Following on to my post last week of favorite contemporary romances, I thought I'd do a post about my favorite historicals. Again, I'll try to name each author once (much harder in historical for me) and not name multiple books in a series, wherever possible. (These are in no particular order)
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.
What historical romances would you have on your list?
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.
What historical romances would you have on your list?
18 comments:
Great list, Kati! I'm totally taking notes, since I've only read about half of these. That Balogh keeps looking better and better.
I actually started my next post for this, with my uf faves.
My list is:
Devil's Bride (Cynster #1) by Stephanie Laurens
Lord of Soundrels by Loretta Chase
Scandal by Carolyn Jewel
The Devil in Winter (Wallflowers #3) by Lisa Kleypas
Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas
To Seduce a Sinner (Legend of the 4 Soldiers #2) by Elizabeth Hoyt
The only book I've read from your list is McNaught's (she one of my all time favorite authors).
I'll have to think about who would make my list.
Great post!
I've got like 3 of these in the TBR. The only one I've actually read? All Through The Night by Connie Brockway. I have to admit I don't get all the fuss about this book. Yes, it was a good book (it was a B for me), but I guess the sheer majesty of it flew over my head.
That being said, OMG - I loved the ending of that book! Actually, that's about the only thing I remember clearly about the story, other than the stupid chit that the heroine had to chaperone and that I wanted to bitch-slap throughout the entire story.
Kati, I just wanted to say what a great post this is. Summarizing the best of a book in 3 or 4 lines is a rare talent - and when you list a bunch of books without repeating yourself, you show what a good writer and thoughtful review you are.
er, that should be "thoughtful reviewER".
I sure wish Blogger comments were editable!!
:blushes:
Thank you so much, Nicola! What a lovely compliment!
All Through The Night by Connie Brockway. I have to admit I don't get all the fuss about this book. Yes, it was a good book (it was a B for me), but I guess the sheer majesty of it flew over my head.
You know, Wendy, I get that. This is a book that has been hyped quite a lot. For me, what works so well about it is how long the heroine manages to keep the secret, and how she draws the hero out. I love their chemistry. And as I said, the scene w/the chair is just so memorable to me.
Kati: It's also quite different from some of Brockway's other historicals, which were definitely lighter in tone. The Bridal books for example.
I think the big appeal of ATTN is that many readers discovered it during an era with the Light, Fluffy Regency Historical was Queen Of The Romance Genre. Hey, I think "light" has it's place, but for a while there, it really seemed to overrun the market place. I wouldn't necessarily classify ATTN as an angst-y read, but it definitely has it's own unique vibe going on....
Gah, and I love that ending.
Kati~Ah the scene with the chair in All Through the Night... awesome! I loved that book, too.
I would pick similar authors but not the same books. Stranger in My Arms for Kleypas, My Lord and Spymaster for Joanna Bourne, and Captives of the Night for Loretta Chase. I'd also choose Guilty Pleasures by Laura Lee Guhrke, In My Wildest Dreams by Christina Dodd, and Lord of Fi-yahr by Gaelen Foley.
His speech at the end of the book to the heroine is some of Lisa's best work, IMHO.
*nods in complete agreement* It was on your recommendation that I read this book Kati and I love that speech!
My favourite historicals... *thinks*
* Knave's Wager (Loretta Chase). This is a lesser know book of LC's, but I just adore it. The games the hero plays, and how he loses the one that really matters; the controlled heroine who is honourable and honest...and afraid. *SIGH*
* Knight’s Move (Jennifer Landsbert). A little know medieval romance, but a gorgeous story. Am thinking I should purchase a copy and send it around the world a la The Windflower so everyone can discover it :)
* Devil in Winter and Mine Till Midnight (Lisa Kleypas). I know, that's two, but I can't decide - I love both!
* Devil’s Bride (Stephanie Laurens)
* The Perfect Rake (Anne Gracie). The heroine isn’t conventionally beautiful, or slim , but to the hero she is absolutely beautiful! And I love how he things ever other woman pales into comparison with the heroine :)
Oh, and I also loved Slightly Dangerous.
Thanks so much for this post! I've been reading paranormal but wanted to try historical romance and didn't know what to try. The selection is sooo intimidating. I look forward to reading these selections!
Patti - I hope you find something you love.
Orannia - You've got a couple listed there I haven't heard of. Maybe the earlier Loretta Chase will work for me. And I'm always looking for a good medieval.
Heidenkind - I love Guilty Pleasures! I forgot that one! I love a good ugly duckling story and this one is one of my favorites.
Hmm...excellent list, though I admit to only reading a couple of the books. :)
Here's my list (in no particular order)...and a disclaimer...I don't really care for historical romance all that much. I know! There's gotta be something wrong with me. That being said, here's my list. :)
1. Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase. I LOVE this book. :)
2. Secrets of a Summer's Night by Lisa Kleypas. This is my favorite and it's all because of Simon. *sigh*
3. Years by LaVyrle Spencer. One of the best coming-of-age romances I can think of. I love Theodore and his family.
4. Broken Wing by Judith James. I love this book. I blame KristieJ. :)
5. Mr. Cavendish, I Presume by Julia Quinn. I love how the romance grows slowly but surely. The interactions between the two main characters as they're falling in love is just...awesome!
6. Three Nights of Sin by Anne Mallory-This one hasn't been heard about much in the blogosphere, but it's very evocative and the language of the book is just gorgeous. I need to read it again. :)
7. Romancing Mr. Bridgerton is my favorite Bridgerton book by Julia Quinn. Penelope and Colin just work together so well, IMHO. :)
And honestly? Off the top of my head, that's it. My favorites. :D
Kati - I just adore Knave's Wager. The hero is described as a bad, beautiful angel :)
And if you're interested in reading Knight's Move I could send you a copy?
Oh - loads of these are on my list! I'd add everything by Judith Ivory and Pat Gaffney. And a couple of more recent ones would be The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt, The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie by Jennifer Ashley and If you Deceive by Kresley Cole. And about another 3 or 4 Baloghs.
Ooooohhh - are you giving us 10?
These aren't necessarily in order - the top ones are all so good I can't really pull them apart but here goes
1) Broken Wing - Judith James
2) Dreaming of You - Lisa Kleypas
3) Lord of Scoundrels - Lord of Scoundrels
4) Ride the Fire - Pamela Clare
5) The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie
6) Once and Always - Judith McNaught
7)Suddenly You - Lisa Kleypas
8) Seduce Me At Sunrise - Lisa Kleypas
9) Flowers From the Storm - Laura Kinsale
10) The Shadow and the Storm - Laura Kinsale
And I have about 3 or 4 others I could easily add to the list!!
Great Lists! I'd add the following:
* Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught
* Ransom by Julie Garwood
* The Black Lyon by Jude Deveraux
btw: Where is the Windflower on its tour? I know I'm on the list somewhere but it's never found it's way to me. *sigh*
I've only read a few of the ones you've listed but agree on them totally. The Viscount Who Loved Me, The Spymasters Lady, Lord of Scoundrels - all fabulous books.
Post a Comment