Favorite adult romance books (of all time!)
So I consider myself something of a romance novel connoisseur. I've been reading them since I was 8 years old and - sadly - learned the facts of life through them. For me, there is often nothing more satisfying than losing myself in a good romance book. Genre novels get a lot of flack, but when done well, I honestly believe they're harder to pull off than literary fiction. In romance novels, you already know the ending, so to differentiate yourself from the pack, you somehow have to generate a fresh take with emotionally engaging characters.
With that said, I am fully aware that there is a lot of dross floating around in this category, primarily because I've read a lot of them myself. As a result, I thought I'd do everyone a public service and provide a list of my favorite romance books of all time. These are the books that I can 100% guarantee - as much as these things can be guaranteed - are top-notch and will truly be worthy of your time. Without much further ado... Enjoy. :)
Very roughly in order of preference:
10.) Back to You, by Priscilla Glenn
From Amazon.com: When Lauren Monroe first laid eyes on Michael Delaney back in high school, she had every reason to stay away from him; within minutes of their first encounter, his volatile actions confirmed his notorious reputation. But Lauren saw something in him that caused her to question his bad-boy persona, and against her better judgment, she took a chance. She had no way of knowing that the unlikely friendship they formed would become so important to her.
Or that it would end so painfully.
Eight years later, when Lauren begins her new job at Learn and Grow Day Care, Michael is the last person she expects to see. Refusing to revisit the hurt and confusion of their past, Lauren vows to keep her distance from him. But staying away from Michael proves to be more difficult than she thought, despite her lingering grief and her instincts for self-preservation.
As Lauren and Michael recall the friendship that changed them forever and the events that tore them apart, will they finally be able to heal? Or will the ghosts of Michael’s past prove to be too much to overcome?
My take: I only read this book a few months ago, but I guess I'm pretty confident about its staying power since I'm already putting it on my all-time list. Awww, I have a soft spot for "second chances" storylines (think Jane Austen's Persuasion), and this one has it all. One review mentioned that this is like reading two romances for the price of one: There's the YA romance when the characters are teens, and the grown-up romance when they finally meet again. This story is a little more dramatic and serious than the other books on my list, but it's so sweet, and the heroine, Lauren, is a class act! I almost wish I could be her when I grow up.
9.) Carousel of Hearts, by Mary Jo Putney Chesney
From Amazon.com: Antonia and Judith were the best of friends, until dashing Adam Yorke and handsome Lord Simon Launceston divided the two young women. Never had romance reveled in such dizzying turnabouts as Cupid emptied his quiver at hearts that would not stay still.
My take: The genius of this book is that you never know who is going to end up with whom. It really is a carousel of hearts (love square?). All the characters are likable and all the pairings are feasible. On the other hand, once you reach the ending, you'll believe everyone's ended up with who they were meant to end up with. The last two chapters, in particular, are perfectamente.
8.) Come Together, by Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees
From Amazon.co.uk:
Meet Jack
Jack Rossiter. I'm twenty-seven years old, single, and live with my best mate Matt. Matt and I started hanging out when we were eight. Life was simpler then. Our idea of fashion was polyester. I told him I wanted to be a spy and he asked me who I'd marry. I imagined falling in love with a girl so perfect I couldn't even guess her name. Things have changed since then. I did fall in love for a while but it didn't work out. And single is good, single is fun.
Meet Amy
Sometimes in my darker moments I've thought about applying to go on Blind Date. 'She's gorgeous, she's from London, come in Amy Crosbie!' (Wolf whistling and applause.) Actually it's a bit of a worry. I think it's my warped way of telling myself something's got to change. It's been six months since I last had sex. Six months! I mean, I've got my own flat, I've got A levels - so come on down Mr Right. At least it would get my mother off my back.
Now find out what happens when they meet each other...
My take: I see that this is actually filed under "Chick lit" instead of "Romance," but same difference. It does actually read more like a chick lit book, but since it's really about the romance and/or relationship between these two young, British people, I think I can safely include it in my list. Written in alternating POVs, this is arguably the most modern, hip, realistic romance I've ever read. This novel also spawned two sequels, so I have legitimate proof that lots of people really liked it.
7.) Truly Madly Yours, by Rachel Gibson
From Amazon.com:
Where there's a will. . .
