Today is Leap Day and I’d like to wish a very Happy Birthday to all those born on 29th February! I hope you have a very special
day. I’d also like to congratulate everyone who is taking this opportunity to propose. Good luck and best wishes for the future!
Tomorrow, 1st March, is World Book Day. So I am rolling these two events into one big celebration, combining books and romance, and offering a BIG BLOG PRIZE of my entire HQN backlist. That is ten books: Deceived, Lord of Scandal, Unmasked, Confessions of a Duchess, Scandals of an Innocent, Undoing of a Lady, Whisper of Scandal, One Wicked Sin, Mistress By Midnight and Notorious.
To enter the contest all I’m asking you to do is name your favourite romantic novel (or novels) of all time and tell me why you like it so much. So if you would like to win the books – or give them as a gift to someone else – tell me your romance favourites.
The winner will be selected at random on Saturday from names drawn out of a hat. Please make sure that I have a way of contacting you in case you win. Good luck, thank you for entering and have a great week!
PS: For another chance to win, don’t miss my website contest as well!
Out of all the romance books I have, my all time favs are the very first trilogy I ever read by Gina Wilkins. Her Hero ones. They are romantic, passionate and I go back to them time and time again. I still tear up when I read them and whenever I go away on holiday, they are always in the bag.
Amanda I haven’t read these. Thank you for the recommendation. it’s wonderful to have Keepers we can return to time and again.
My all time favorite series is actually two by the same author, The Bedwyn Series and The Simply Quartet, then she came back with another great Series The Huxtable Quintet. they are all by Mary Balogh.
Tina, I am a huge Mary Balogh fan too. She is one of my very favourite historical romance authors!
Hi Nicola,
Well, aside from your books, I have to say that Mary Balogh’s The Huxtable Quintet was one of my favorite series. I loved following the characters from book to book, as I felt that I knew them so well. I really loved all the sisters, the brother and the cousin.
What a great opportunity to own your entire HQN backlist.
Diane, another Mary Balogh fan! I have to agree with you. And thank you so much for your kind comment about my books too!
I think my favorite romance novel would have to be the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. For me Jamie Fraser is the epitome of a hero and Claire was a great heroine. They loved each other through time and distance.
Sue, that is such a wonderful sweeping series of books isn’t it. I absolutely love stories like that where love endures through time and space.
My favourite romantic novel is Persuasion by Jane Austen. I have read it so many times and each time I still feel Anne’s embarrassment when she sees Frederick again and I still feel the suspense of whether they will ever get together, even though I know what happens. I first read it for A level and reading it still makes me feel like the girl I was then,do you know what I mean?
Jane, I do indeed know what you mean! Persuasion remains my favourite Jane Austen novel because I think we can all identify with Anne’s regrets over her decision and the awkwardness of meeting Frederick again. You’re rooting for them all along to get back together again. I absolutely love it and it takes me back to my teenage years as well. I think it may be the book the gave me such a love of “old flame” stories.
I would probably do better if you asked for my Top 10 favorite romance novels/series, but as we’re limited to one… I have to say that no matter what I’m reading, every now and again, I have re-read Jane Austen’s PRIDE AND PREJUDICE. Elizabeth Bennet’s journey never fails to make me gush with pride for her (no pun intended). And Darcy… he’s the end all, be all in heroes for me.
Chris, it is difficult to restrict yourself to just one favourite, isn’t it. Pride and Prejudice is another fabulous example of Jane Austen’s work. The characters are wonderful and Darcy… Sigh.
Oh, so many favourites! I adore Mansfield Park by Jane Austen as the heroine gets her man in the end, despite being the good girl who always does the right things.
I also love and adore Devil’s Cub by Georgette Heyer. I love the heroine Mary’s strong character and the dynamics of her relationship with Dominic whom she likens to a wild, sulky boy! Also we get to catch up with Dominic’s family whom I also love, especially his dad the Duke of Avon.
There are so many more I love, but I think I’d better stop now! Also, I confess I do own some of the books already, so if I did win I’d share those with my friends
Hi Alison! It’s good to hear a word put in for Mansfield Park and Fanny Price! Whenever I read it or see the film I want Henry Crawford to reform and Fanny run off with him!
