If you are looking to get into Scottish romances I'd definitley recommend Karen Marie Moning's Highlanders. There will be reviews for a couple of them coming up next month, courtesy of our Webmistress. I've read Immortal Highlander and am keeping my mouth shut since she hasn't gotten to it yet.
I recognise the name Morgan Llewelyn, but don't recall if I've read anything by her. What's your recommendation?
Thanks for the welcome! I'm pretty sure I've got at least one of KMM's books on my TBR shelf. I'm looking forward to getting to Diana Gabaldon's Outlander, too. It sounds good, and I like a nice long book at times, too.
Llywelyn's books are more history and mythology than romance, but a couple have roance elements. I think they classify The Wind From Hastings as romance, but I haven't read that one yet. My favorites were Lion of Ireland -- set in ancient Ireland, the story of legendary leader Brian Boru -- and 1916 -- I fell in love with hero Ned Hollaran, and the noble though misguided Easter Rebellion. It's the first in her 5 part series of The Irish Century. I just read the fourth installment and can't wait for the release of the last one.
I luckedout and found a set of Jove's old Irish Eyes series of books on Ebay, so I'm looking forward to digging in to those. But I've got to love any time I can get 11 books for $5, lol.
The copy I read had been passed around between about 20 women around the world (friend of a friend teaching english over-seas) and I have never seen a book so well cared for.
Diana Gabaldon is extremely talented and the characters are a nice change from the usual age/experience in most romances.
11 books for $5!! I think I need to check out ebay!!
Yes, I've heard much ballyhoo about Outlander, so I'm anxious to try it myself. It's probably next on my list. I've got to finish the one I'm reading now. I never give up on a book, but I'm hoping this one is finished quickly. Lady of the Knight by Jackie Ivie started out pretty good, but is dragging quite a bit and the characters are quickly losing me. I'm not as fond of them as I should be. But I knew a "masquerading as a man" plot would be a bit iffy in the "suspension of disbelief" area. It's written reasonably well though, especially since I believe it's the author's first.
Well Claydreamer, you mentioned a book about a woman "masquerading as a man". I have also had experience with a book on this subject, though I rather enjoyed it. It's Sasha Lord's "Under a Wild Sky" It's pretty spicy though... It's also Sasha's first novel, but I believe she did a really good job on it. It's now a trilogy, but I haven't gotten my hands on the other 2 books. Thought I'd just pass that along. I'd hate for you to pass this one up some day just for the subject matter. It is a good (WARNING/Caution to timid readers. Very Steamy) read.
Sounds like a good one. I'll have to keep my eye out for it. I don't think I've ever rejected a book based on storyline alone, lol, actually I'm not sure I ever reject a book at all -- except for vampire ones --, but some stories need to be handled really, really well to be pulled off.
I'm fascinated by seeing a lot of more common plot devices all leading to very different books. Plotting has always been the weak point in my own writing and I love to see when an author does it well and makes even traditional plots seem fresh and exciting with her characters.
If you've got KMM on your TBR shelf, I hope it's To Tame a Highland Warrior! I'm almost done it, and it's one of those stories with a fairly regularly used plot (tortured dark hero doesn't feel he's good enough for the perfect heroine) that the author completely renews.
I feel like I'm her biggest fan lately. She's all I've been reading. Nice and spicey too.
Though you don't like vampire romances (Claydreamer) I just finished reading Sherrilyn Kenyon's Night Pleasures, her first Dark-Hunter book in the series, and I have to say: WOW WOW WOW!!! It really is that good. I'm actually in the middle of writing the review right now, although technically I'm writing this.
I can't appologize for my love of vampires (been in love with them since I was a kid). I feel they are the ultimate romantic figure. Dark, dangerous, and seductive. And once they fall in love, it is forever. There is also a sad quality to them that touches the heart (well, at least for me). I mean, here they get to live forever, and yet they have to watch as everyone they care about dies around them, everything is always changing. Sigh
Anyone else out there who loves vampires as much as I do?
Oh, and thank you Jennifer for keeping a lid on The Immortal Highlander. I'd have to kill you if you said anything.
Anyways, now I've simply got to get back to work!!!
I think I need to check out ebay!!
It's also Sasha's first novel, but I believe she did a really good job on it. It's now a trilogy, but I haven't gotten my hands on the other 2 books. Thought I'd just pass that along. I'd hate for you to pass this one up some day just for the subject matter. It is a good (WARNING/Caution to timid readers. Very Steamy) read. 
It really is that good. I'm actually in the middle of writing the review right now, although technically I'm writing this. 
