tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post1426194423918926431..comments2024-01-17T04:33:08.243-08:00Comments on My Friend Amy: Let's Talk About.....Romance!Amyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02515314638093018928noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-65706491621068905872009-05-26T10:21:12.675-07:002009-05-26T10:21:12.675-07:00I started reading romance novels when I was at hom...I started reading romance novels when I was at home nursing babies and another new mom would bring over sacks of romances her mom had passed on. I discovered I like Nora Roberts, and my friend likes Julie Garwood.<br /><br />She still brings me a few, and I still read them, but I usually keep them in my car as something to read if I haven't brought anything else. A romance novel is fine with me, here and there, but a steady diet of them just isn't intellectually nutritious enough to keep me going.Jeannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01374498643286099244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-43721679035574025982009-05-23T10:46:56.990-07:002009-05-23T10:46:56.990-07:00I've thought about doing a topic similar to this f...I've thought about doing a topic similar to this for Weekly Geeks at some point--romance for the non-romance reader. I'm game for some romance in a book as long as the book has the other elements I look for (great characterization, beautiful writing, unpredictability, etc.). <I>The Time Traveler's Wife</I> is one of my favorite books with a strong romantic element. Michael Cunningham's <I>A Home at the End of the World</I> is another one.Alihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16745786643511417426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-18901991745336910802009-05-22T16:36:01.223-07:002009-05-22T16:36:01.223-07:00I just remembered another romance - Dawn's Early L...I just remembered another romance - Dawn's Early Light and the whole Williamsburg series by Elswyth Thane. Each book is set during a war, the first being during the Revolutionary War.<br /><br />cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] netCarolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-69284394748194584432009-05-22T16:31:37.781-07:002009-05-22T16:31:37.781-07:00I confess to loving a good romance, and am lousy a...I confess to loving a good romance, and am lousy at explaining why or what I look for. I just know when I find it. Here are some of my favorites, in no particular order:<br /><br />To Have and To Hold by Mary Johnston - Read this in high school and plan on reading again; it's a classic.<br /><br />Tender Victory by Taylor Caldwell - Another classic. Story of small-town Pennsylvania preacher who adopts several WWII orphans. Romance is between Johnny and the newspaper editor's daughter.<br /><br />The Thornbirds by Colleen McCullough - No happy ending here though.<br /><br />There's many more, but I can't think of them at the moment. If you asked about movies, I could name several - like The Sound of Music, Dr. Zhivago, and the recent Australia.<br /><br />cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] netCarolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-30541289153278021612009-05-22T13:24:25.168-07:002009-05-22T13:24:25.168-07:00THere are many categorries of romance imho, but my...THere are many categorries of romance imho, but my choice for epic romance would have to be The Outlander series. Jaime and Claire have so much going on, and then there is the time travel element.<br />I can't think of another one at the moment, although I know there are plenty.Jenny Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04077659644092707107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-45099744348315435442009-05-21T14:17:29.114-07:002009-05-21T14:17:29.114-07:00I like to read romance novels, but feel that some ...I like to read romance novels, but feel that some of them are way over the top & so unbelievable. I like the ones that deal with everyday people in everyday situations. I also like the ones that are thrillers that bring the couple together.<br /><br />megalon22[at]yahoo[dot]comCherylS22https://www.blogger.com/profile/16781658506875696406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-20373778074308562232009-05-21T07:16:37.949-07:002009-05-21T07:16:37.949-07:00I do like a romance element in everything I read b...I do like a romance element in everything I read but it doesn't tend to be the sole focus. If it is the books tend to be historical. I have absolutely NO idea why that is.<br /><br />But romance rules :)Alix https://www.blogger.com/profile/04684209302932310537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-88059078518919982482009-05-20T21:09:47.087-07:002009-05-20T21:09:47.087-07:00I don't know why you are embarrassed to admit that...I don't know why you are embarrassed to admit that you love a good romance. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it and I totally agree! I'm going to bookmark this post and read back through the comments to get ideas for books that people suggested because I'm always up for a great love story.Jenhttp://dailymishmash.