While You're Waiting - Royal Wedding Fiction/Nonfiction at GPL

Now that the romantic destiny of Prince William and Kate has been cemented with three beautiful little royals, there is a frenzy brewing over the upcoming union of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. If you're a royal family enthusiast like I am, you'll be eagerly anticipating the splendor and drama of what's to come on May 19 - an American-born actress marrying into the British royal family! This is the stuff that romance and fairy tales are made of. If you simply cannot wait, here are some books to tide you over in the meantime.

The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
This delightful spin on the story of Prince William and Kate Middleton is the perfect beachy, weekend read for anyone who loves love stories with a healthy dose of humor. Here, Will and Kate are replaced by Nick and Bex--he's the heir to the British throne, she's the American who effortlessly steals his heart. Can they weather many obstacles to find their Happily Ever After? Part fairy tale, part cautionary tale, the novel is pure fun from start to finish.

The Royal Wedding by Meg Cabot
This is the first new adult instalment of the Princess Diaries series which follows Princess Mia and her Prince Charming as they plan their fairy tale wedding - but a few poisoned apples could turn this happily-ever-after into a royal nightmare. For Princess Mia, the past five years since college graduation have been a whirlwind of activity, what with living in New York City, running her new teen community centre, being madly in love, and attending royal engagements. Mia's gorgeous longtime boyfriend Michael has taken her to an exotic (and very private) Caribbean island and popped the question! But now Mia has a scandal of majestic proportions to contend with: Her grandmother's leaked "fake" wedding plans to the press that could cause even normally calm Michael to become a runaway groom. Worse, a scheming politico is trying to force Mia's father from the throne, all because of a royal secret that could leave Genovia without a monarch. Can Mia prove to everyone especially herself that she's not only ready to wed, but ready to rule as well?

The Royals by Kitty Kelley
Draws on more than one thousand interviews to present a revelatory biography of Britain's embattled House of Windsor.

A Kiss at Midnight by Eloisa James
When impoverished Miss Kate Daltry meets Prince Gabriel at a ball, the prince is drawn to this spirited beauty despite being engaged to another, but their irresistible attraction is ill-fated until a kiss changes everything.

A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole
From acclaimed author Alyssa Cole comes the tale of a city Cinderella and her Prince Charming in disguise . . .

Prince Harry: Brother, Soldier, Son by Penny Junor
Describes the colorful life of Prince Harry, from losing his mother, Princess Diana, when he was only 12 to his mischievous choices during his teens and his military career as a young man.

Enjoy the culmination of the real romance on May 19th from the comfort of your easy chair at home.

Audiobooks for Romance Listeners

If the month of February and the approach of Valentine's Day puts you in the mood for a good romance, below are some audiobook recommendations for romance fans. And if you think you may not be a listener of romance novels, you might be surprised to find an intriguing title included here.

These audiobook suggestions come from AudioFile, a magazine devoted completely to audiobook reviews. The sampling of suggestions below are all taken from AudioFile's list of the best romance audiobooks from 2017. For the complete list of AudioFile's best romance audiobooks from 2017, click here.

Beauty Like the Night by Joanne Bourne, read by Kirsten Potter

Historical Romance. When Raoul de Verney, a mysterious half-Spaniard, half-Frenchman, hires her to look into the murder of his long-estranged wife and to find his wife's missing 14-year old daughter, Severine de  Cabrillac, who devotes her time top solving crimes in London, becomes trapped in a web of treason, desire, corruption and murder.  (Book 6 of the Spymaster series)[downloadable or streaming versions available from the library through the hoopla app]

The Chosen by J.R. Ward, read by Jim Frangione

Paranormal Romance. Falling in love with brotherhood rival, Xcor, a tortured man in custody who is awaiting interrogation, Layla seeks to gain his freedom and secure their relationship by appealing to the Black Dagger Brotherhood for a chance to let him prove himself.  (Book 15 of the Black Dagger Brotherhood)  [downloadable or streaming versions available from the library from MyMediaMall through the Libby or OverDrive app]