I totally agree about Devil’s Cub. It has always been one of my favourite of Heyer’s books. Vidal was making me feel weak at the knees when I was only a teenager and Mary was the perfect foil for him.
Oh Nicola, you’re killing me here, woman!
From so many years of reading to chose one favorite is TORTURE!!!
After much consideration it came to two series…Mary Balogh’s “Simply” (‘Simply Love’ in particular) or Diana Gabaldon’s “Outlander” series (‘Outlander’ in particular) and I chose Outlander for its brilliant character development and human emotion; historical backdrop and continuaty of a story that after 20 years I’ve yet to be bored with because of this authors master storytelling!
BTW 15 years ago on March 1st my DH proposed only because he thought it was April 1st (my birthday). We had a laugh and great dinner that night
Melanie
melanieDOTfriedmanATsbcglobalDOTnet
LOL, Melanie! Loved the story about your dh proposing!
I agree heartily with both your choices. And it is dreadful having to choose between all your favourites. I should have asked everyone for their top ten – but even then I would be struggling!
My first and favorite romance book was The Dragon Lord’s Daughters by Beartrice Small. I stayed on her books only for several years.
I then came across the website Romcon.com and was selected as a reading judge. That is were I found my first book outside of Bertrice Small and it was yours Nicola, The Confessions of a Duchess. I have not ready any others of yours yet, but it did get me to start exploring other authors.
Hi Crystal! How wonderful about the Bertrice Small book. And I am honoured that the next one you read was one of mine and that it led to other authors… That is always a lovely thing to know!
The Romance Novel I read over and over is Heather Graham’s Sweet Savage Eden. The story reminds me a little of Forever Amber mixed with Gone with the Wind. Everytime I read it, I find another part that sticks out and draws me in.
Those are the best sort of books, aren’t they, Tammy, that you can read over and again and still find things in them that speak to you. I re-read Alice Chetwynd Ley’s Regencies a lot and they are still as fresh for me now as they were 30 years ago!
Jane Austen’s Persuasion — her most passionate novel.
I have to agree with you, Lady Wesley!
There are so many great romance books out there it is almost impossible to choose but… if I really have to then I’m going for Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen.
Another vote for P&P and I can totally see why!
Mary Balogh’s Bedwyn Series, Elizabeth Hoyt’s Legend Of The Four Soldiers series, and all of Lynn Kurland’s Macleod and de Piaget time travel romance books.
Thank you for some great recommendations, Sherrill!
Hi Nicola, my fave of all time is “Emma” by Jane Austen. Why? First of all, I think I am quite similar to the main character, spoiled, stubborn, unwise (well, I’m not trying to be a match-maker, anyway). Secondly, Mr. Knightley is my favorite hero among Austen’s (maybe I’m looking for a slight father-figure in a husband?).
Recently, my favorite historical romances are yours. They have got it all: plot, action, characters, psycology, passion.
I’m just finishing “Mistress by Midnight” at the moment and if I could choose one among the prizes I would like “Desired”, but as it is not available for the contest, “Notorius” is my choice.
Thank you!
Hi Carla! I am so very happy that you enjoy my books so much. Thank you!
It’s nice that Jane Austen’s Emma appeals to you as not everyone takes to that book. I rather like it, and the way she grows and changes during the book. Mr Knightley is indeed the perfect gentleman!
My favorite romance of all time would have to be Gone With the Wind. I think I like it so much because it is the book that got me started reading romance.
And a fabulous book it is too!
One of my favorite romance is Ashes in the Wind by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. The characters are so memorable and time time period (a war time setting) at times tested their love. It’s a journey I enjoyed taking with them towards their HEA and would do so again. Another favorite is Table for Five by Susan Wiggs, a contemporary and The Outsider by Penelope Williamson, a Western historical. I’m always finding new favorites.
Hello Na! I enjoyed Table for Five as well. It’s great to keep finding new favourites to add to your list!
I still go back to Again the Magic by Lisa Kleypas — it shows how love conquers all.
(And I’m still wishing Lisa Kleypas writes a novel devoted to Gideon Shaw. ^_^)
Hi Tin! Oh yes – Lisa Kleypas! Several of hers are on my favourites list. Wonderful!