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-48455028884634459662009-05-20T20:35:34.282-07:002009-05-20T20:35:34.282-07:00Oh my! Romances are pretty much ALL I read!!! I do...Oh my! Romances are pretty much ALL I read!!! I don't think I have anything else on my shelf...seriously! I don't read the really steamy books, I lean more towards Christian romance with some YA romance thrown in the mix. I just saw recently that the romance book industry is REALLY doing well, who doesn't want everything to end up peachy keen when times are so uncertain? <br /><br />As far as epic romances...I think Gone With the Wind (uh it says epic right on the cover LOL), Jane Eyre, Prie and Prejudice, and Wuthering Heights have to be top of my list with all the passion, drama, and action who can argue it?! Some of MY favorite romances are Lynn Austin's Refiner's Fire series (gotta love Civil War romances), Deeanne Gist's A BRIDE IN THE BARGAIN, Tamera Alexander's REKINDLED, Julie Lessman's Daughters of Boston series (Collin Mitch, Brady...need I say more?), Jamie Carie's SNOW ANGEL, Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series (Edward...*sigh*) and so many more I could go on and on. :-D<br /><br />And I have to say that a lot of the bad feelings or stigma or whatever associated with romances have to deal with some of the crazy covers...really who goes around with no shirt on with their hair flowing in the breeze, or their dress falling off their body? :-P<br /><br />Another great question Amy!!!!Renee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot)https://www.blogger.com/profile/02701232799625814028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-104242511351976592009-05-20T20:06:45.705-07:002009-05-20T20:06:45.705-07:00Yep, but I rarely admit to it. :-D And I certain...Yep, but I rarely admit to it. :-D And I certainly don't blog about it, because that's just a debate I never wanted to enter into. And it's nice to know that there are still some books I can truly escape into without thinking about what to blog about them.<br /><br />I used to read a lot more romance, but I still occasionally read romantic suspense and some of the paranormal stuff. And I will confess to loving J.R. Ward's BDB series, which is way more hardcore than anything that has been mentioned so far.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-77223815843376499692009-05-20T19:26:44.995-07:002009-05-20T19:26:44.995-07:00I'd list romance as the thing I most want to read....I'd list romance as the thing I most want to read. Combine it with comedy and I'm bound to love it. I got hooked on romance when I was 10 and my grandmother gave me my first Christian romance novel (A Gown of Spanish Lace by Janette Oke...it's the novel I've reread the most!).<br /><br />I don't know how epic it is but Christy by Catherine Marshall is a great "epic" love story. Anne of Green Gables too. There's a lot of will they/won't they in that series as well. <br /><br />I hate literary snobs who look down on romance and try and make me feel bad or inferior for reading it. They just don't want to admit it's something they like to read too!Ameehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01367469639810419455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-66053177630119118122009-05-20T18:56:17.088-07:002009-05-20T18:56:17.088-07:00I don't read a lot of novels that would be classif...I don't read a lot of novels that would be classified as strictly romance, but I love a novel that has a good romance. And I have to admit - Nicholas Sparks' The Notebook makes me cry every time!Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10939074543470696025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-35608973402154018802009-05-20T17:42:30.226-07:002009-05-20T17:42:30.226-07:00Okay first let me say that reading is reading and ...Okay first let me say that reading is reading and whatever anyone wants to read is fine by me. I make no judgments that way.<br /><br />I don't read romances because I find them really boring. They seem so predictable, and the characters are often stereotypes. How many woman can be captured by the horrible pirate who eventually turns out to be sexy and wonderful. And the sex is always great and everything always works out.<br /><br />The Outlander series is pretty much the only romance I've ever read that I really liked. But the plots are more complex and the books become less romance-y as the series progresses.<br /><br />Now let me put on my editor's hat, and my attitude changes completely. I absolutely love to edit romances. I don't know why, but romance manuscripts are among the cleanest I've ever worked on. I love the romance authors I've worked with because my job is fun and easy. (No, I won't tell you which books I've worked on.) Every romance manuscript I've worked on has shown good, solid writing, and I can't always say that about the more literary novels I've edited (and no I won't tell you about them, either).Beth Fhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08627666337961326265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-57570079919217989032009-05-20T17:27:35.425-07:002009-05-20T17:27:35.425-07:00Romance — it's such a loaded word. Meaning someth...Romance — it's such a loaded word. Meaning something different to everyone, I think (just ask my husband, who has yet to warm up to anything involving white tablecloths, candles, or pink bouquets, but is a dear Latin man nonetheless). I don't read classic romance novels, but I do think love is an important storyline, for it is complicated, complex, novel worthy. Michael Ondaatje's novels are romance to me—romance and history and knowledge and life.