Come Sundown by Nora Roberts, read by Elisabeth Rodgers

Romantic Suspense. Running the western Montana ranch that has been home to four generations of her family, Bodine Longbow and the man she is starting to love, encounter her badly injured aunt and even more unexpected violence in the mountains that surround their home. [available from the library on CD and Playaway]

Enigma by Catherine Coulter, read by Renée Raudman, MacLeod Andrews

Romantic Thriller. Agents Savich and Sherlock network with agent Cam Wittier and New York Special Forces agent Jack Cabot in a race against time to catch and international criminal and solve the enigma of the man called John Doe. (Book 21 of the FBI suspense thriller series)  [available from the library on CD and Playaway]

If Not for You by Debbie Macomber, read by Khristine Hvam

Contemporary Romance. Moving away from her oppressive parents in the hopes of taking charge of her own life, Beth takes a job as a school music teacher and initially resists her attractions to a tattooed mechanic who is the epitome of everything her conservative parents fear. [available from the library on CD and Playaway; downloadable or streaming versions from MyMediaMall through the Libby or OverDrive app]

Jane of Austin by Hillary Manton Lodge, read by Kate Handford

Contemporary Romance. This hip contemporary romance combines Jane Austen-inspiration and foodie fiction in a witty and engaging tale of two sisters who are forced to uproot to unfamiliar Austin, Texas after high rent and broken relationships force them away from their San Francisco life. [downloadable or streaming versions available from the library through hoopla].

White Hot by Ilona Andrews, read by Renée Raudman
Romantic Suspense/Urban Fantasy. Private investigator Nevada Baylor takes on a new case that brings her back into contact with billionaire Connor "Mad" Ronan as they take on the shadowy forces intents on destroying the city of Houston. (Book 2 of the Hidden Legacy novels)  [downloadable or streaming versions available from the library from MyMediaMall through the Libby or OverDrive app or the hoopla app].

Mistletoe Meet 'n' Greet - New Holiday Love Stories

Enjoy GPL's new holiday love stories - perfect for the fireside easy chair accompanied by a mug of steaming hot cocoa on a cold snowy night.

Our top pick is -
Christmas at Two Love Lane by Kieran Kramer
While in Charleston for business, Yankee CEO Deacon Banks needs someone to line up some dates, but when he asks Macy Frost, part-owner of Two Love Lane  Matchmaking Agency, for help, Macy tells him she is going to find Deacon the love of his life. It's an engaging and heartwarming contemporary romance full of fast-paced fun. Brimming with sassy southern charm and an abundance of deliciously dry wit, this debut entry in Kramer’s Two Love Lane  series is a festive treat.

A sizzling spicy story -
Maybe This Christmas by Jennifer Snow
When her best friend NHL star Asher Westmore, sidelined from the ice due to an injury, returns home for the holidays, physical therapist Emma Callaway, while helping him heal, must keep her feelings in check after they add benefits to their friendship. The romance of the Christmas holiday season is enhanced by the backdrop of small-town Colorado. It's a steamy and engaging sports romance with well developed characters.

As sweet as a holiday treat -
Merry and Bright by Debbie Macomber
With her family, the holidays, and  her difficult, by-the-book  boss all demanding her attention, Merry  Knight, a temp at a consulting firm, has no time for a social life. Her mother and  brother take matters into their own hands and  sign her up for an online dating site (under a pseudonym, with the family dog as her photo), leaving Merry  annoyed, then curious, and  finally amazed when she connects with a kindred spirit. But her cyberbeau is none other than her overworked, difficult boss Jayson Bright , something neither of them knows until they have almost fallen in love. It's a mildly sensuous and tender holiday delight and sure to please romance lovers of all ages.

Expect to shed a tear or two -
Holiday Spice by Samantha Chase
Ben Tanner is happiest alone in his woodworking studio, but he needs help writing a book . A friend suggests Darcy Shaughnessy, and they are instantly attracted but unable to act until a huge snowstorm forces them to face their concerns, including Ben’s difficulties with celebrating Christmas.
It's highly engaging and one of the strongest in Chase’s (A Sky Full of Stars, 2016) excellent Shaughnessy Brothers series. Though it's light and fun, it's an emotionally complex contemporary holiday romance.

