We’re picking up with Kati’s favorite Historical Romances.
A few weeks ago, Renee of Renee’s Book Addiction decided to start blogging about romances that had become her favorites as she’s been reading. It’s a well known fact that there’s very little that I enjoy more than making a list. So, I decided to list my favorites too in the hopes that this might inspire a good conversation about what makes a romance your favorite, which genres are you favorites and of course, which books I’m missing or you’ve read that you think should be on the list.
Please note with each genre, I’ve listed only ONE book by each author (even though many of these authors have multiple books on my keeper shelves) and only ONE book in a series. It should also be noted that although these books are numbered, they are not in any particular order and are not ranked in order of my favorites.
1- The Windflower by Tom and Sharon Curtis. This book comes as no surprise to anyone. It is not just my favorite historical romance, but my favorite romance of all time. I know that many readers didn’t enjoy it. It’s very old school. But for me, the wonderful prose, the funny characters and a heroine who I like (I can hear Ana gasping in England right now) keep me coming back over and over again.
2- Again the Magic by Lisa Kleypas. This is not the most popular of Lisa’s historical romances, but it is my favorite. It features her trademark blue collar hero and a heroine of noble birth. McKenna is both tender and difficult at the same time, and the sweet and enduring love that he has for the heroine makes it a favorite for me. His speech at the end of the book to the heroine is some of Lisa’s best work, IMHO.
3- The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn. Book 2 in the Bridgerton series, this book illustrates perfectly Quinn’s mastery of dialogue that sparkles and the family interactions that has made this series both enduring and so well loved. Anthony and Kate are brilliant together as they go toe to toe. Kate is easily my favorite of Quinn’s heroines: smart, loyal, and protective, she’s someone who I’d love to have as a friend.
4- The Spymaster’s Lady by Joanna Bourne. What makes this book so remarkable is the sense of place that Bourne creates. Her mastery of making dialogue just *sound* right is incredible, especially for a first effort. The book ruined me for historicals for months and months after reading it, and it remains on my Keeper Shelf.
5- Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase. Confession: thus far, this is the only Chase book that has worked for me. I’ve tried multiple others with no luck. But Jessica Trent is my all time favorite romance heroine. She’s determined and fiesty and more than capable of taking on a blackguard like Dane. It is a truly sublime reading experience.
6- Slightly Dangerous by Mary Balogh. This is a book that remains in my Top 10 Romances of all time. Why? Because the thawing of Wulfric Bedwyn is such a gradual and magical experience. Plus, Balogh has drawn a heroine who is his counterpart in every way. The book is quite evocative of Pride & Prejudice in the very best possible way. It is an annual re-read for me, and an experience that I revel in every time.
7- All Through The Night by Connie Brockway. The story of an honorable Captain and a jewel thief, ATTN is a dark, emotional story. Connie Brockway is able to squeeze every drop of sexual tension from each interaction between the hero and heroine. The heroine’s secret and the way she toys with the hero is sublime. And then there’s the scene with the chair…
8- Scandal by Carolyn Jewel. This is easily my favorite historical read of the year. It is the circling between the hero and the heroine, and his determination to be the man he thinks she deserves that makes the book so entertaining. It is Jewel’s mastery of the written word that makes the book superb.
9- The Secret by Julie Garwood. I struggle with which Garwood is my favorite. I love The Secret because of the close relationship between the heroine and her best friend. And for how confounded the hero is by the heroine. And how proud he is. Garwood’s Scottish set books are my favorites. I could just have easily chosen The Prize, a medieval and another complete favorite.
10 – A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught. This romance was the first book I’d read where I realized that one could laugh while reading an emotional book. McNaught created many of the “romance cliches” that exist today. But this book is at its best when it is playing Montagues and Capulets. The final scene of the book is among my favorite ever written. Even if the heroine does have a ridiculously modern name. Jenny and Royce’s journey is another annual re-read for me.
I seriously could name another 10 romances, but not without repeating authors. I hope this list either brings back fond memories, or makes you want to pick one of these romances up. I highly recommend each one.
Loading ...
LisaK
on Jul 12th, 2009
@ 3:40 am:
Although I discovered Lisa Kleypas relatively late she immediately became one of my favourite authors and also presented me with my favourite romance EVAH: Lady Sophia’s Lover. Someone To Watch Over Me from the same series follows close by but LSL somehow captured me and never really let me go. I could read it and read it and then read it again.
My favourite by JQ is Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, also the first book by her I ever read (which somehow spoiled the Lady Whisteldown mystery for me when I read the previous Bridgerton books later, but, well). It’s one of the funniest romances ever (I laughed the entire time while reading the scene when Colin wants to tell Mrs. Featherington that he wants to marry Penelope – hilarious!) and at the same time so very sad. Penelope is IMO one of the heroines who deserves a HEA most.
I have to say I wasn’t as captivated by Lord Of Scoundrels as I thought I would be after what I’d heard from everyone. I really liked it and Jess is some smart heroine who simply rocks, but there are other books I like way better.
I have not yet read the “Slightly”-books but the “Simply”s where the Bedwyns appear – mostly in Simply Love. Sigh, what a heartmelting story. I fell in love with Sydnam immediately. And I was very surprised because I’m actually more for the steamy scenes, but with Balogh’s books slow, quiet and romantic works so very well that I couldn’t imagine it otherwise…
Have you read Jacquie D’Alessandro? Her Mayhem In Mayfair is absolutely great!
