Need a good historical romance. Other genres too. discussion

The Sins of Lord Lockwood
My One and Only Duke
Two of my favs this year.

American Wasteland: How America Throws Away Nearly Half of Its Food
A real eye-opener.


Please share any favs you have. Current books or past books.

I have too many to list and am hard put to think of a particular standout for me this year.

If pushed, I might say the following ones are in the running:

J. S. FLETCHER: 17 Novels & 28 Short Stories, Including Detective Mysteries, Adventure Novels, Crime Stories & Historical Works

Slowly Fell: A Tale of Love and Thumbscrews - Jayne Fresina

Softly Falling - Carla Kelly

Sorry, I can't seem to make links to the book pages.

Vivienne----

Thanks for your list. I don't read too many mysteries, maybe
I should. Don't know that C. Kelly. I like that this author has
many military men as heroes.

Easiest way I think to share is to link to my favorites list :)

https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

The vast majority (90% or more maybe!) are HRs (they are my favorite romance sub-genre by far), so I will just make some notes about my second favorite romance sub-genre which is paranormal romance (NO Twilight kinds of stuff!) for those who might be interested in that genre as well...
(Keep in mind that I like my books steamy so if that's not your thing, you will not like these!)

Christine Feehan's Dark series --- the first several in particular are great! More recent ones, I haven't been feeling as much, but the ones up to book 19-20 or so are all good; 4-5 star rated)
1st book: Dark Prince (currently on sale for $1.99)
https://smile.amazon.com/Dark-Prince-...
2nd book: Dark Desire (currently on sale for $3.99)
https://smile.amazon.com/Dark-Desire-...
Book 3 is okay (not my fave but if you like the series, worth the read. It is also on sale for $3.99 right now )
Her Sea Haven/Sisters of the Heart Series is good too (very different from her Dark series; still paranormal elements, but not as emphasized and not vampires or the like; more psychic kinds of "powers") -->
Amazon Link --> https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B...

Any and everything Karen Marie Moning has written -- she is the bomb! If you haven't read her Highlander series, do yourself a favor --- WORTH IT! (The first book isn't critical to the rest of the series, so I would start with Book 2... My personal faves are 4-6, but they are all good!)

Amazon link to series --> https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B...


Pure/Dark Ones series by Aja James --- I got into this by "accident," and now I am a beta reader for the author directly - she is so imaginative!! They MUST be read in order because there is significant world-building, but if you like intriguing story lines, steamy goodness, and some suspense/mystery, this is seriously awesome!
All are available with Kindle Unlimited; the second and the most recent (7th) books in the series are on sale now --> Dark Longing Pure Awakening
Amazon link to series --> https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B...
If you get into this one and love it, Aja is very open to providing advance copies for free in exchange for reviews!

The Fae Chronicles by Amelia Hutchins
Significant and intricate world-building; smoking hot scenes; magic/fae themes; strong plot lines; and one of those "just when you think you know something, BOOM - it's not quite what you thought" twists.
Fighting Destiny (Book 1) is currently free -->
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
BE WARNED: 2 things, really...
1 - Each book ends in a cliffhanger (but each book is about 450+ pages; they build on each other)
2 - Ryder (the "hero") is a serious anti-hero (in fact, he is a major a-hole for the first book and into the second... and still has his moments after that too), BUT you learn more about him and why he is that way, so if you can put up with his crap for the first couple of books, he grows on you in a big way
Amazon link to series --> https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...
(There are also off-shoots from these books that focus on Ryder's guards, so if you get into it, you can explore those too.)

In HRs the only superior writing I find is books by Jayne Fresina and Meredith Duran, but I am hard pressed to select just one by either author. Time will tell if I can add Mimi Matthews and Mia Vincy to the list also, but for now they are just "very good" for me.

For older HRs you really can't beat G. Heyer's Black Sheep.

At the top of my favorites list is Dorothy Dunnett - the Lymond and Niccolo series.
Then a selection in no particular order:

Dorothy Sutcliffe Adams - all books but esp. Desert Leopard and No Man’s Son.
Mary Lide - the Cambray trilogy
M.M.Kaye - Shadow of the Moon, Tradewind
Valerie Fitzgerald - Zemindar
Rebecca Ryman - Shalimar
Jan Cox Speas - My Lord Monleigh, Bride of the Machugh.
Ellis Peters - the Cadfeal series
Ngaio Marsh - the alleyn series
P.D.James - Dalgliesh series
Lindsey Davies - Falco series
Steven Saylor - Gordianus series
Ariana Franklin - Mistress of the Art of Death series
Donna Leon - Brunetti series
Michael Dibdin - Aurelio Zen series
Louise Penny - Gamache series
Antonia Hodgson - Hawkins series
Joanna Bourne - historical romance
Elizabeth Chadwick - historical fiction
Jean Gill - Troubadours Quartet
Laura Kinsale - historical romance
Pamela Belle - Heron series, Wintercombe series
Penelope Williamson - Historical romance
Robin Schone - erotic historical fiction
Sebastian Barry - Day’s without End
Andrea Camilleri - Montalbano series
C.J.Sansom - Shardlake series
Elizabeth Peters - Peabody series
James Lee Burke - Robicheaux series