Hope you find that these new romances can warm even the coldest heart!

Mix-It Up, Romance-Style

Check out these romance titles, great for every romantic taste!

Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas
Returning to town two years after marrying a man of whom her family disapproves, rebellious heiress Haven Travis is determined to never again fall for the wrong man, until she meets Hardy Cates, a sexy Texan who is an enemy of her family.







The Luckiest Lady in London by Sherry Thomas
Louisa Cantwell, who must marry a wealthy man in order to support her sisters, is drawn to Felix Rivendale, the mysterious Marquess of Wrenworth, but resists because she knows that he cannot be trusted.
Any Duchess Will Do by Tessa Dare
When Griffin York, the Duke of Halford, tries thwart his mother's attempts to get him to marry by paying Spindle Cove barmaid Pauline Simms to fail duchess training, the unexpected result is a burning desire in the duke's heart to truly make her his wife.

An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn
While searching for a mysterious beauty he met at a masquerade party, Benedict Bridgerton meets Sophie Beckett, a servant in need of his help, and as passion flares between them, he must choose between Sophie and the woman of his dreams.
The Heiress Effect by Courtney Milan

Oliver wants desperately to use the political system to make poor people's lives better, but is at risk of compromising his ideals to do so. A steamy and engaging read, multicultural elements.

Paranormal Romance Author Chloe Neill

Chloe Neill is the New York Times bestselling author of the Chicagoland Vampires Novels, the Devil's Isle Novels, and a YA series, Dark Elite. Chloe was born and raised in the South, but now makes her home in the Midwest. When she's not writing, she bakes, works, and scours the internet for good recipes and great graphic design. Chloe also maintains her sanity by spending time with her boys--her husband and their dogs, Baxter and Scout. 

Neill's series Chicagoland Vampires is fun and the heroin is all Chicago-Girl sassy. You will enjoy that Chloe mentions many of Chicago's amazing locations and delicious eateries.

Chloe Neill's Chicagoland Vampires series new books.



Dark Debt  Book 11
Springtime brings new challenges to Chicago’s vampires, as Merit, the Cadogan House Sentinel, and her Master and paramour, Ethan Sullivan, face personal threats from Balthasar, Ethan’s presumed-dead creator, and a shadow organization headed by Merit’s ex, Morgan Greer. The cooperative skills of the newly minted Assembly of American Masters are tested, and Merit’s previous immunity to vampire glamour can’t withstand assault by Balthasar, creating intimacy issues for her and Ethan. Merit and Ethan are aided (and occasionally hindered) by magical allies, the Cadogan House staff, and Merit’s father and grandfather, as they engage in overt and covert battles for control over the powerful vampire houses. Little characterization details like Merit’s enthusiasm for refreshments, destructive tendencies toward formal wear, and complicated family emotions enhance this brisk adventure.



Midnight Marked Book 12

In book 12 of the Chicagoland Vampires series, vampire Merit attempts to attend a Cubs night game with her Master (and lover), Ethan, along with her best friend, Mallory, and Mallory's husband. When Mallory senses some strange magic, she leads them to the dead body of a shape-shifter. They arrive just in time to give chase to the killer, another vampire. He eludes capture and, to save the alliance with the shape-shifters, they investigate the murder. Sorcery, alchemy, and a friendly necromancer contribute to the supernatural fun. The comradely banter between the characters and the continued hot romance between Merit and Ethan add to the enjoyment of the book.

Enhancing GPL's A Year of Reading 2017: Readalikes for February

February is the month of love and romance and happy hearts. I was so impressed with the February titles for the Love Connections theme, I thought I would enhance this list with similar book picks.