I am so naive in romance but I love The Gisborne series by Charlotte Hawkins and I am currently reading “Heart of a knight“ by Barbara Samuel and I am loving it.
My friend Carla has told my very well about your novels so it will be great read them.
Thanks
Hi Antonia! I haven’t tried either of those but I will definitely look out for them now! Thank you!
Hi Nicola, my favourite all time romance novels would be star from Danielle steel and Paradise by Judith Mcnaught. I love star because it depicted a story of a girl from a small village who fights hard to get what she wants and I love paradise because the girl is coming from a high class background but she could not find happiness eventhough she is very rich. Those two books teach me the importance of love and family:). They are the reason why I love romance novels:). Happy world’s book day! cheers
Hi Aretha! Those books sounds fabulous. I love it when the themes of romance books really make me think like that.
I feel really bad because I did not include any of yours on my list. I honestly cannot choose between any of your books because each one is uniquely written and immerses me into a world far away from the insaness of raising 3 young children, 2 nutty moggies and a husband. Thank you
Thank you, Manda. What a lovely comment!
Before commenting I read what everyone else listed as their favorites. Many of my favorite novels were listed; Gone with the Wind can to mind right away along with Pride and Prejudice. More recently I read The Outlander Series and fell in love with Jamie and Claire. Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series and Mary Balogh’s Huxtable Quintet were heartwarming novels that have stayed on my shelf from the first time I read them. In both series I really enjoyed getting to know the characters. There were so many laugh out loud moments where my son would look at me and say what are you laughing at. I was trying to remember the first book I read by you as it’s what prompted me to start reading through your booklist. Perhaps it was The Scandals of an Innocent and Miles story or Whisper of Scandal and Joanna’s story. Either way your novels have become favorites of my, those in paperback are defiantly keepers.
But the one book I read ever few years is The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough. I admire the strength to keep fighting that lived in Meggie and the struggles that Ralph’s ambition led him through. No matter how many times I read the novel, and I know most of the dialog by memory, I still cry the last chapter of the book.
Hi Julia! Thank you so much – I loved writing both Whisper of Scandal and Scandals of an Innocent and it is really great when someone enjoys them! I was hooked on The Thorn Birds when I read it in my youth. A really powerful story.
I have quite a few books that i am fond of. I shall only name two though.My first one is ‘Her Gentleman Protector’ by Meg Alexander,this is a book i love to read over and over again.It is a romance and an adventure-which i love.by the end of the story the two characters Emma Lynton and Simon Avedon,i feel have learnt quite a few lessons and it has a happy ending !
The second book is ‘Northanger Abbey’ by Jane Austen. I love the plot of the story and the characters.Its a classic.
Hi Hannah! Northanger Abbey is a wonderful book. I love that it is so funny but poignant as well. Meg Alexander has written some lovely stories. I enjoy the combination of romance with adventure very much.
Incredible contest thanks ! Out of all the romances I read I would have to say there is a trilogy by Melanie Milburne :the Sabbatini Brothers that was just absolutely stunning. It had so much passion,intrigue,scandal,deep dark secretes and good old fashioned love and family “hate” in all three books that it felt as if I was inside a tv show. Really brilliant ! Thanks for the giveaway and the chance to win !
Desere
Hi Desere! It sounds as though that series of Melanie Milburne’s really has it all! I’ve read some of her books and enjoyed them very much.
Oh it did have it all it really did !
Must be Anya Seton’s Katherine, because I was much too young to know then what pain could be inflicted on, and wars result from, the multiple step-children of multiple legitimate and illegitimate relationships.
Another of the first romantic novels I ever read and another great choice, Liz. I have to say the books people have come up with are absolutely wonderful and it is such fun chatting about them!
Despite tough competition from Persuasion and Georgette Heyer’s Cotillion and Devil’s Cub, Pride and Prejudice must forever remain my favourite.
I fell in love with this book when I first read it at the age of thirteen and the romance between Eliza Bennett and Mr Darcy will always be special as I too took a long time to realise that I was in love with the man who wanted to marry me!
Thank you for your comment, Rachel, and for your fabulous blog which is a wonderful place for any Regency lover to visit! I think books like P&P have a special resonance if you have a personal story that also chimes with them.