<br /><br />Most important: You must read what you want to read. You deserve to curl up with anything that makes you happy.Beth Kepharthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14236487532413398431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-3319442765920902002009-05-20T16:46:46.832-07:002009-05-20T16:46:46.832-07:00I enjoy romances. Sometimes I'm even in the mood ...I enjoy romances. Sometimes I'm even in the mood for a Harlequin or drugstore bodice buster--they are fun mindless reads with happy endings and a little candy never hurt anyone. I especially like it when a romance writer can address a serious story within the context of a good romance. Lisa Kleypas' novel Sugar Daddy deals with the struggles poor single moms face in trying to make it in today's world. Blue Eyed Devil deals with domestic abuse. I can't say I've seen much depth to her historical novels that I've read, but they are good fun romances, with better than average writing.RAnnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04102249990885174107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-87050393349237417522009-05-20T15:53:44.755-07:002009-05-20T15:53:44.755-07:00I don't read many books that are marketed as roman...I don't read many books that are marketed as romance, but I do love a good romantic storyline... by which I mean that I'm a total sucker for a love story that rips my heart out and stomps on it. I want angst! Tension! People who should be together but are continually thrust apart! Terrible misunderstandings! The works! I love a good, heartwrenching love story where the two parties come together only after scads of trials and tribulations.Memoryhttp://xicanti.livejournal.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-14284221688057286472009-05-20T15:48:59.652-07:002009-05-20T15:48:59.652-07:00Oh yes, I love the fluff and escapism of romance. ...Oh yes, I love the fluff and escapism of romance. In fact, I struggle with books that don't have at least some romance in them. I've enjoyed alot of Gilbert Morris's books, of course, The Mark of the Lion series by Francine Rivers, and anything by Lynn Kurland. I will, of course, and Julie Lessman to the list, when I get my first book in the mail really soon!!!Sherrinda Ketchersidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07581676437345249386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-56516881169409874892009-05-20T13:51:04.964-07:002009-05-20T13:51:04.964-07:00Epic romance - yeah I can get into that! But I do...Epic romance - yeah I can get into that! But I don't generally read genre romance. I'm not a snob about it though. It's just as a fan of high concept novels, I tend to gravitate towards premises more unique than boy meets girl. So yeah, something like The Time Travellers Wife catches my attention most definitely.Lenore Appelhanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16664671644163369772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-52295882381034068602009-05-20T13:02:15.339-07:002009-05-20T13:02:15.339-07:00I would never have thought to say I read romance, ...I would never have thought to say I read romance, but I do of course read romance :) I enjoy anything that is a good story, that keeps me interested and something that beckons to be read by me. <br />The first romance that comes to mind is Scarlett in Gone With The Wind, and Jane Eyre/Wuthering Heights. I also just read some Georgette Heyer books and I really enjoyed those since they were 'clean'. I am not one for the erotic romance. <br />As far as series goes, there is always Stephanie Plum by Janet Evanovich which had me laughing out loud a few years ago when I was pregnant; hose were needed comic relief and the Ranger/Morelli Duo is just a hoot.BurtonReview https://www.blogger.com/profile/15113347274782450564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-87106754793691525322009-05-20T12:49:11.122-07:002009-05-20T12:49:11.122-07:00It's not my favorite genre but I do read them. I t...It's not my favorite genre but I do read them. I think part of the problem is that the genre is so huge that to a lot of people it looks like they are churned out and therefore of little literary value. Also when there is so much of one genre there is bound to be a lot of not so great ones, but when you do find a good one...ah, it's worth it. I like some Happily Ever After.<br /><br />The problem is also, IMO, a matter of history. Women were the writers of these books. If Hemmingway wrote romances, would they be given such a hard time? Doubtful. They were seen as the escapism of the housewife. Times have changed but perceptions didn't. But I think things are changing and the genre is slowly gaining respect. The 'novel' itself had a hard time for years. Now reading for pleasure is encouraged.