For A Thousand Days in Venice by Marlena De Basi, try:

• Only in Naples by Katherine Wilson - Americans fall in love with Italians and with Italy; while food is a central piece in both memoirs, it's a family affair in Only in Naples, and (at first) a solitary pastime in A Thousand Days in Venice.
• Still Love in Strange Places by Beth Kephart - These two engaging memoirs trace the lives of women who fall in love with foreign men, move to their country, and learn to fit into the local culture. Along the way, each encounters linguistic, cultural, and social challenges.

For Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari and Eric Klinenberg, try:

• Data, a Love Story by Amy Webb - Drawing on their own experiences, the authors of these books examine technology's influence on human relationships. Modern Romance surveys the dating pool from a sociological standpoint, while Data, A Love Story recounts the author's personal quest to find love online.
• Labor of Love by Moira Weigel - Each concerned with the vagaries of finding a mate, these issue-oriented books differ in their precise focus. Labor of Love looks at a history of dating in the U.S., while Modern Romance looks at contemporary courting in a number of locales.

For  Romancing the Duke by Tessa Dare, try:

• A Kiss at Midnight by Eloisa James - These witty, upbeat Regency historical romances take the tropes of classic fairy tales and reinvent them as they follow spirited, resourceful heroines and their unlikely aristocratic love interests from Once Upon a Time all the way to Happily Ever After.
• The Sum of All Kisses by Julia Quinn - These romances feature damaged heroes who are forced to spend tie in close quarters with the heroines, during which a romance slowly develops. The stories are full of witty banter, heartfelt conversations, humor, and drama.

For Sweet Little Lies by Jill Shalvis, try:

• You Don't Know Jack by Erin McCarthy - Secrets and lust are the focus of these banter-filled contemporary romances set on opposite coasts. Though Sweet Little Lies favors a heartwarming tone and You Don't Know Jack is funnier, both are steamy and touched with a bit of magic.
• Make You Mine by Macy Beckett - In these banter-filled, heartwarming contemporary romances, the road to true love is rocky, if steamy. Is it the fault of a wish or a curse?

Hope you find a Love Connection with one or more of these titles!

Historical Love

Some of the greatest romances are those of real life historical figures.  Here are a few novels that follow the loves stories of some historical couples.

Under the Wide and Starry Sky - Nancy Horan

Chronicles the unconventional love affair of Scottish literary giant Robert Louis Stevenson, author of classics including Treasure Island and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and American divorcee Fanny Van de Grift Osbourne. They meet in rural France in 1875, when Fanny, having run away from her philandering husband back in California, takes refuge there with her children. Stevenson too is escaping from his life, running from family pressure to become a lawyer. And so begins a turbulent love affair that will last two decades and span the world.

Claude & Camille: A Novel of Monet - Stephanie Cowell

Sometimes he dreamt he held her; that he would turn in bed and she would be there. But she was gone and he was old. Nearly seventy. Only cool paint met his fingers. "Ma très chère." Darkness started to fall, dimming the paintings. He felt the crumpled letter in his pocket. "I loved you so," he said. "I never would have had it turn out as it did. You were with all of us when we began, you gave us courage.




Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald - Therese Fowler

 A tale inspired by the marriage of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald that follows their union in defiance of her father's opposition and her abandonment of the provincial finery of her upbringing in favor of a scandalous flapper identity that gains her entry into the literary party scenes of New York, Paris and the French Riviera.






Clara and Mr. Tiffany - Susan Vreeland

Louis Comfort Tiffany staffs his studio with female artisans--a decision that protects him from strikes by the all-male union--but refuses to employ women who are married. Lucky for him, Clara Driscoll's romantic misfortunes insure that she can continue to craft the jewel-toned glass windows and lamps that catch both her eye and her imagination.






The Hamilton Affair - Elizabeth Cobbs

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the American Revolution, and featuring a cast of legendary characters, The Hamilton Affair tells the sweeping, tumultuous, true story of Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler, from passionate and tender beginnings to his fateful duel on the banks of the Hudson River.

Laurie Colwin

Warm and comforting, the lovely books of author Laurie Colwin were about urban life and relationships between those who thought they might never find love. Colwin was also a columnist for Gourmet magazine and wrote several books about food and cooking. Her writing is just the right amount of charming for a cold winter’s read.