When pretty hairdresser Delaney Shaw returned home to Truly, Idaho, for the reading of her stepfather's will, she planned on paying her respects and getting out of town. But it seems the will has some unexpected stipulations-like the one that says if Delaney wants her inheritance she needs to stay put and have nothing to do with sexy Nick Allegrezza...for an entire year!
There's no way
Ten years ago, Nick had swept Delaney off her feet and onto his Harley, and that's when she really let her down her hair! Back then, he was a love-'em-and-leave-'em man, and Delaney learned the hard way that she was just a fling. But Nick is as irresistible as ever. And when the ladies at Tuesday night Bingo see Nick and Delaney making after-hours whoopee through the window of a local beauty parlor, Delaney knows it's time to decide if Nick is truly, madly the man of her heart.
My take: Wow. That description is truly, madly god-awful. I honestly can't remember if that was what was written on the back cover of my copy; if it was, I can't imagine what compelled me to even pick it up. But, putting all that aside, this is a really, really good book. This should actually be ranked higher, but I'm handicapping it heavily since I only read it a few years ago, unlike the others on this list.
This is a hot, hot romance. The heroine is sexy, but relatable; the guy is sexy, but vulnerable. And he loves her so, so much! *sob* Definitely a book I will read over and over throughout the years.
6) Rainbird's Revenge, by Marion Chesney
From Goodreads: Jenny Sutherland is pretty, but the lovely country girl is also vain. Her guardian has decided that a London Season is just the thing to give the fair Jenny a sorely deserved set-down. Meanwhile, the handsome Duke of Pelham, owner of 67 Clarges Street, has returned from Europe at last--to find a wife. Used to women doting on him, the Duke turns the ton against the disdainful Jenny who dares to spurn him at her very first London soiree. Alas, he's fallen in love with the Miss he's just ruined! Now his butler Rainbird has a mischievous plan to get Jenny into the Duke's arms-- and teach this upstairs Lord and Lady a humbling lesson about downstairs servants...and the human heart.
My take: The only problem with this book is it's so short! Because it's the sixth and last book in Chesney's A House for the Season series, it also dealt with wrapping up the downstairs servants' storylines. Which was great in its own way, but I could have stood for more Jenny and Pelham moments. As it is, you could count the kilig parts on one hand. Still, this is exquisitely written - very economical and subtle. The two characters are extremely flawed - Jenny is vain, the duke is pompous - which means they're perfect for each other. <3! These characters could have been irritating apart but they're adorable together.
5) Joining, by Johanna Lindsey
From Goodreads: Beautiful Milisant Crispin and handsome, arrogant Wulfric, the future Earl of Shefford, are engaged-- and seldom has a betrothed couple been less suited. Her father has decreed that Milisant has a month to accustom herself to the future earl before the marriage takes place. As the time dwindles, Milisant desperately searches for a way out. But Wulfric is falling under a spell himself, cast by the proud, strong woman who will be pledged to him against her will in a few short days. And even as the joining of these two young people draws nearer, so too does a threat of danger which could destroy much more than a planned ceremony. Johanna Lindsey has created two unforgettable characters tied together by circumstance, but sharing a boundless passion that will force them to search their hearts-- and surrender to a yearning far beyond their control.
My take: I feel bad that Johanna Lindsey made this list when others, such as Jude Deveraux (who on the whole writes better books) didn't. For the most part, I dislike Johanna Lindsey books, but this is a clear exception. The whole "promised to each other since birth, but they hate each other on sight" plot is cliche but done with such perfection that its execution is second only to Ranma 1/2, in my opinion.
4) Ransom, Julie Garwood
From Amazon.com: Overflowing with all of the majesty and intrigue of medieval glory days, this magnificent New York Times bestseller is a page-turner of passion and loyalty, justice and honor. Beloved storyteller Julie Garwood steps back to the silver-shrouded Highlands of her classic tale The Secret -- and hails the return of two unforgettable warriors: Ramsey Sinclair and Brodick Buchanan.
In the dark days after the death of Richard the Lionhearted, lives and lands would fall into upheaval at the hands of a power-hungry British ruler and his violent minions. One victim of the scourge is innocent Gillian, who is a mere child when the cruel and ambitious Baron Alford slaughters her father and tears her family apart. Alford, determined to recover a jeweled box for the despotic King John, is furious when the precious treasure slips through his fingers -- only to be lost for more than a decade.
