My Top 100 Romances

Creating a list for All About Romance's top 100 romances poll is one of the toughest things I do. Here's this year's list, although I already want to change the order of things. :)

1. Bitten, Kelley Armstrong
2. Naked in Death, J.D. Robb
3. Contact, Evelyn Vaughn
4. Immortal in Death, J.D. Robb
5. Over the Edge, Suzanne Brockmann
6. To Love and to Cherish, Patricia Gaffney
7. Living Dead in Dallas, Charlaine Harris
8. The Stranger I Married, Sylvia Day
9. Heiress for Hire, Erin McCarthy
10. When He Was Wicked, Julia Quinn
11. Blue Moon, Lori Handeland
12. The Marriage Bed, Claudia Dain
13. Inner Harbor, Nora Roberts
14. See Jane Score, Rachel Gibson
15. Dead to the World, Charlaine Harris
16. Betrayal in Death, J.D. Robb
17. Club Dead, Charlaine Harris
18. Bad Boys Online, Erin McCarthy
19. Vengeance in Death, J.D. Robb
20. Brighter Than the Sun, Julia Quinn
21. Champagne Rules, Susan Lyons
22. Slave to Sensation, Nalini Singh
23. Stolen, Kelley Armstrong
24. Holiday in Death, J.D. Robb
25. Night Watch, Suzanne Brockmann
26. Lord of the Storm, Justine Davis
27. "The Forbidden Daffodils," Mary Balogh
28. Off Limits, Michele Albert
29. Glory in Death, J.D. Robb
30. Nobody Does It Better, Jan Freed
31. Conspiracy in Death, J.D. Robb
32. Witness in Death, J.D. Robb
33. Prince Joe, Suzanne Brockmann
34. Her Secret Thrill, Donna Kauffman
35. A Man to Trust, Justine Davis
36. Face the Fire, Nora Roberts
37. Slightly Dangerous, Mary Balogh
38. Love's Duet, Patricia Veryan
39. Portrait in Death, J.D. Robb
40. Always to Remember, Lorraine Heath
41. Born of the Sun, Joan Wolf
42. Dead Until Dark, Charlaine Harris
43. Out of Control, Suzanne Brockmann
44. The Reluctant Cavalier, Karen Harbaugh
45. “Fuzzy Logic,” Erin McCarthy
46. Too Many Bosses, Jan Freed
47. Suspect, Jo Leigh
48. It Must Be Love, Rachel Gibson
49. A.K.A. Goddess, Evelyn Vaughn
50. “Wish List,” Sylvia Day
51. The Ice King, Dinah Dean
52. The Edge of Light, Joan Wolf
53. Midnight Bayou, Nora Roberts
54. To Die For, Linda Howard
55. Bad Boys Ahoy, Sylvia Day
56. "Touch Me," Shannon McKenna
57. Origin in Death, J.D Robb
58. Undead and Unwed, MaryJanice Davidson
59. A Suitable Bodyguard, Kathryn Shay
60. Summer Campaign, Carla Kelly
61. Love, Come to Me, Lisa Kleypas
62. "Going Down," Donna Kauffman
63. The Tyrant, Patricia Veryan
64. Better Than Chocolate, Jennifer LaBrecque
65. Dance with the Devil, Sherrilyn Kenyon
66. Getting Her Man, Michele Albert
67. Bodyguard, Suzanne Brockmann
68. Whispers in the Woods, Helen R. Myers
69. Heartless, Mary Balogh
70. Impulse, Candace Camp
71. A Stranger's Kiss, Shelly Thacker
72. The Wagered Widow, Patricia Veryan
73. After Hours, Vicki Lewis Thompson
74. Seduce Me, Jill Shalvis
75. "The Nekkid Truth," Nicole Camden
76. Something Wonderful, Judith McNaught
77. Hunter's Moon, Karen Robards
78. Taking Cover, Catherine Mann
79. Lord Carew's Bride, Mary Balogh
80. Someone to Watch Over Me, Lisa Kleypas
81. Hero Under Cover, Suzanne Brockmann
82. The Only Way Out, Susan Mallery
83. Night Fire, Catherine Coulter
84. Kitty and the Midnight Hour, Carrie Vaughn
85. Lord of Scoundrels, Loretta Chase
86. Just a Memory Away, Helen R. Myers
87. Wickedly Hot, Leslie Kelly
88. The Counterfeit Coachman, Elisabeth Fairchild
89. Guilty Pleasures, Laura Lee Guhrke
90. Flight from the Eagle, Dinah Dean
91. The Grinch Makes Good, Alison Kent
92. Get a Clue, Jill Shalvis
93. "The Nutcracker Sweet," Nancy Warren
94. My Darling Caroline, Adele Ashworth
95. The Mandarin of Mayfair, Patricia Veryan
96. Miss Chartley's Guided Tour, Carla Kelly
97. The Lady's Tutor, Robin Schone
98. This Is All I Ask, Lynn Kurland
99. A Whole Lot of Love, Justine Davis
100. Key of Knowledge, Nora Roberts