Family Happiness
Polly lives happily until she finds herself in a sweet, but painful love affair with painter Lincoln Bennett.

Happy All the Time
A comedy of manners about two couples and how they find love.

Home Cooking: A Writer in the Kitchen
About the joys of preparing and eating simple food.

Lynsay Sands' Argeneau/Rogue Hunter Series - Modern Vampires with a Twist.

Starting a new series of books can be a daunting task - especially if you look at how many their are in the series. Lynsay Sands' Argeneau Series has 24 titles in it! Soon to be 25 with one coming out in March of 2017. Where does one begin?  Try the first one - A Quick Bite.

Every vampire series has a creation story of how they got that way. Sands' tale is that they once were an advanced race of people who created scientific nanos to cure disease and keep the body in top condition. And then their home world of Atlantis was destroyed. But the nanos adapted - requiring the user to use up more blood to keep their body going. And that adaption brought upon the vampire characteristics - moving swiftly, great strength, the need for more blood, and yes - fangs. But while these Immortals may be old (they like the name Immortals better - vampire is a human term...) they have moved into modern society quite nicely - having set up their own blood banks, and businesses in the twentieth century.

Sands' books are different - just for the unique relationships - when's the last time you had an older heroine - worried about hitting on / being attracted to a young guy - when in reality - he thinks she is perfect - cause he's over 200 and she's only 60. The story lines are not atypical - just when you think this reads similar - she'll give you a twist. And then there is the humor. I love romances with humor. The vampires know their situation is usual, and sounds crazy - but they still have very human characteristics and emotions. I promise you will laugh out loud.

And then there are the families. It starts with the Argeneaus - very prolific family - full of cousins and connections and then come along the Nottes and their friends, and co-workers. If you like detailed series full of characters, try these.  In fact one of the best parts of A Quick Bite - is the family's reactions to the new guy/boyfriend.  

So come along for the fun ride and try a Lynsay Sands'  paranormal title today. Oh, did I mention she also does historicals? 

Have fun reading!

Fore more information on the Argeneau/Rogue series - family trees - book excerpts - series order - see Sand's website.

Happy Birthday Mary Stewart!

Prolific British author and grand dame of romantic suspense Mary Stewart (1916-2014) would have celebrated her 100th birthday on September 17th. She wrote best-selling novels for over 40-years and is recognized for her romantic-suspense novels. Her novels are often set in remote locations and draw heavily on historical and classical literature references, these fast-paced contemporary romances feature a young woman, smart and compassionate if inexperienced, who stumbles into danger and must differentiate which of several likely characters is the true scoundrel in order to save her own and others' lives. In her 50's she switched genres and wrote a trilogy of fantasy novels featuring King Arthur and Merlin. The series brought her a new generation of readers and a legion of male readers as well. Her American publisher William Morrow & Company estimated that she sold between 25 and 30 million books in the United States. Check out a couple of her books or try a read alike author.

Rose Cottage
In 1940's England, a young woman searches for information on her mother. Kate Herrick was born out of wedlock and abandoned at the age of six. Now a widow, she returns to the boarded up cottage of her childhood and finds that someone was there before her.

Moonspinners
Working as a secretary at the British Embassy on Crete, Nicola Ferris is enjoying a day off when she meets up with two hiking friends who accidentally stumbled into the middle of a frightening act of revenge.

Crystal Cave
Born out of wedlock son of a Welsh princess, Myridden Emrys--or as she would later be known, Merlin--leads a dangerous childhood, troubled by portents and visions. But fate has great plans no-man's-son, taking him from prophesying before the High King Vortigern to the crowning of Uther Pendragon...and the conception of Arthur--king for once and always.

Hollow Hills
In this sequel to The Crystal Cave, Merlin conceals and tutors the child Arthur until the time of his coronation.











Read Alike Authors

Barbara Michaels
M.M. Kaye
Victoria Holt

Welcome to Summer: Romance Is in the Air

Some folks treat the Memorial Day Weekend as if it is the first weekend of the summer. Perhaps it is, since summer seems to be so short a season in our area. So enjoy the restful time off and start reading those summer romances now.