OLT -

I agree with you, as far as all-time favourites go, Heyer's "Black Sheep" would probably be at top my list also for HR and is one I never tire of reading.

I was really thinking of ones I had read this year when I listed mine, and even then I'm not absolutely sure.

It is too hard to pick just one out of all the hundreds of books I have read, and so many deserve a place at the top. *Sigh*

I just noticed this is "any genre" so we don't have to limit ourselves to HRs. But I must confess that my favorite reading is historical: H romance, general H fiction, and H mystery. I have to second many authors in Altair's list, in particular Ariana Franklin, Antonia Hodgson, Elizabeth Chadwick, Laura Kinsale and Joanna Bourne.

But I'm going to mention other past authors or reads that left me impressed, for whatever reason:

Elizabeth Loupas, especially THE SECOND DUCHESS
Margaret Atwood, THE BLIND ASSASSIN
Barbara Kingsolver, THE POISONWOOD BIBLE
Diane Setterfield, THE THIRTEENTH TALE and ONCE UPON A RIVER
Lindsay Faye, anything
Sharon Kay Penman, anything, but especially her Welsh Trilogy and THE SUNNE IN SPLENDOUR
Iain Pears, AN INSTANCE OF THE FINGERPOST
Charles Palliser, THE QUINCUNX
Jude Morgan, THE KING'S TOUCH and PASSION
John MacLachlan Gray, THE FIEND IN HUMAN
Haruki Murakami, A WILD SHEEP CHASE and HARD-BOILED WONDERLAND AND THE END OF THE WORLD
I really must stop. Too many books. This is an impossible task.

Altair wrote: "At the top of my favorites list is Dorothy Dunnett - the Lymond and Niccolo series.
Then a selection in no particular order:

Dorothy Sutcliffe Adams - all books but esp. Desert Leopard and No Man’..."

Altair --

I also like some of the writers and series you have listed. It seems my memory is a blank until I see others' lists.

Ellis Peters
P. D. James (the Brits did a wonderful television series based on the "Dalgleish" series, starring Roy Marsden in all but the last two)
Ngaio Marsh (the Brits also did a television series on "Alleyn")
Elizabeth Peters

I’ll add a few more from my youthful days:

T.H.White - The Once and Future King.
Mary O’Hara - the Flicka trilogy.

The measure of these books is that they are still in print, I think one could call them minor classics, which still pique my much older self’s literary interest.

Young Australian readers like me then went on to the Silver Brumby series by Elyne Mitchell.
Then away with horses and back to the Arthurian legends with the more solemn:

Le Morte D’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory.

Orlando Furioso by Ariosto. This was rollicking good fun. Almost as good as:

The Iliad and The Odyssey by Homer.

Vivienne - I watched all the tv adaptations of those novels. Inc the Wexford series based on the novels by Ruth Rendell. I like those books too.

Roy Marsden was a great Dalgliesh.. I couldn’t warm to the actor who took the role in the final episodes.
I liked the actor in the Alleyn series. There was another tv series I liked based on a series of novels that I still haven’t read. The tv series was called “Wycliffe”.

Ah how could I forget? The beautifully styled Dalziel and Pascoe series by Reginald Hill. The tv adaptations were good, though like many people I hated the loss of Pascoe’s wife. It seems Hill got his revenge by making sure she remained in the print versions.

I totally agree w/ MG's post above!


Tessa Dare got me back into HR w/ Romancing the Duke but I haven't finished the series. Not because it's not good. I just have Book ADD going. A new book pops on my radar & it's like


I got into Lisa Kleypas series of The Ravenals & Wallflowers & LOVED THEM! I am now working thru The Hathaways


I also like Eloisa James new series The Wildes of Lindow Castle

I also read PNR so along w/ MG list above I have to say Hands Down J.R. Ward Black Dagger Brotherhood!!! It's the Best Series Ever IMHO.

MG wrote: "Easiest way I think to share is to link to my favorites list :)

https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

The vast majority (90% or more maybe!) are HRs (they are my favor..."