I created a list three years ago, but there have been a number of changes to the new list. The biggest change: several In Death books dropped off the list. I still love the series, but I decided I didn't need to list every book--I think the series is still quite well represented.

I've added a bunch of new favorites, such as Bitten, Contact, Champagne Rules, and Slave to Sensation.

I enjoy making this list, but I admit I'm glad there are a few years between them. Putting them in order is a tough task.

The Seduction of Sarah

I have a ridiculous number of unread books in my house, courtesy of RWA conferences 2005, 2006, and 2007. I decided to read some of the books that have been on the shelf for a while. One of these is Cynthia Clement's The Seduction of Sarah.

Widowed Sarah Wellsley delights in her daily swim--until she is discovered by an imposing stranger who mistakes her for a harlot. Having escaped the cad's embrace, she's mortified to meet him again mere hours later, and shocked to discover he is the long-absent Marquess of Caldern . . . and her cousin Caroline's intended. But now he only has eyes for Sarah, and will pursue her at any cost. The situation couldn't be more awkward--particularly because she cannot erase the memory of Alex Caldern's touch . . .

Alex long ago abandoned dreams of love. His marriage will be a business arrangement to produce an heir. On the eve of his proposal, however, he is seized by a passion he cannot ignore: the need to possess Lady Caroline's quiet cousin. By turns wanton and demure, Sarah confounds his every instinct and thwarts even his most ingenious attempts to have her. Yet she is by his side, unbidden, especially when he is in danger.

As the attempts on Caldern's life multiply, Sarah's deepest feelings slowly makethemselves known. And when Alex finally realizes what she wants, he's more than prepared to satisfy her . . .

I picked this up at the 2005 RWA signing. The cover is gorgeous.



The story itself doesn't live up to the beauty of the cover. As I read, I found myself thinking, This is extreme. Alex is extremely pushy. He wants Sarah as a lover, so he maneuvers her, has inappropriate conversations with her in public, and wonders why she's not falling into his arms. Sarah is extremely good. She's always running around the village helping people with her herbs. Then there's Caroline, who is extremely spoiled. She browbeats Sarah, acts like a snot, and doesn't understand why she can't have what she wants.

If you look for subtlety in these characters, you won't find much.

There is some good stuff here. Alex does have some nice moments, such as when he realizes he is in love with Sarah. But these moments are not the biggest part of the book.

Clement is a solid writer and this could have been a much better book. Ultimately, there's a good story here, but it's overwhelmed by the stereotypical characters. The Seduction of Sarah: 2.5 out of 5.

Reason Number Two

Why I love Derek.

All the people around him can see how much he loves Sara. I love the scene where Derek is watching her sleep after he's rescued her. Lily watches the way he treats her and notes that he loves her.

Sweet!

Reason Number One

Why I like Derek.

From the moment he meets Sara, he wants what is best for her. He doesn't believe he's best, so he compiles a list of eligible men for her.

Taking Sides

Lisa Kleypas fans are apparently dividing into two factions: those who prefer Derek Craven from Dreaming of You, and those who favor Sebastian from Devil in Winter. I've read both books, and I can say I genuinely like them both. As for who sticks in my mind? Sorry, Sebastian fans.

