Intense from the first page and never lets up, this book will sweep you into
an exciting and passionate world. I really liked the hero, who would do
anything to protect his own.
I read a lot, but I can only claim a few books as my absolute favorites. The romances mentioned here have stood the test of time and many house moves. As I look through the list, I realize all the stories transformed my reading habits and preferences. There’s a mix of contemporary and historical, category and single title, yet they share the three essentials that I look for as a reader. Each book empowers, encourages and entertains.
The Spaniard's Passion
By Jane Porter
Harlequin Presents, December 2003
If you've been holding out for the perfect hero, the wait is over. I found him in The Spaniard's Passion by Jane Porter. Alonso Galvan represents everything I love about men. He has gone to hell and back for his woman and I know he would do it again without hesitation. I am just as mesmerized by his fierce emotions as the heroine Sophie is. Although I've been reading romances for over twenty years, The Spaniard's Passion is now the standard for what I expect and need in a love story.
That Carolina Summer
By Janet Dailey
Harlequin Presents, March 1982
The heroine is unlike any other I had previously read in romances. While some readers might find her manipulative, I found her determination refreshing. She had the ability to set a goal and make it happen. Of course, trouble usually followed, but that’s half the fun. When her goal is having a fling on her own terms with the hero — a man who challenges her in every way — the reader sits back and enjoys the ride.
In Good Faith
By Judith McWilliams
Harlequin Temptation, April 1986
Three elderly gentlemen decide to play matchmaker by presenting a marriage contract to a woman who refuses to meet traditional expectations. When she meets the man handpicked for her, the heroine decides the marriage contract needs a few updated addendums. This charming story has an inspirational subtext that adds another dimension to the main characters.
The Midnight Hour
By Jude O’Neill
Silhouette Special Editions, June 1987
A team of mystery writers (who also happen to be an estranged married couple) reunites at a ‘murder weekend’ in this highly entertaining story. The romance is like a Tracy and Hepburn film. The heroine tries to conceal her vulnerability behind the most wickedly funny dialogue, but she eventually realizes that love doesn’t have to be a liability.
Secret Admirer
By Susan Napier
Harlequin Presents, May 1988
After reading this book, I really wanted to be a romance writer. Without giving too much of the story away, Susan Napier brilliantly plays on the romance reader’s assumptions. The story has many twists and turns; when the truths are revealed, you have to go back and re-read as you wondered how you missed the cleverly placed clues. This book is also a scorching sexy book from the very first chapter.
Catspaw II
By Anne Stuart
Harlequin Intrigue, December 1988
A jewel thief who gives Pierce Brosnan a run for his money, a heroine who every reader will identify with, and a sophisticated romantic adventure that crackles with sexual tension, it’s no wonder I have to hide this book before my twin sister comes for a visit! Unfortunately I haven’t read the elusive first book in this series, but I’m hopeful.
Gift of Gold
by Jayne Ann Krentz
Warner Books, 1993
Before I read Gift of Gold, I was unfamiliar with paranormal elements in contemporary romance. This book was a perfect introduction of the sub-genre because it reinforced the idea that the hero and heroine were destined to be together. Actually, this book has it all: suspenseful mystery, volatile sexual chemistry, a headstrong heroine and a hero whose quiet strength and restraint enhances his aura of power. This book put Jayne Ann Krentz on my auto-buy list.
Just a Kiss Away
by Jill Barnett
Pocket Books, November 1991
The dynamics between the hero and heroine is classic, and the character transformations are top-notch. By the time the overprotected lady become a self-sufficient woman (thanks to a character-building run through the jungle and a to-die-for hero) I was already making space in my keeper shelf for this captivating and amusing book.
Caught in the Act
by Janis Reams Hudson
Loveswept, March 1995
Every once in a while you pick up a book, unaware that the moment you read the first page, the story will grab you by the throat and hurl you through a smart, forceful, fast-paced romance that leaves you breathless. This is one of those stories. I was intrigued by the heroine who is not a wimpy hostage, and I liked how the unpredictable plot melds beautifully with the intense romance.