Now a beautiful young woman, Gillian finds the key to resolving her past in handsome Scottish chieftains Ramsey Sinclair and Brodick Buchanan. With the cunning and courage of the daring Scotsmen, and with the friendship of a new ally, Bridgid KirkConnell, Gillian at last fights the unscrupulous Baron Alford, laying claim to her home, her family, and her father's reputation. But in the presence of the mighty warrors, Gillian and Bridgid discover that desire can be a weapon of conquest...betrayal can slay trust in a heartbeat...and the greatest risk of all is surrender -- to the deep emotions of unexpected love.
My take: Julie Garwood books tend to be a lot alike, but this, for me, is hands-down her best one, and these her two best characters. As per most Garwood books, the girl is in danger and the guy must protect her, but in this one, Gillian really is a tough chick in her own right (although still pretty and vulnerable), while Brodick, although being arrogant and ultra-macho like most Garwood heroes, is endearingly vulnerable when he is around the girl. I didn't really like the secondary romance (Ramsey and Bridgid) all that much, but what the hey; they're secondary.
Honorable Mention: I limited myself to only one book per author, so starting with this book, I am naming my second favorite work from the author. For Julie Garwood, it's Castles. It may be another cliche as the guy protects the girl (a princess, to boot!) from a would-be murderer, but Colin really is the perfect white knight, and Alexandra the perfect princess.
3) This Heart of Mine, by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
From Amazon.com: Molly Somerville loves her career as the creator of the Daphne the Bunny children's book series, but the rest of her life could use some improvement. She has a reputation for trouble that started even before she gave away her fifteen-million-dollar inheritance. Then there's her long-term crush on the quarterback for the Chicago Stars football team her sister owns-that awful, gorgeous Kevin Tucker, a man who can't even remember Molly's name!
One night Kevin barges into Molly's not-quite-perfect life and turns it upside down. Unfortunately, the Ferrari-driving riving, poodle-hating jock isn't as shallow as she wishes he were, and she soon finds herself at a place called Wind Lake. Surrounded by paintbox cottages, including a charming old bed-and-breakfast, Molly and Kevin battle their attraction and each other as they face one of life's most important lessons. Sometimes love hurts, sometimes it makes you mad as hell, and sometimes-if you're lucky-it can heal in a most unexpected way.
My take: This is my favorite among SEP's books (and there a lot of good ones in that bunch), because these characters seem the most human. I mean, the guy is an NFL quarterback, the girl is an ex-heiress, but for SEP characters, they are normal and low-key. I found them so relatable. They're funny, witty, and gosh-darn so cute together. I also loved the setting in a B&B; in another life, I wish I could manage one of those. It probably doesn't hurt that Molly has the coolest job among all SEP's female characters: children's book author/illustrator. Bottom-line, I really love Molly and Kevin, and wish they could be my friends. The scene at the lake at the end (you'll know which one I mean) will make you both laugh and cry.
Honorable Mention: Nobody's Baby But Mine. This is the book where Kevin first appeared, so he is 2-for-2 with me. This is a very close second to This Heart of Mine, because Cal Bonner and Jane Darling are all kinds of special, too. However, like I said, they're a little more out-of-reach than Kevin and Molly... Jane is a physics genius (RESPECT), and Cal is both a jock and super-smart. *rolls eyes*
2) The India Fan, by Victoria Holt
From Goodreads: Drusilla Delaney, the daughter of an impoverished minister, becomes fascinated with the wealthy Framling family--especially with the son and daughter, the mysterious Fabian, and the beautiful, impetuous Lavinia. Through them, she finds herself the unlikely heir to an extraordinary bejeweled fan made of peacock feathers. But though priceless and dazzling to behold, the fan bears a curse that promises ill fortune--and even death--to whoever possesses it....
My take: Now we're getting down to it. I really, really love The India Fan. It's one of my all-time faves, romance book or otherwise. Drusilla is a girl after my own heart: plain, sensible, stoic. To me, this book is just epic. The story starts when Drusilla is just a baby, and shows her life inextricably entwined with the lives of her neighbors, the Framlings, which takes her all the way to finishing school in France and travelling to India, among others. I loooooooove Fabian. He is a BOSS, but you somehow imagine him as still being in touch with his feminine side. (It could just be because of his name.) The way he loves Drusilla... I should be so lucky. *kilig*
Honorable Mention: The Pride of the Peacock. Classic love-hate romance. No wonder it's my sister's fave.