A Summer Seduction by Candace Camp

When Damaris Howard, a beautiful woman surrounded by scandal who sparks his interest, is kidnapped from the London streets, Alec Stafford, the Earl of Rowden, faces a dangerous plot as he works to rescue her. Historical romance.

Summer at Mustang Ridge by Jesse Hayworth

Recently divorced Shelby takes a summer job cooking at a dude ranch in the hopes that the country will help her troubled daughter, and finds herself tempted to stay longer when she falls for the head wrangler, Foster. Contemporary romance.

Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas

Desperate to save her family from ruin, Annabelle Peyton plans to use her beauty and wit to marry a wealthy aristocrat, but her plans are undermined by the intriguing Simon Hunt, who offers seduction but not marriage. Historical romance.

Home for the Summer by Mariah Stewart

When Lucy Sinclair returns home to St. Dennis to plan a celebrity wedding, she reconnects with Clay Madison, her best childhood friend, and finds friendship deepening into love as she tries to overcome a past tragedy. Contemporary romance.

Second Chance Summer by Jill Shalvis

After losing her job in a high-end celebrity salon in San Diego, courtesy of an unethical boss, cosmetologist Lily Danville is back in the Rockies at Cedar Ridge to take a temporary job at the local ski resort's spa. But the guilty memory of her sister's tragic mountain climbing death and Lily's own feelings for firefighter Aidan Kincaid, whom her sister adored, make staying impossible. Yet Aidan is determined to change her mind. Contemporary romance.

Have a lovely "first" summer weekend and enjoy a good book!

Picture This: Romantic Photographers

There is something alluring about a photographer taking aim with his or her camera and capturing the beauty and mystery of the subject. The intensity of focus and the dramatic poses can capture the heart of readers and take them on a developing story. Here are a couple of snapshots of books you won’t want to miss.

The Unexpected Consequences of Love by Jill Mansell 

Sophie is a successful photographer when Josh Strachan returns to town to run his family business. He is smitten, but Sophie doesn’t return the feeling but Josh doesn’t give up.

Where You Belong by Barbara Taylor Bradford 

Valentine Dennigan is an American photojournalist covering the Kosovo war. She is traveling with her lover, Tony Hampton. Tragedy strikes when he is killed in an ambush, and Val’s grief turns to shock when she meets Tony’s widow at the funeral.

The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller 

When a National Geographic photographer shows up at the door of Francesca Johnson’s farm asking for directions, their worlds are turned upside down with a romantic interlude that changes both their lives forever.

Laughing At The Thunder by Amanda Harte 

Tom Fleming has promised his editor a pictorial of the perfect Fourth of July woman and considers himself lucky when he meets the Martha Wentworth York in small-town Texas. But Martha isn’t interested in being his subject and the more she resists, the more Tom is convinced he has met the woman of his dreams.

-KF

That spine tingling chill...

Many people are fans of that spine tingling chill happens when your reading an exciting book or a scary book. But if you are not a huge fan of scary - why not try a Gothic style chill instead? Gothic fiction is a genre or mode of literature that combines fiction, horror, death and Romanticism. Still not so sure about the horror and death part? What about a Gothic romance instead?

Try a classic such as Victoria Holt's Mistress of Mellyn where a young Victorian girl accepts a position as governess at Mellyn Manor, an estate shrouded in rumors of mystery and murder.

Or there is Barbara Michaels' Ammie, Come Home. Hosting what was supposed to be a harmless sâeance to entertain her visiting niece, Sara, in her elegant Georgetown home, Ruth Bennett comes face to face with an unwelcome spirit who reveals a dark history of lust, treachery, violence, and murder that now plagues the modern-day inhabitants of the haunted house. Michaels' other titles have spooky tales of governesses and orphan girls battling sinister thoughts of their employers and other menace.

