Like many writers I know, I constantly find myself surrounded by book people. It probably has something to do with the fact that I’m a bit of a nut when it comes to books, and I gravitate toward others like me. My TBR pile is a wobbly tower (several towers, actually, in various rooms of my house). I consider it a special treat to spend an hour alone perusing a book store. And one of my favorite conversations starts something like this: “So, I read the most amazing book recently…”
When you’re talking to other book people, and someone tells you something is their favorite book ever, you sit up and take notice, right? I do. Your favorite? Out of hundreds and hundreds of books you’ve read? Whenever anyone tells me something is their favorite book, that title goes straight to the top of my TBR pile, because even if it doesn’t turn out to be my favorite, I know I’m likely in for a very good read.
Because it’s the first week of February, I want to talk about favorite love stories. Favorites. Of all time. You know, those stories that pluck your emotions like guitar strings and make you feel like you’re falling in love again. I’m going to share some of my favorites from various categories, and I really hope you’ll drop a line and add yours, too! (And one lucky commenter will win a Borders gift card that can be used to buy some of these great titles.)
Favorite Romantic Suspense: Cry No More by Linda Howard. Note: Do not read the last scene of this book without a box of Kleenex nearby.
Favorite Contemporary Romance: This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I had never read SEP until she was the keynote speaker at Nationals one year and I was laughing through her speech. The woman sitting beside me said, “You’ve never read Susan?? You have to read This Heart of Mine. It’s my favorite book.” Because the woman was not only a romance reader, but an aspiring author too, I put a lot of stock in her opinion and bought the book that same day.
Favorite Romantic Comedy: (Notice I created a category so I could squeeze Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Jenny Crusie into the same list?) How about Jennifer Crusie’s Tell Me Lies.
Favorite Paranormal Romance: Now, some might argue that this book isn’t a full-fledged paranormal, but it has the time travel element, and it’s a fabulous book, so I’m going to go with it. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.
Favorite Historical Romance: Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale. Fellow Austin romance author Emily McKay once pulled me aside at a party and told me, “You must read this book!” Some people say it’s the best romance ever written. Read it. You won’t be sorry.
Favorite Classic Romance: I will have to go with Jane Austen here, Pride and Prejudice, although Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights is a close second for me.
What about you? Add your favorite love story to the list! And anyone who leaves a comment will get a chance to win a copy of my romantic suspense, Whisper of Warning and a $2o GIFT CARD TO BORDERS just in time for your Valentine’s Day shopping. Let’s hear it for love stories!