1) Paradise, by Judith McNaught
From Goodreads: #1 New York Times bestselling author Judith McNaught brings us her most wonderful, deeply emotional novel yet...a spellbinding story of youthful passion, family loyalties, and the fateful events that lead two special lovers to the miracle of a second chance.
Meredith Bancroft, a serenely beautiful blonde, and Matthew Farrell, an intense, magnetic tycoon, are both haunted by their once-in-a-lifetime love...betrayed in a conflict of heartache and pain. When the Bancroft family empire is threatened by a hostile takeover attempt, Meredith is forced to turn to Matt. As tensions build between them, leaving them both uncertain, restless...and falling in love again...
Filled with the passion, tenderness, and deep understanding of love that are Judith McNaught's unique trademark, PARADISE is her most memorable love story yet...a novel to treasure forever.
My take: All hail, Judith McNaught, the queen of them all. She is the biggest loser of my only-one-book-per-author rule, because she could easily have had five books on this list. With that being said, there is only one book to rule them all, and that book is Paradise. I'm pretty sure JM would agree with me that this is her obra maestra. This is another epic spanning years...with larger-than-life people, this time.
Meredith is described as so perfect and beautiful and rich that it would be easy to hate her, except JM succeeded in making her flesh-and-blood, so that I feel everything she feels, too. Matt is arguably McNaught's ultimate alpha-hero, but his love for Meredith is what brings him down to "awwww, you" level. I really believe that he loves her even more than she loves him, and that seems to be the requirement of most of the books I picked... I really like books where the guy is arguably more in love with the girl than the other way around, because that's when I know an HEA (Happy Ever After) is guaranteed. :) (That sounds like a given, but you'd be surprised how rare that is, even in fiction.)
Honorable Mention: Like I said, I love a lot of McNaught books ('coz she's the master), but my second and third favorite books are probably Something Wonderful and A Kingdom of Dreams. The former is still great, but somehow my affection for it has waned throughout the years... The latter, on the other hand, has grown on me just because Royce Westmoreland is a freaking legend. (The Black Wolf is so cool!) However, my sisters and I all agree that he was a little too kind to the girl, Jennifer. She actually should have had a lot more coming to her.
How about you? Any favorite romance books? Let me know in the comments. :)
To be continued with my favorite teen romance books.
Edited @ April 10, 2013: Added two more books to the list to round it out to an even 10. Grrr, umandar ang ka-OC-han!
With that said, I am fully aware that there is a lot of dross floating around in this category, primarily because I've read a lot of them myself. As a result, I thought I'd do everyone a public service and provide a list of my favorite romance books of all time. These are the books that I can 100% guarantee - as much as these things can be guaranteed - are top-notch and will truly be worthy of your time. Without much further ado... Enjoy. :)
Very roughly in order of preference:
10.) Back to You, by Priscilla Glenn
From Amazon.com: When Lauren Monroe first laid eyes on Michael Delaney back in high school, she had every reason to stay away from him; within minutes of their first encounter, his volatile actions confirmed his notorious reputation. But Lauren saw something in him that caused her to question his bad-boy persona, and against her better judgment, she took a chance. She had no way of knowing that the unlikely friendship they formed would become so important to her.
Or that it would end so painfully.
Eight years later, when Lauren begins her new job at Learn and Grow Day Care, Michael is the last person she expects to see. Refusing to revisit the hurt and confusion of their past, Lauren vows to keep her distance from him. But staying away from Michael proves to be more difficult than she thought, despite her lingering grief and her instincts for self-preservation.
As Lauren and Michael recall the friendship that changed them forever and the events that tore them apart, will they finally be able to heal? Or will the ghosts of Michael’s past prove to be too much to overcome?
My take: I only read this book a few months ago, but I guess I'm pretty confident about its staying power since I'm already putting it on my all-time list. Awww, I have a soft spot for "second chances" storylines (think Jane Austen's Persuasion), and this one has it all. One review mentioned that this is like reading two romances for the price of one: There's the YA romance when the characters are teens, and the grown-up romance when they finally meet again. This story is a little more dramatic and serious than the other books on my list, but it's so sweet, and the heroine, Lauren, is a class act! I almost wish I could be her when I grow up.
9.) Carousel of Hearts, by Mary Jo Putney Chesney
From Amazon.com: Antonia and Judith were the best of friends, until dashing Adam Yorke and handsome Lord Simon Launceston divided the two young women. Never had romance reveled in such dizzying turnabouts as Cupid emptied his quiver at hearts that would not stay still.
