Maili and Jessica are paying tribute to Kathleen Winsor, author of the infamous novel Forever Amber by creating their top 16 romance novels. If still alive Winsor would have been 90 today. I have actually read Forever Amber. I think it was about five or six years ago. It was one of those books that has been talked about with lots of controversy surrounding it, so naturally I was intrigued. It was second to only Gone with the Wind for shocking popularity during the 1940s. I could see why it was a shocking story, especially during that time period. It was written in 1945.
Amber, the main character was a very promiscuous woman willing to do what she thought was necessary in order to survive. I have to admit I didn't like her very much, nor the man she loved Bruce. Both were extremely selfish individuals. If was to review the book it would have been a difficult one to rate. I would have given it a "D" just based on the characters personalities and their shameless behavior. More than once I wanted to throw the book at the wall. The story itself is a sweeping saga that, if I remember correctly spans something like 15 years. It's not even really a romance because there is no happy ending and Amber sleeps with so many men, I lost count. I guess I am glad I can say I read it. Was it worth it? Absolutely not, LOL.
So this is turning out to be some tribute! Now for the fun stuff. It was difficult to do, but some how I managed to come up with a list of my top 16 romances. These are not in any particular order. That would be impossible.
1. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
2. Annie's Song by Catherine Andersen
3. Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer
4. Shadow Touch by Marjorie M. Liu
5. Spell of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning
6. Heaven Texas by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
7. Warprize by Elizabeth Vaughan
8. Dark Desires After Dusk by Kresley Cole
9. The Shadow and The Star by Laura Kinsale
10. Over the Edge by Suzanne Brockman
11. Heiress for Hire by Erin McCarty
12. Prince of Dreams by Lisa Kleypas
13. Cry No More by Linda Howard
14. A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught
15. The Duke by Gaelen Foley
16 comments:
Hey! Great list. Wow, I'm getting ideas for my TBR. I haven't read a lot of these!!
Carolyn - I know, I was over at Kristie J's because she did this list too and I was taking notes on her list of books. It's not to late, you should participate. I would love to know what books would make your list.
I wanted to add Annie's Song to my list as well but she lost it to Saving Grace of Julie Garwood :( Gabaldon/Moning/Cole all made my list too and I actually received my first Linda Howard today; Mackenzie's Legacy, the first few pages really made me to read further.
A great and very versatile list Jill :D
Ahhh Outlander and Annie's Song and Kingdom of Dreams. Total winners in my eyes. :D
I love Heaven, Texas by SEP. It's one of my favorite comfort reads.
Would you believe I've only read ONE of those books on your list? And of the others, I only have ONE on my TBR? Since this list is a list of what you consider best romance... I've got a lot of reading to do!
I'm curious to know how long have you been reading romance?
Leontine - Yes, it was hard to choose just 16 books. I wanted to put Dirty by Megan Hart on there and also something by Julia Quinn. And Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie was a close one too. I will check out your list too :)
Christine - I have been reading romance for 5 years now. I am relatively new to the genre. I just checked my shelfari account and I have read 743 books, but not all are romance. Lets say 700 of them are romance. I wonder how many books Kristi J has read, she has been reading for at least 20 years!!!
Annie's Song - yes! I agree with you on that one. Good list. I've read more of your list than the others I've come across. LOL
Hi Jill,
Sixteen books is not enough! *laughs* Sadly, I've read only one book from your list. A Kingdom of Dreams is also one of my favorites. Definitely adding some of top picks to my TBR List.
Have a nice day Jill.
It is so heartwarming to me to see how many folks have listed Morning Glory! Such a lovely, lovely book. I'm so glad to remember it, put it on mine, AND want to read it all over again. Thanks, Jill!
I have to add to what Kate said -- I absolutely must read morning Glory. Great list Jill, and thank you for participating!
Great list and woohooo, Warprize is in it! Amazing book, right? :D
Hi Joyce! Thanks for visiting! It was really hard to only narrow it down to 16 books. I left out some that should be up there with the others. I am glad you have got some reading ideas from the list.
Kate and Jessica - Yes Jessica, you should definitely read Morning Glory when you get a chance. It really is unlike any other romance I have ever read. It is just a beautifully written romance. You will fall in love with the characters. Like Kate said, "lovely, lovely book".
Nath - Oh yeah, you better believe Warprize made the list. Did you notice I didn't put any urban fantasy. I wanted to keep it strictly romance. Otherwise, Mercy Thompson or Women of the Otherworld would have made it.
Nice list! Annie's Song and books by KMM are fantastic. I must try Warprize - you recommended it earlier but I still haven't read it.
Many great authors on your list!
Maija - Oh yes, whenever you get the chance you must read Warprize!!!
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