I've read thousands of books and so here are a few of my favorites:
Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon (on my fourth re-read)
ANYTHING by Virginia Henley, especially these: The Raven and the Rose; The Falcon and the Flower; The Pirate and the Pagan; The Hawk and the Dove; The Dragon and the Jewel
The Bride and The Wedding by Julie Garwood (loved most of her books but these two were something else)
A Knight in Shining Armour by Jude Devereaux (loved many of her books as well)
Knights by Linda Lael Miller
McClairen's Isle (3 books) by Connie Brockway
The Highlander series (6 books) by Karen Marie Moning (hot!!!)
Come the Morning; Conquer the Night; Seize the Dawn by Shannon Drake
Most of Johanna Lindsey's historicals
EVERYTHING by LaVyrle Spencer (two top favs: The Fulfillment and Twice Loved) but they're all exceptionally great! I've re-read many of these.
I'll post other books at a future date as I think of them, if anyone's interested. See ya!
I thought I would mention some of my favorite romance writers and books which I have come across over the past years. Especially since reviewing books for the website. You should see the shelves in my house, just jam packed with romance novels. Luckily, no one in my family minds.
The first romance I ever read (age 14) was by Joanna Lindsey, not that I remember what it was now. But I like all of her books from the 70s and 80s. I would have to say my all time favourite is Warrior's Woman. For the longest time I did not pick up this book because the title sounded well ... rather lacking (to put it nicely). But then I picked it up, and wow! Its a cross between Conan the Barbarian and Star Trek. If you like huge brawny men who are loyal, protective and can't get enough, you will like this book.
Kathleen E. Woodwiss, is another historical romance writer who got me hooked. My two favourite books by her are: The Wolf & the Dove, and A Rose in Winter. Both great novels.
I agree with Lucy, anything by Virginia Henley, though I would have to say Enslaved would be my favourite, as it took me completely by surprise. A historical time travel? Who would have thought!
Marsha Canham is one of my all time favorite authors. I love anything she produces, some of my favourites being: The Blood of Roses, Pale Moon Rider, The Last Arrow, and Swept Away.
Teresa Medeiros has to be one of the best historical romance writers of all time. The reason why I say this is because each book is a work of magic. There is just something about her writing which fills your heart with joy. I have every single one of her books and I love them all. However, my all time favourite would have to be: Lady of Conquest.
It was only last year that I discovered Sue-Ellen Welfonder, but I have to say, she is an exceptional writer. And though her fifth book just came out, I have no doubt she will be as popular as those mention above. If you love gritty Scottish romances, with a touch of intrigue and brawny Scotsmen who have a with women, you will love her romances. My two favourites are: Bride of the Beast (Fantastic!!!) and Knight in My Bed.
Another author who I recently discovered is Pamela Britton. Wow, are her books good. Her writing reminds me of Teresa Medeiros, as it pulls you into the story and you just want to devour the whole thing in one sitting. So far I have read: Seduced and Tempted, both excellent novels.
Well, I could probably go on for hours, but I better sign off. These books don't read themselves.
I think my love for historical romance began with 'A knight in Shining armor' by Jude Deveraux. The book simply swept me of my feet. After that I began to read Kathleen Woodiwiss, Shirlee Busbee, ... every book I found in the public library that was a historical romance had to be read.
It's about a jear now that I started a little library for my own. In Belgium there aren't many translations of Historical romances available and absolutely no Historical romance writers. So I started to collect and read in english.
I absolutely love time-travel in a historical romance so Karen Marie Moning, Lynn Kurland and Diana Gabaldon or on top of my list. When you like time-travel please try 'A man in a Kilt' by Sandy Blair it's a wonderfull book.
In the medieval and yammie scots genre I enjoy Teresa Medeiros, Julie Garwood, Elizabeth Lowell, Johanna Lindsey, ...
In the regency genre I must recommend Karen Hawkins, Victoria Alexander, Candice Hern, Stephanie Laurens, ...
I am new to this group, but am a voracious historical romance reader and writer (I dabble really) don't have much time to write these days while raising two boys but will try again in the near future as I have alot of material. However, I just picked up the re-print of Mary Balogh's "The Secret Pearl" and absolutely loved it. I think people who are not necessarily big romance readers, i.e. my mother, would even like it. I haven't had a chance to read her series romance novels as I tend to shy away from anything having to do with a series. It comes highly recommended for those of you who have not read it yet. I have been reading the posts here and my head is swimming at all the suggestions. I remember reading some of these authors from a long time ago when I first started reading romance novels. I'm super picky when it comes to novels, even going so far as to only buy a book from certain publishing houses that I know set the bar high. Laura Kinsale has become my favorite as of recently. Well gotta go.
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genre I enjoy Teresa Medeiros, Julie Garwood, Elizabeth Lowell, Johanna Lindsey, ...
