Top Five Humorous Moments

When it comes to romance novels, I prefer drama to comedy. A quick scan of my bookshelves reveals my preference for books that are more dark than light. Still, I enjoy humor as well; here are my five favorite humorous scenes. Spoilers abound, so consider yourself warned.

Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris
Sookie Stackhouse doesn't usually attend orgies, but she accepts an invitation to one so she can use her telepathy to find out who killed a local man. Unfortunately, her boyfriend, Bill, is out of town, so he can't go with her. She turns to Bill's boss, Eric, for help. She wants him to go with her and protect her if need be. Since the man who was killed was gay, Sookie asks Eric if he can "pretend to be gay." He comes to her house wearing an interesting outfit.

Eric had been wearing a long trench coat. Now he threw it off dramatically, and I could only stand and stare. Normally, Eric was a blue-jeans-and-T-shirt kind of guy. Tonight, he wore a pink tank top and lycra leggings. I don't know where he got them; I didn't know any company made Lycra leggings in Men's X-tra Large Tall. They were pink and aqua, like the swirls down the sides of Jason's truck.

"Wow," I said, since it was all I could think of to say. "Wow. That's some outfit." When you've got a big guy wearing Lycra it doesn't leave a whole lot to the imagination. I resisted the temptation to ask Eric to turn around.

I get such a kick out of Eric. And I can't help loving a man who will wear Lycra when you need him to.

Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase
When readers think about funny stories, I bet Lord of Scoundrels isn't often one that comes to mind. It's got drama, passion, and angst, but I don't think it's remembered for its comedy. But I love the subtle humor that threads throughout the book. Dain finds it hard to believe that anyone could find him physically attractive, so here's what he decides about his wife, Jessica.

With the world securely in order, Dain was able to devote the leisurely bath time to editing his mental dictionary. He removed his wife from the general category labeled "Females" and gave her a section of her own. He made a note that she didn't find him revolting, and proposed several explanations: (a) bad eyesight and faulty hearing, (b) a defect in a portion of her otherwise sound intellect, (c) an inherited Trent eccentricity, or (d) an act of God. Since the Almighty had not done him a single act of kindness in at least twenty-five years, Dain thought it was about bloody time, but he thanked his Heavenly Father all the same, and promised to be as good as he was capable of being.

There are many moments like this, moments of understated humor that I love.

Brighter Than the Sun by Julia Quinn
This may be one of my favorite comedies. Charles's propensity to make lists is hilarious. I also loved the scene where Eleanor goes to Charles, wanting to consummate their marriage.

She shrugged off the peignoir.

"Oh, God," he croaked. His eyes rolled heavenward. "I'm being tested. That's it, isn't it? I'm being tested."

"Charles?"

"Put that back on," he said frantically, grabbing the peignoir off the floor. It was still warm from her skin. He dropped it and reached for a woolen blanket. "No, better yet, put this on."

* * * * *

"Don't you want me?" she whispered. "Even a little bit? You did last week, but I wasn't dressed like this, and--"

"Are you mad?" he fairly shouted. "I want you so much I'm liable to perish on the spot. So cover yourself up, because otherwise you're going to kill me."

Ellie planted her hands on her hips, growing just a little irritated with the direction of the conversation.

* * * * *

"Are you sure?"

She nodded.

For a split second he didn't move. Then he came at her with a force that knocked the breath clear out of her. One minute Ellie was standing, and the next she was on her back, on the bed, with Charles on top of her.

Once Charles realizes what Ellie wants, he doesn't waste time. ;)

Boy Meets Girl by Meg Cabot
This is the first of Cabot's books I read, and I laughed all the way through it. There are so many funny scenes, but I love the one during Kate's deposition, when her boss and her boss's fiance try to shift blame onto her.

SH [Mitch's brother and Kate's boss's fiance]: Can't you see what she's doing? This young woman has a grudge against her employer because Ms. Jenkins had to reprimand her yesterday for wearing a skirt of an inappropriate length to the office, and she's just trying to--

JV [Attorney]: Is that true, Ms. Mackenzie?

KM [Kate]: Well. Yes, about the skirt. I mean, Amy issued me a warning letter about it.

MH [Mitch, the man Kate is dating]: That skirt you had on yesterday? That black suede one you wore to the restaurant?

KM: Um. Yes.

MH: I liked that skirt. What was wrong with that skirt?

Vengeance in Death by J.D. Robb
There are so many humorous moments in the In Death series that I may end up doing a separate list. However, I love seeing how people react to the unusual pairing of the cop (Eve) and former criminal (Roarke).

"I didn't properly introduce you to my wife, Brian. This is Eve. Lieutenant Eve Dallas, New York City Police and Security."

Brian choked on his whiskey, thumped his chest to help the air into his lungs. His eyes watered. "A cop? You married a bloody cop?"

"I married a bloody criminal," Eve muttered, "but nobody ever thinks of that."

"I do, darling." Amused, Roarke kissed her hand. "Constantly."

What are your favorite humorous moments?

Alyssa