I also recently discovered Tracy Anne Warren, who caught my interest with one of the funniest short stories ever – and Tempted By His Kiss absolutely held the standard.
Lorraine Heath, Celeste Bradley and Suzanne Enoch are great, too.
Okay, now I think I’ve written everything I wanted to write…
KatiDancy
on Jul 12th, 2009
@ 8:53 am:
Lisa – Like you, Lisa Kleypas is my favorite historical author. In fact, with her contemporaries being as strong as they are, she’s in my top 3 favorite authors ever. I love her consistency. She never fails to engage my emotions with her writing, and the way she writes a blue collar guy? Amazing!
There have been lots of other historicals that have really works for me too, but I figured 10 were enough.
Maria Lokken
on Jul 12th, 2009
@ 9:49 am:
Kati – you’ve certainly picked some of my favorites. The Spymaster’s Lady ranks up there in my top ten. I read the book after it had been ‘buzzed’ about on the net. Usually when I read a book or see a movie after it’s been hyped, I’m not always satisfied. Not true with The Spymaster’s Lady, I thought it was a fresh approach to the historical genre and that’s what kept me turning the pages.
Another favorite is Laura Kinsale’s Flowers from the Storm. Thought it was terrific.
Marisa
on Jul 12th, 2009
@ 10:24 am:
OK, Ok, I’m so with you on most of these books. I must say one of my new favorite Lisa Kleypas historicals is Seduce Me at Sunrise – when Kev tells Win he loves her – it’s a masterpiece of writing.
I must say after both you, Katibabs, and practically everyone else gushed about Scandal I ran out and got me a copy. I’m sorry to say I was a bit disappointed. Although I enjoyed the book, it did not necessarily sweep me away… I know not a very articulate critique… for me it was more a feeling of being somewhat empty and not connecting with the characters.
I’ve been reading a lot of historicals lately and I have to say I was impressed with Susan Johnson’s Gorgeous as Sin – I was intrigued and somewhat mesmerized by her use of language.
katiebabs
on Jul 12th, 2009
@ 10:40 am:
Brockway needs to write a sequel to All Through The Night. That book is an intense, sexual journey for both the hero and heroine.
Kingdom of Dreams had me the moment Jenny talks about her kingdom of dreams.
Lord of Scoundrels. What can I say that hasn’t been already said?
Grace Fonseca
on Jul 12th, 2009
@ 12:21 pm:
Two of my favorite Histrorical Romances are Jennifer Ashley’s The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie. I just couldn’t put it down. Then there was The Madness of Lord Easterbrook. Loved these two because it was the men chasing the women and ending up with the woman and I couldn’t put them down.
Buffie
on Jul 12th, 2009
@ 6:22 pm:
Great selection of historical Kati. I’m surprised you don’t have a true grit medieval on your list, but maybe they just didn’t make the top 10.
Lisa K — I totally agree with you on Jacquie D’s series. I love all her books — historicals and contemps!
KatiDancy
on Jul 12th, 2009
@ 8:57 pm:
Buffie – I think you’re a bigger fan of medieval than I am. I adore AKOD, and I also liked Elizabeth Lowell’s medieval series, but generally, I’m not a huge fan. But I’m definitely willing to put myself in your hands. What would you recommend to get me started?
Lisa from Temple
on Jul 12th, 2009
@ 9:02 pm:
I liked Again the Magic too, but my favorite Lisa Kleypas historical would probably be Devil in Winter. And I totally agree with TVWLM-that is hands-down my favorite Bridgerton/JQ book!
However, my favorite Judith McNaught historical is Something Wonderful with Jordan and Alex. But Marisa, you already knew that right?
Marisa
on Jul 12th, 2009
@ 10:01 pm:
Ooh Kati, I forgot all about Elizabeth Lowell’s medieval’s – I love them.
Andrea
on Jul 14th, 2009
@ 3:30 pm:
I totally agree with you about TVWLM by JQ. It still remains my favorite, though her newest, WHAT HAPPENS IN LONDON, is now right up there with it. Brilliant.
kd
on Jul 17th, 2009
@ 6:43 pm:
Katie,
I love all of Laura London’s [Tom & Sharon Curtis'] books. Ever since I ran across Love’s a Stage at a bookstore in Washington State many years ago, I sought out to collect all of them. So I agree, I love the books b/c they don’t have to have overly graphic sex scenes, the character, the story and plot are enough to real you in and the romance is just enough to stir your senses. GREAT book choices!
Heather
on Aug 10th, 2009
@ 7:31 pm:
I love reading from all the authors above. I’m curious though, would you know of a book that was being published this year. I don’t remember the name just that the heroine went by the name Piper and she fell in love with an American Captain. They meet by chance during a fight on a beach, and he kissed her before rowing back to his boat. It was marked for publishing in May of 2009 but I can’t find anything.
Thanks for sharing with us!
Tami
on Nov 27th, 2009
@ 12:49 pm:
I read a book about 9 years ago I want to read again. I laughed out loud and I can’t remember the name. A young women is thrown overboard by servants, I think. Anyway she ends up someplace full of misfits. Does this ring a bell to anyone?
Thanks!!
Sandi
on Jan 13th, 2010
@ 10:36 am:
Kate,
I love your List and many are in my top ten as well.. But I must say your list is lacking one Great Book.. “The Bronze Horseman” by Paulina Simons. After reading this book I found that nothing compares to it. By far this is the best book I have ever read.