My take: The genius of this book is that you never know who is going to end up with whom. It really is a carousel of hearts (love square?). All the characters are likable and all the pairings are feasible. On the other hand, once you reach the ending, you'll believe everyone's ended up with who they were meant to end up with. The last two chapters, in particular, are perfectamente.
8.) Come Together, by Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees
From Amazon.co.uk:
Meet Jack
Jack Rossiter. I'm twenty-seven years old, single, and live with my best mate Matt. Matt and I started hanging out when we were eight. Life was simpler then. Our idea of fashion was polyester. I told him I wanted to be a spy and he asked me who I'd marry. I imagined falling in love with a girl so perfect I couldn't even guess her name. Things have changed since then. I did fall in love for a while but it didn't work out. And single is good, single is fun.
Meet Amy
Sometimes in my darker moments I've thought about applying to go on Blind Date. 'She's gorgeous, she's from London, come in Amy Crosbie!' (Wolf whistling and applause.) Actually it's a bit of a worry. I think it's my warped way of telling myself something's got to change. It's been six months since I last had sex. Six months! I mean, I've got my own flat, I've got A levels - so come on down Mr Right. At least it would get my mother off my back.
Now find out what happens when they meet each other...
My take: I see that this is actually filed under "Chick lit" instead of "Romance," but same difference. It does actually read more like a chick lit book, but since it's really about the romance and/or relationship between these two young, British people, I think I can safely include it in my list. Written in alternating POVs, this is arguably the most modern, hip, realistic romance I've ever read. This novel also spawned two sequels, so I have legitimate proof that lots of people really liked it.
7.) Truly Madly Yours, by Rachel Gibson
From Amazon.com:
Where there's a will. . .
When pretty hairdresser Delaney Shaw returned home to Truly, Idaho, for the reading of her stepfather's will, she planned on paying her respects and getting out of town. But it seems the will has some unexpected stipulations-like the one that says if Delaney wants her inheritance she needs to stay put and have nothing to do with sexy Nick Allegrezza...for an entire year!
There's no way
Ten years ago, Nick had swept Delaney off her feet and onto his Harley, and that's when she really let her down her hair! Back then, he was a love-'em-and-leave-'em man, and Delaney learned the hard way that she was just a fling. But Nick is as irresistible as ever. And when the ladies at Tuesday night Bingo see Nick and Delaney making after-hours whoopee through the window of a local beauty parlor, Delaney knows it's time to decide if Nick is truly, madly the man of her heart.
My take: Wow. That description is truly, madly god-awful. I honestly can't remember if that was what was written on the back cover of my copy; if it was, I can't imagine what compelled me to even pick it up. But, putting all that aside, this is a really, really good book. This should actually be ranked higher, but I'm handicapping it heavily since I only read it a few years ago, unlike the others on this list.
This is a hot, hot romance. The heroine is sexy, but relatable; the guy is sexy, but vulnerable. And he loves her so, so much! *sob* Definitely a book I will read over and over throughout the years.
6) Rainbird's Revenge, by Marion Chesney
From Goodreads: Jenny Sutherland is pretty, but the lovely country girl is also vain. Her guardian has decided that a London Season is just the thing to give the fair Jenny a sorely deserved set-down. Meanwhile, the handsome Duke of Pelham, owner of 67 Clarges Street, has returned from Europe at last--to find a wife. Used to women doting on him, the Duke turns the ton against the disdainful Jenny who dares to spurn him at her very first London soiree. Alas, he's fallen in love with the Miss he's just ruined! Now his butler Rainbird has a mischievous plan to get Jenny into the Duke's arms-- and teach this upstairs Lord and Lady a humbling lesson about downstairs servants...and the human heart.
My take: The only problem with this book is it's so short! Because it's the sixth and last book in Chesney's A House for the Season series, it also dealt with wrapping up the downstairs servants' storylines. Which was great in its own way, but I could have stood for more Jenny and Pelham moments. As it is, you could count the kilig parts on one hand. Still, this is exquisitely written - very economical and subtle. The two characters are extremely flawed - Jenny is vain, the duke is pompous - which means they're perfect for each other. <3! These characters could have been irritating apart but they're adorable together.