For a tad more modern approach, there is Simone St. James' award winning book The Haunting of Maddy Clare. In 1920s England, Sarah Piper is sent by her temporary agency to assist a ghost hunter, Alistair Gellis, as he investigates the spirit of Maddy Clare, a young serving maid said to haunt the barn where she committed suicide. The ghost is no hoax, and Sarah is soon caught up in trying to discover who Maddy was, where she came from, and why she is desperate for revenge.

Mary Stewart's The Moonspinners was made into a film, but the book is much more menacing as our heroine tries to figure out who is telling the truth as she vacations on the islands of Greece.

And if you like a bit of satire, Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey does a wonderful send up of the Gothic genre. Austen knew what she was writing about since Gothics were a popular trend at the time.

So try reading something a little bit different this year for Halloween. Enjoy!

RITA Awards Announced!

The Romance Writers of America (RWA), the trade association for aspiring and published romance fiction authors, announced the winners for the 2015 RITA on July 25. The RITA—the highest award of distinction in romance fiction—recognizes excellence in published romance novels. 

Contemporary Romance: Long
Baby It's You by Jane Graves

Contemporary Romance: Mid-length
One In a Million by Jill Shalvis

Historical Romance
Fool Me Twice by Meredith Duran

Inspirational Romance
Deceived by Irene Hannon

Paranormal Romance
Evernight by Kristen Callihan

Romantic Suspense
Concealed in Death by J.D. Robb

Young Adult Romance
Boys Like You by Juliana Stone


For more information on the RITA Awards including awards for novellas and unpublished works:
https://www.rwa.org/p/cm/ld/fid=1640

Forever – Seriously? That’s a Long, Long Time!

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater. A human girl and her werewolf boyfriend must fight for their love as death comes closing in.

Forever by Judith Gould. A passionate and suspenseful novel in the tradition of Sidney Sheldon, written by the bestselling author of Dazzle, Sins, and Never Too Rich. When a brutal murder catapults investigative journalist Stephanie Merlin into a deadly hunt for the killer, she finds herself entangled with a powerful and corrupt family.

Forever by Pete Hamill. Cormac O'Connor, who arrives in New York City from Ireland in 1741, has been given the gift of immortality--but only on the condition that he never leave the island of Manhattan. Through his eyes, this magical epic follows the city's transformation from a burgeoning settlement to the thriving metropolis of the present day. But this is also Cormac's story as he explores the mysteries of time and immortality, death and loss, sex and love. 

Forever by Nora Roberts. These classic tales from #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts prove that sometimes bending the rules is the only way to win. 

February 14th is Valentines Day.

Make sure you have your card selected, your flowers ordered, or your candy purchased.  If you wait until the last minute the selection will be sparse and your valentine will know you waited.  If you need a little something more to impress your valentine, maybe some of these stories or songs will do the trick.

Valentine's Day (DVD)

Blue Valentine (DVD)
Very Valentine (e-audiobook)
A Tenor's Valentine (music CD various artists)
Love Songs (music CD Miles Davis)
Closer Than a Kiss (music CD various artists)
V (music CD Maroon 5) Check out the video for the song Sugar, Maroon 5 crashed a few weddings.

Best of Romance in 2014 - Some Lists

Sometimes in the hectic rush around the holidays, the avid reader misses seeing the various end of the year book lists that come out seemingly everywhere.

Maybe the best time to take a look at these titles is really in January and February - when the season and the weather can sometimes bring a little down time or aka extra reading time.

I don't always agree with the various book lists that are put out there - but for Romance titles - these two sources do a fine job with their lists and feature some great titles (and authors.)


Library Journal's Best Romances of 2014

Kirkus Reviews' Remembering Best Romances of 2014


Take a chance on one of these books - and discover a new Romance author or  a genre for you!

Or if the specific title is checked out - look to see if these ladies' have back-list titles. ( Most do!) Just ask at the Reader Services desk if you need assistance.

2014 RITA Finalists Announced!

Romance Writers of America (RWA) has announced their shortlist of outstanding published novels in the romance genre. On July 15 winners will be announced and each will receive a RITA Award named after RWA's first president, Rita Clay Estrada. Take a look below for a selection of the best romance novels of 2013 according to the Romance Writers of America.