<br /><br />As for the s..e..x (shh!) you can have as little or as much as you like depending on the writer. There is something for every taste.Chrisbookaramahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11972547663609480210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-36480698965121435692009-05-20T12:47:54.056-07:002009-05-20T12:47:54.056-07:00Here's the thing: when I was in Junior high school...Here's the thing: when I was in Junior high school I was a sucker for Harlequin romance, I would literally devour the books. But then i guess I got romance overload and stopped reading from the romance genre for years. I have just recently rediscovered this whole section of fiction (not necessarily Harlequins)and am enjoying it. However, I do know what you mean about the romance epics or plots in any novel. I have always liked historical fiction for that reason because unavoidably, a good historical fiction will always have a romance element in it. My favorite one which I read seven years ago but still remember with great affection is <I>Ahab's Wife</I> by Sena Jeter Naslund. The love story between the infamous captain and his much younger wife was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time, I couldn't stop weeping towards the end and I definitely will re-read it.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07127042690689033583noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-28127999195943397272009-05-20T11:51:17.205-07:002009-05-20T11:51:17.205-07:00I am a romance SUCKER. If a story doesn't have at ...I am a romance SUCKER. If a story doesn't have at least a little bit of a love story, I don't generally like it. I read mainstream romances for escapism (Nora Roberts being my favorite) and Christian Romances most of the time.<br /><br />I went to a highly academic college, where everyone read Aristotle and Plato and Newton, etc. I always had a romance with me in class. A classmate once asked me, "Why do you have non-program books all the time?" I replied, "To preserve my sanity. You drink. I read."<br /><br />Favorite romances . . . Julie's, of course =) And Nora Roberts in the mainstream realm. Francine Rivers' stuff, yes, though many are more "love story" than "romance."<br /><br />Once upon a time, I felt like I had to apologize for my taste in books. Then I decided that I deserved to love them. I have an awesome marriage with a wonderful man, and that on-going romance makes my life so sweet . . . why wouldn't I want to read stories about others finding that same happiness? And when I write, you can bet there's a BIG romance in it! I think the secret is to write relationships, not just romances. It isn't about lust and sex--it's about love. When you illustrate the difference correctly, the stories become more than just "trash." They become honest to goodness GOOD BOOKS.Roseanna Whitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02245767775900250399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-86094678463423437802009-05-20T11:41:18.621-07:002009-05-20T11:41:18.621-07:00I love romances although I don't admit it to a lot...I love romances although I don't admit it to a lot of people because they assume it's those books where it's just full of sex with a sketchy story on top of it. That is so not what I am talking about. I love most genres of romance. My favorites have been:<br />Classic-Pride and Prejudice!<br /><br />Paranormal-Christine Feehan's Ghostwalker series, Lords of the Underworld series by Gena Showalter<br /><br />Historical-Julie Garwood (not a big fan of her contemporary books though), Johanna Lindsey's Mallory series, Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series<br /><br />Young Adult-Twilight, Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare<br /><br />Chick Lit-Something Blue by Emily GiffinAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-22637395342786794102009-05-20T11:17:30.461-07:002009-05-20T11:17:30.461-07:00I do love romances. I didn't start reading them in...I do love romances. I didn't start reading them in earnest until I went back to college and needed light reading during my commutes--my school is about an hour away from my house. I do admit that a lot of romance, like a lot of other stuff out there, is horrible. but the stuff that works for me does tend to be more feminist in nature. The hero and heroine are together because they both want to be, not because the hero sees the heroine and grabs onto her like a selfish toddler. I also want to have the sense that the couple in question is meant to be together, not because the author said so, but because they compliment each other. (Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are a perfect example.) Also, some Harlequins pack quite a punch. Janice Kay Johnson writes contemporary romances published by Harlequin, and, though I haven't read everything she's written, I've loved what I have read and would definitely recommend her for people looking for emotional resonance and genuine, believable characters.Shannon C.http://www.flightintofantasy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11303971.post-69942156460135119562009-05-20T11:07:01.163-07:002009-05-20T11:07:01.163-07:00A good love story is great, but unless there's som...A good love story is great, but unless there's something else going on, I tend to get bored. It's just not my style.<br /><br />And honestly, I avoid romance because so many of them have way too much sex. Plain and simple.Britthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11571318111686751924noreply@blogger.com