (I also adored When Beauty Tamed The Beast, another incredible novel by James).
17. JANE EYRE by Charlotte Bronte
This is my favorite "classic" romance. Jane is probably the greatest heroine ever written....I love how she is a mixture of strength, courage, practicality and a loving heart. And the drama and tragedy and redemption in this novel (all through the power of love, of course) is so romantic it's ridiculous.
18. ALMOST LIKE BEING IN LOVE by Steve Kluger
This is a "non-romance" romance. It's funny, quirky, kooky, and bloody brilliant. It's my litmus test book. It's a pot of gold at the end of a gay rainbow. :^)
19. TO BEGUILE A BEAST by Elizabeth Hoyt
This is another one with a beastly hero (obviously one of my favorite themes in romance), and Hoyt has crafted a gorgeous story. This is a very emotional and earthy love story, with one of the most sweet and wonderful final scenes.
20. THE NIGHT OWL by Emma Holly (novella in Hot Blooded anthology)
This is my favorite novella. Emma Holly totally nails this paranormal quickie...it is lush and sexy and a great introduction to her upyr series. The perfect amuse-bouche for paranormal romance fans.
HONORABLE MENTION.....
FAVORITE MYSTERY WITH ROMANTIC ELEMENTS: The Liam Campbell Series by Dana Stabenow
This is not technically a romance, but this mystery series is so fabulous, I wanted to mention it. The relationship between Liam and Wy is integral to this storyline, and these books bring Alaska to life.
OTHER FAVORITE AUTHORS:
Stephanie Laurens, Jacquie D'Alessandro, Karen Hawkins, vintage Julia Quinn
So, at this moment in time, I consider these my favorite romance reads. I would love to hear your opinions (as if I could stop you, hee hee!).
Happy Romance Reading To All!
Penelope
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