I choose Derek.

Guest Appearance

I'm making a guest appearance at Paperback Reader with a review of Nalini Singh's Caressed by Ice. Enjoy!

Another Place You Can Find Me

I belatedly direct you to my latest Romancing the Blog column, where I talk about creating a list of my 100 favorite romances.

Sleepless at Midnight

I like Jacquie D'Alessandro's books, but haven't read any in a while. I heard some good buzz about Sleepless at Midnight, and I'm so glad I checked it out. This historical romance was a delight from start to finish: 4.5 out of 5.

The ladies in London are abuzz over Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, especially Miss Sarah Moorehouse. Her imagination is fired up, so when she spies Matthew Devenport, Marquess Langston, mysteriously sneaking home in the wee hours clutching a shovel, she simply must investigate. Impelled by curiousity, the adventurous lass steals into his bedchamber--only to be caught red-handed by the impossibly handsome and totally naked nobleman.

The Marquess Langston has more important things to worry about than a group of literature-loving ladies. But Matthew's grand plan to rescue the family from ruin could be lost when he discovers Sarah hiding behind his bedroom curtain. What is this meddlesome woman up to? And why are his desires inflamed by a chit who is too inquisitive for her own good? Well, two can play at this game . . . and when Matthew captures the beguiling Sarah in all her naked glory, the night of mischief has only just begun.

Sleepless at Midnight is the charming story of a bookish heroine who falls for a handsome man who needs to marry for money. What transforms this story from a standard romance plot to a compelling read are the characters. Matthew and Sarah meet during a house party and are skeptical of each other. Sarah wonders why Matthew is digging out in his garden, and Matthew sees her curiosity is a threat.

I loved watching Sarah and Matthew go from wariness to attraction to affection. And they have wonderfully witty conversations. There's plenty of humor in the story as well, with Sarah's conversations with her friends, and an amusing attempt to create the perfect man. Then there's Matthew's dog, Danforth, who sits on people's shoes. All of this comes together to create a book that's charming and fun.

Visions of Heat

After reading the first two books in Nalini Singh's paranormal series, it's safe to say she's become an autobuy.

Used to cold silence, Faith Nightstar is suddenly being tormented by dark visions of blood and murder. A bad sign for anyone, but worse for Faith, an F-Psy with the highly sought after ability to predict the future. Then the visions show her something even more dangerous--aching need . . . exquisite pleasure. But so powerful is her sight, so fragile the state of her mind, that the emotions she yearns to embrace could be the end of her.

Changeling Vaughn D'Angelo can take the form of either man or jaguar, but it is his animal side that is overwhelmingly drawn to Faith. The jaguar's instinct is to claim this woman it finds so utterly fascinating, and the man has no argument. But while Vaughn craves sensation and hungers to pleasure Faith in every way, desire is a danger that could snap the last threads of her sanity. And there are Psy who need Faith's sight for their own purposes. They must keep her silenced--and keep her from Vaughn.

I hesitated to read this when it first came out because I feared it wouldn't live up to the previous book, or that it would be too similar. Once I got it at July's RWA conference, I couldn't resist reading it. As often happens, I needn't have worried. This is no mere rehash of Slave to Sensation; Vaughn and Faith are strong characters in their own right. Now that I've read Visions of Heat, I'm not sure how I managed to wait before buying it.

The danger to Faith is a real one. The dark visions threaten to engulf her, so she goes to Sascha (the heroine of Slave to Sensation) for advice. In the process, she meets Vaughn. He responds to her on a visceral level, and I liked seeing the animal side of him. It's mentioned that he's closer to his changeling side than many of the others, and you definitely see that.

I also like that Faith's discovery of and integration into the changeling world doesn't come easily. As a Psy, she's been trained not to feel emotion. Vaughn pushes her to feel, but it's not a smooth transition. This is portrayed realistically and makes for a compelling story.

Singh does an amazing job of blending romance and suspense in this book. Romance may be a little stronger, but that's the way I like it. :) With an intriguing hero and heroine, Visions of Heat rates 4.5 out of 5.