5) Joining, by Johanna Lindsey
From Goodreads: Beautiful Milisant Crispin and handsome, arrogant Wulfric, the future Earl of Shefford, are engaged-- and seldom has a betrothed couple been less suited. Her father has decreed that Milisant has a month to accustom herself to the future earl before the marriage takes place. As the time dwindles, Milisant desperately searches for a way out. But Wulfric is falling under a spell himself, cast by the proud, strong woman who will be pledged to him against her will in a few short days. And even as the joining of these two young people draws nearer, so too does a threat of danger which could destroy much more than a planned ceremony. Johanna Lindsey has created two unforgettable characters tied together by circumstance, but sharing a boundless passion that will force them to search their hearts-- and surrender to a yearning far beyond their control.
My take: I feel bad that Johanna Lindsey made this list when others, such as Jude Deveraux (who on the whole writes better books) didn't. For the most part, I dislike Johanna Lindsey books, but this is a clear exception. The whole "promised to each other since birth, but they hate each other on sight" plot is cliche but done with such perfection that its execution is second only to Ranma 1/2, in my opinion.
4) Ransom, Julie Garwood
From Amazon.com: Overflowing with all of the majesty and intrigue of medieval glory days, this magnificent New York Times bestseller is a page-turner of passion and loyalty, justice and honor. Beloved storyteller Julie Garwood steps back to the silver-shrouded Highlands of her classic tale The Secret -- and hails the return of two unforgettable warriors: Ramsey Sinclair and Brodick Buchanan.
In the dark days after the death of Richard the Lionhearted, lives and lands would fall into upheaval at the hands of a power-hungry British ruler and his violent minions. One victim of the scourge is innocent Gillian, who is a mere child when the cruel and ambitious Baron Alford slaughters her father and tears her family apart. Alford, determined to recover a jeweled box for the despotic King John, is furious when the precious treasure slips through his fingers -- only to be lost for more than a decade.
Now a beautiful young woman, Gillian finds the key to resolving her past in handsome Scottish chieftains Ramsey Sinclair and Brodick Buchanan. With the cunning and courage of the daring Scotsmen, and with the friendship of a new ally, Bridgid KirkConnell, Gillian at last fights the unscrupulous Baron Alford, laying claim to her home, her family, and her father's reputation. But in the presence of the mighty warrors, Gillian and Bridgid discover that desire can be a weapon of conquest...betrayal can slay trust in a heartbeat...and the greatest risk of all is surrender -- to the deep emotions of unexpected love.
My take: Julie Garwood books tend to be a lot alike, but this, for me, is hands-down her best one, and these her two best characters. As per most Garwood books, the girl is in danger and the guy must protect her, but in this one, Gillian really is a tough chick in her own right (although still pretty and vulnerable), while Brodick, although being arrogant and ultra-macho like most Garwood heroes, is endearingly vulnerable when he is around the girl. I didn't really like the secondary romance (Ramsey and Bridgid) all that much, but what the hey; they're secondary.
Honorable Mention: I limited myself to only one book per author, so starting with this book, I am naming my second favorite work from the author. For Julie Garwood, it's Castles. It may be another cliche as the guy protects the girl (a princess, to boot!) from a would-be murderer, but Colin really is the perfect white knight, and Alexandra the perfect princess.
3) This Heart of Mine, by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
From Amazon.com: Molly Somerville loves her career as the creator of the Daphne the Bunny children's book series, but the rest of her life could use some improvement. She has a reputation for trouble that started even before she gave away her fifteen-million-dollar inheritance. Then there's her long-term crush on the quarterback for the Chicago Stars football team her sister owns-that awful, gorgeous Kevin Tucker, a man who can't even remember Molly's name!
One night Kevin barges into Molly's not-quite-perfect life and turns it upside down. Unfortunately, the Ferrari-driving riving, poodle-hating jock isn't as shallow as she wishes he were, and she soon finds herself at a place called Wind Lake. Surrounded by paintbox cottages, including a charming old bed-and-breakfast, Molly and Kevin battle their attraction and each other as they face one of life's most important lessons. Sometimes love hurts, sometimes it makes you mad as hell, and sometimes-if you're lucky-it can heal in a most unexpected way.
