A Plea For Choice
Paranormal romances are everywhere. That’s not exactly a newsflash. I’ve enjoyed many but must admit sometimes I want something else. For the last few weeks, I’ve been desperate to find a contemporary romance. No vampires or paranormal aspects - just a contemporary romance. Susan Elizabeth Phillips or Jennifer Crusie are the two I turn to in these situations. That’s a problem. SEP writes about one book per year, so it’s not hard to out-pace her. Crusie isn’t writing that much right now either.
I’ve searched the bookstore shelves. There just doesn’t seem to be much out there. Maybe I’m missing it. Maybe I’m passing the books by somehow. Could be that paranormal and erotic romance are getting more play and better table space right now. I’m willing to dig through the shelves. Anyone out there have a new release suggestion?
Don’t worry, I’m not expecting many comments. Just kind of hoping someone leads me to an author or book that’s new to me. Not that I’m begging…
September 22nd, 2006 at 8:41 am
You can always turn to category! Superromances are around 80K words long which is just a tad shorter than single titles, and many read as single titles. Blazes have a huge range of tones and storylines, but are again not single title length. Still, category is the best place to find a straightforward contemporary romance!
September 22nd, 2006 at 8:58 am
Have you read Deidre Martin? My faves of hers is Body Check and Penalty Box. I also liked the first story by Marianna Jameson My Hero. These three books feature smart, strong heroines. My Hero is a little wordy but I loved the dialogue in it.
There’s nary a suspense or paranormal thread in sight and its not that ephemeral comedy romance either.
September 22nd, 2006 at 8:59 am
Oh, and while I haven’t read her, Lani Diane Rich is often compared to Crusie for her quirky characters.
September 22nd, 2006 at 9:17 am
Deidre Martin is great! Also Susan Andersen, Rachel Gibson, and I especially like Deborah Smith. I am waiting for my library to get her newest “Crossroads Cafe.” But I would recommend Sweet Hush, Charming Grace, On Bear Mountain., When Venus Fell, or The Stone Flower Garden.
September 22nd, 2006 at 10:51 am
Angie - I’ve got Crossroads Cafe on order, too, and am so anxious to get it.
September 22nd, 2006 at 11:35 am
I love this question:
Susan Mallery - Delicious and Irresistible
Susan Mallery’s Marcelli books - The Marcelli Bride is the last one, The Seductive One, The Sassy One, The Sparkling one I think are the others.
Jill Marie Landis - Heartbreak Hotel, there are 2 others before it.
Maureen Child - Finding YOu, KNowing You, Loving You, You Turn my World Upside Down
Oldies - Linda Howard - Sarah’s Child and Kathleen Korbel - A Rose for Maggie - tug at your heartstrings books
Anything by Catherine Anderson or Susan Anderson
Barbara Delinsky is wonderful - esp Three Wishes and her Matchmaker Series - Twelve Across is one of them.
I could keep them acomin’. Hope you find one you havent read.
September 22nd, 2006 at 3:37 pm
Susan Donovan’s The Kept Women was really great my favorite by her was Knock Me Off My Feet which is a little suspenseful (sorry I don’t think I spelled that right) but super hot.
Aussie Rules by Jill Shalvis. Actually anything by her. Hope you find something that appeals to you.
September 22nd, 2006 at 7:49 pm
I’ve like Genie Davis and Lina Merrill’s contemporaries for Zebra. Very quirky.
September 23rd, 2006 at 6:37 am
Your fellow Brava authors, Lori Foster and Erin McCarthy. I’d even read her “High Stakes” because though it’s about vamps, it’s a light, sexy story.
LuAnn McCarthy’ “Hot Summer Nights” . Karen Kelley’s “Hell on Wheels”. Lucy Monroe’s “Come Up and See Me Sometime” and “Goodness Has Nothing To Do With It”. Toni Blake’s “In Your Wildest Dreams” and “Swept Away”.
Good luck in your search. I hear ya and feel the same way sometimes.
September 23rd, 2006 at 8:16 am
Tara Janzen and her “Crazy” series. Fabulous!
September 23rd, 2006 at 9:31 pm
I love Lani Diane Rich and Erin McCarthy. Lori Foster’s TOO MUCH TEMPTATION & NEVER TOO MUCH are favorites. Forgot all about Susan Mallery…she’s one I started reading in category. Keep saying I need to try Tara Janzen and the others are great suggestions. Didn’t even think about trying Superromance. I’m not sure I’ve read one. Will have to get to the bookstore.
Thanks for all of the suggestions!
September 24th, 2006 at 11:31 am
Let us know what books you picked up. Just curious have you read SEP’s Kiss an Angel or Heartbreak Hotel by Landis or The Red Diary by Toni Blake? Not your typical erotic book - soooo good.
November 24th, 2006 at 11:22 pm
I didnt find thing that i need…
msn