Contemporary Romance Finalists
Beach House No. 9 by Christie Ridgway

Half Moon Hill by Toni Blake

Home to Whiskey Creek by Brenda Novak

Homecoming Ranch by Julia London

It Had to Be You by Jill Shalvis

Rumor Has It by Jill Shalvis

The Second Chance Cafe by Alison Kent

The Sweet Spot by Laura Drake

Whiskey Beach by Nora Roberts

Historical Romance
Darius by Grace Burrowes

Duke of Midnight Elizabeth Hoyt

The Lady and the Laird by Nicola Cornick

Love and Other Scandals by Caroline Linden

The Luckiest Lady in London by Sherry Thomas

No Good Duke Goes Unpunished by Sarah MacLean

A Rake's Midnight Kiss by Anna Campbell

Paranormal Romance
The Devil's Heart by Cathy Maxwell

The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley

Shadowdance by Kristen Callihan

Love WAS in the Air....A Post Valentine's Tribute to Love Stinks Teen Reads

Five stories of love...or not...for a tribute to relationships, and breakups!  All titles mentioned are in the Teen Scene.    

Forever
Blume, Judy
Katherine and Michael, along with various friends and acquaintances in suburban New Jersey, discover the possibilities and limitations of love and personal commitment.

How To Ruin Your Boyfriend's Reputation
Elkeles, Simone
Spoiled Amy Nelson-Barak is excited about going to see her boyfriend, who is in the Israeli Army, until Amy learns that she has to take basic training and her boyfriend is going to be her commanding officer.

I Love You, Beth Cooper
Doyle, Larry
Recklessly announcing his love for the head cheerleader during his valedictorian commencement speech, Denis Cooverman is inducted into the wilder side of youth culture by the object of his affection, who turns out to be more than he bargained for.

Girl Meets Boy: because there are two sides to every story
Halls, Kelly Milner
Twelve authors of young adult fiction collaborate on this collection of paired stories told alternately from the point of view of the boy and the girl.

Why We Broke Up
Handler, Daniel
Sixteen-year-old Min Green writes a letter to Ed Slaterton in which she breaks up with him, documenting their relationship and how items in the accompanying box, from bottle caps to a cookbook, foretell the end.

Warm Romances for a Cool Winter

Looking forward to cuddling by the fire with a good romance? Take a look at these charming titles to see if they will suit.

The Lady Most Willing by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James and Connie Brockway
   This title is a historical romance novel in three parts by three authors. It is a cold Scottish night and the laird decided that his heirs need to find a bride. So he kidnaps some ladies from a local ball and brings them to his chilly castle to meet his nephews. But the laird gets more than he bargained for when he gets an extra lady and a duke. Filled with great dialogue and fun characters, this story will charm you on that cold night. But make sure to have an afghan handy, since this castle is particularly drafty. 

If you like this book, go back to last year's The Lady Most Likely by the same authors. There is a character that is continued.

Can't Stand the Heat by Louisa Edwards
   This contemporary romance is for those readers who follow Top Chef and love the Food Network. Miranda, a New York culinary critic, accepts Chef Adam's challenge to work a day in his rising star restaurant. She thinks she's going to get a behind the scenes look at what makes him tick, but their chemistry together has the kitchen turning steamy. This is the first book in Edwards'  A Recipe for Love series, and she does a great job with the main and secondary characters. A fun time will be had by all.

 

How to Capture a Countess by Karen Hawkins
   This is the first book in the Duchess Diaries series that features the Duchess of Roxburghe (married five time and she has outlived them all!) and her attempts at being a matchmaker. She starts with her nephew Lord Sinclair who has a rather rakish reputation. The Duchess finds out that he has been hunting for her goddaughter Rose ever since she caused a bit of a scandal with him a at ball. Guess who the Duchess invites over for a house party? Hawkins provides her book with snappy dialogue and great humor. And just wait until you meet the infamous Roxburge pug dogs. I can not wait until the next title in the series.

Enjoy your reading!