My take: This is my favorite among SEP's books (and there a lot of good ones in that bunch), because these characters seem the most human. I mean, the guy is an NFL quarterback, the girl is an ex-heiress, but for SEP characters, they are normal and low-key. I found them so relatable. They're funny, witty, and gosh-darn so cute together. I also loved the setting in a B&B; in another life, I wish I could manage one of those. It probably doesn't hurt that Molly has the coolest job among all SEP's female characters: children's book author/illustrator. Bottom-line, I really love Molly and Kevin, and wish they could be my friends. The scene at the lake at the end (you'll know which one I mean) will make you both laugh and cry.
Honorable Mention: Nobody's Baby But Mine. This is the book where Kevin first appeared, so he is 2-for-2 with me. This is a very close second to This Heart of Mine, because Cal Bonner and Jane Darling are all kinds of special, too. However, like I said, they're a little more out-of-reach than Kevin and Molly... Jane is a physics genius (RESPECT), and Cal is both a jock and super-smart. *rolls eyes*
2) The India Fan, by Victoria Holt
From Goodreads: Drusilla Delaney, the daughter of an impoverished minister, becomes fascinated with the wealthy Framling family--especially with the son and daughter, the mysterious Fabian, and the beautiful, impetuous Lavinia. Through them, she finds herself the unlikely heir to an extraordinary bejeweled fan made of peacock feathers. But though priceless and dazzling to behold, the fan bears a curse that promises ill fortune--and even death--to whoever possesses it....
My take: Now we're getting down to it. I really, really love The India Fan. It's one of my all-time faves, romance book or otherwise. Drusilla is a girl after my own heart: plain, sensible, stoic. To me, this book is just epic. The story starts when Drusilla is just a baby, and shows her life inextricably entwined with the lives of her neighbors, the Framlings, which takes her all the way to finishing school in France and travelling to India, among others. I loooooooove Fabian. He is a BOSS, but you somehow imagine him as still being in touch with his feminine side. (It could just be because of his name.) The way he loves Drusilla... I should be so lucky. *kilig*
Honorable Mention: The Pride of the Peacock. Classic love-hate romance. No wonder it's my sister's fave.
1) Paradise, by Judith McNaught
From Goodreads: #1 New York Times bestselling author Judith McNaught brings us her most wonderful, deeply emotional novel yet...a spellbinding story of youthful passion, family loyalties, and the fateful events that lead two special lovers to the miracle of a second chance.
Meredith Bancroft, a serenely beautiful blonde, and Matthew Farrell, an intense, magnetic tycoon, are both haunted by their once-in-a-lifetime love...betrayed in a conflict of heartache and pain. When the Bancroft family empire is threatened by a hostile takeover attempt, Meredith is forced to turn to Matt. As tensions build between them, leaving them both uncertain, restless...and falling in love again...
Filled with the passion, tenderness, and deep understanding of love that are Judith McNaught's unique trademark, PARADISE is her most memorable love story yet...a novel to treasure forever.
My take: All hail, Judith McNaught, the queen of them all. She is the biggest loser of my only-one-book-per-author rule, because she could easily have had five books on this list. With that being said, there is only one book to rule them all, and that book is Paradise. I'm pretty sure JM would agree with me that this is her obra maestra. This is another epic spanning years...with larger-than-life people, this time.
Meredith is described as so perfect and beautiful and rich that it would be easy to hate her, except JM succeeded in making her flesh-and-blood, so that I feel everything she feels, too. Matt is arguably McNaught's ultimate alpha-hero, but his love for Meredith is what brings him down to "awwww, you" level. I really believe that he loves her even more than she loves him, and that seems to be the requirement of most of the books I picked... I really like books where the guy is arguably more in love with the girl than the other way around, because that's when I know an HEA (Happy Ever After) is guaranteed. :) (That sounds like a given, but you'd be surprised how rare that is, even in fiction.)
Honorable Mention: Like I said, I love a lot of McNaught books ('coz she's the master), but my second and third favorite books are probably Something Wonderful and A Kingdom of Dreams. The former is still great, but somehow my affection for it has waned throughout the years... The latter, on the other hand, has grown on me just because Royce Westmoreland is a freaking legend. (The Black Wolf is so cool!) However, my sisters and I all agree that he was a little too kind to the girl, Jennifer. She actually should have had a lot more coming to her.
How about you? Any favorite romance books? Let me know in the comments. :)
To be continued with my favorite teen romance books.
Edited @ April 10, 2013: Added two more books to the list to round it out to an even 10. Grrr, umandar ang ka-OC-han!