Access Romance
An online community where romance readers and authors interact. Access Romance has chats, message boards, articles, scrapbooks, contests goodies and lots more. If you like reading romance, you'll love this site.(posted
February 7, 2006)
Brava Authors Learn more about the Brava authors, find out the latest news and enter the contests. Read excerpts of the erotic romance for today's woman and talk about it on the message board (posted
December 1, 2003)
Romantic Times BOOKclub Shifting its focus away from romance books, RT BOOKclub is now for "lovers of mystery, romance and women's fiction". Each monthly issue has over 150 book reviews, features on authors and industry news. The website offers more information about your favorite authors and cover models, message boards and reader resources.(posted September 16, 2002)
Cata-romance
A community of readers and writers focusing exclusively on category romances (also known as series romances). There is a Reader’s Lounge forum and chat, along with information about your favorite category author, links, and contest announcements. This site is a gateway for readers to find out what’s going on with their beloved lines. (posted Summer 2002)
The Complete Writer's Guide to Heroes & Heroines: Sixteen Master Archetypes
By Tami D. Cowden, Caro LaFever and Sue Viders
Lone Eagle Publishing Company, 2000
Paperback, 200 pages
ISBN: 1-58065-024-4 ~ $17.95 USD
Using well-known literature and film characters as examples, the authors define and analyze traditional archetypes. The book is separated into three parts: Hero Archetypes, Heroine Archetypes and Archetypes Interaction. Each archetype lists a brief character description before delving into personality qualities, virtues, flaws, styles, backgrounds and possible occupations. The interaction part explains how two archetypes clash, mesh and change. If you have trouble understanding your characters, this book is for you! (posted March 14, 2003)
Stephanie Bond's Writing Articles
Stephanie Bond offers a treasure trove of writing articles on her website. The Self-Editing checklist is incredibly helpful, but her Mind Your Business series should be considered required reading for all fiction writers.(posted January 15, 2003)
Passionate Pen: a resource for writers of romance
Passionate Pen is an online resource for writers of romance. Updated every Monday, the Passionate Pen offers current information about romance-friendly publishers and agents. There are writing articles, reviews on reference books, a list of helpful writing resources and an in-depth look on getting an agent. The Passionate Pen also offers the occasional chat about the romance field and an email loop discussing industry, craft and good news.(posted August 15, 2002)
Road to Romance - Read the Romantic Happenings column before you head off to the bookstore as Susanna turns the spotlight on sensual romance publishers and small presses. (posted June 1, 2004)
Once Upon a Time Online - Can't think of the perfect gift for a reader? Read Susanna's gift ideas and get inspired. (posted June 1, 2004)
EC Promotions Newsletter - In Susanna's BookBuzz, she reviews business and marketing resource books aimed at writers. For those interested in creative or motivational guides to writing, click over to read Susanna's reviews at The DreamWeaver. (posted June 1, 2004)
Writing for more than one subgenre of romance? Why? Is it because you decided you have more than one kind of story to tell? Or is it something else?
Answer one:I have a story idea that doesn't fit the romances I've been writing. Susanna's take:You have just one story idea? Does it really intrigue you? Enough to take time away from what you've been working on until now? Do you have a lot of ideas in this subgenre that are clamoring for your attention? Will the additional subgenre help achieve the career you want, or will it sidetrack you? For example, if you want to be known as an inspirational romance author, will this new subgenre help you achieve that goal?
Answer two:My goal is to be multi-published. My strategy is targeting more than one publisher and one subgenre of romance. Susanna's take: There are authors who successfully write more than one subgenre for different houses, such as Katie MacAlister (www.katiemacalister.com), but oftentimes the tone or style remains the same. Katie tells me that while her books range from historical, vampire, chick-lit and contemporary, each story is a romantic comedy. You'll also notice that writers like Katie can produce many books in one year. This is important because frequency is necessary in establishing a career. And just because you write for both subgenera doesn't mean you'll use the same names. For example, MacAlister writes as Katie Maxwell for Smooch, Dorchester's young adult line. Can you write enough books in a year to sustain a career and create a following for each pen name? If so, go for it!
Answer three:I like the stories I'm writing, but the feedback I'm receiving suggests I'm writing for the wrong subgenre. Susanna's take: A lot of new authors try to write more than one subgenre because they like them all or because they don't know what fits their writing style. If you're receiving consistent feedback from people you respect and trust, then try a different subgenre. But follow your instincts and clarify what's being said before you give up on your first subgenre.
Overall, if you want to write everything from paranormal, military romance and everything in between, ask yourself these questions: What are willing to spend time on? Why are you writing it? Most importantly, will the subgenre take you to where you want to be in 5 years, 10 years and to your ultimate career goal?
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