MG, I'm with you on the earlier Dark series and KMM's Highlander series. I think I read the first few books of her last series and then dropped it for quite a while after about the third book. I read a few more but quit a while ago. I no longer have the desire to read long series with convoluted plots.

I have so many books to read that most books get read once these days, so I'll only list authors whose books have been read and re-read, not necessarily recently. I notice that many of us like the same authors.

Terry Pratchett, Discworld - Granny Weatherwax is a role model
Grace Ingram/Doris Sutcliffe Adams - No Man's Son
Georgette Heyer - Black Sheep, Frederica, The Corinthian, Sylvester or the Wicked Uncle - etc.
Elizabeth Peters/Barbara Michaels ... I have the urge to re-read Ammie, Come Home - a very good ghost story and Ramses is still one of my favorite characters
Anne Gracie
Lisa Kleypas
Mary Stewart - such beautiful writing
Mary Balogh Slightly Married Slightly Dangerous
Elizabeth Goudge, The Little White Horse
Carla Kelly
Jayne Fresina
Mimi Matthews
Eloisa James
Rosalind James, contemporary romance, particularly those All Blacks
Anne Bishop, Others series (urban fantasy) - love these
Karen Marie Moning (Highlanders)
Christine Feehan's early Dark series
Shelly Laurensten/G. A. Aiken, paranormal romance/urban fantasy
Seanan McGuire, paranormal romance/urban fantasy
Patricia Briggs, paranormal romance/urban fantasy, for Charles and Anna, one of my favorite couples - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...

I posted the Goodreads link since I couldn't find the book. It is a novella that was originally included in an anthology. I've read it so many times. Anna was extremely abused by her first pack and she and Charles have a long way to travel until Anna gets her courage and confidence back. It's a good series (if you like urban fantasy/pnr), I've pre-ordered them for years.

Mamacita----

Welcome! Thanks for the book list & the visuals.

Hi, Mamacita! Sounds like you are in the right place. I also loved the Black Dagger brotherhood, although I am far too many books behind. Zsadist is still my favorite.

Altair wrote: "Vivienne - I watched all the tv adaptations of those novels. Inc the Wexford series based on the novels by Ruth Rendell. I like those books too.

Roy Marsden was a great Dalgliesh.. I couldn’t warm..."

Altair,

YES! I agree with you. Roy Marsden was absolutely Dalgleish, but for some reason, in the last two episodes, Martin Shaw (who is also a great Brit actor and has appeared in many TV series), took over the title role and I did NOT like him in that role.

Dalziel and Pascoe was a great series. The totally uncouth Dalziel and the university-educated Pascoe. I never really took to Pascoe's wife, but didn't like the way in which the script writers got rid of her.

Wycliffe was a favourite and I absolutely loved that series. I thought his wife was the epitome of the perfect wife for a policeman, and, of course, the Cornish setting was amazing.

Wexford was also a favourite and I really liked that actor who took the title role - George Baker, who was another great Brit actor. Another one of his roles was Tiberius in "I, Claudius", which I also watched.

Patrick Malahide was the actor who played Alleyn, again, great casting. I believe he also has a part in "Game of Thrones" which is NOT something I watch.

So many great British programmes; they do them so well!

Vivienne - 4 more crime series adapted for tv that I also liked.

“Inspector Morse”, based on the novels by Colin Dexter.
I was sad the way they ended the series. But if he had to go, then fading with the beloved classical music was the only way.
The recent series which shows the young Morse is rather good. It can stand alone. No one can replace John Thaw. I can’t warm to an offshoot called Lewis.

“Shetland” based on the books by Ann Cleeves. I’m reading those novels and the tv series brings the isles to life.

“Vera” based on the novels by Ann Cleeves. What a joy to see someone closer to my age, and looking um. Normal. Her sidekick is fine too.

“DCI Banks” based on the novels by Peter Robinson. I have some of them as audiobooks.

The strange thing is that of all the tv series I listed, it’s Wycliffe I most rewatch. You are right about the wife and the setting.

Altair wrote: "Vivienne - 4 more crime series adapted for tv that I also liked.

“Inspector Morse”, based on the novels by Colin Dexter.
I was sad the way they ended the series. But if he had to go, then fading..."

Altair,

Yes, Morse was another one of my favourites (plus all the repeats), and it had to end b/c John Thaw died in real life. I think they must shoot "endings" just in case.

I haven't seen the other three series you mention, although I did quite like "Lewis" and his side-kick.

I remember in one episode the script writers brought Morse "back" in a way. Lewis was investigating a series of murders and getting nowhere. It was a long-running case and had been investigated by Morse years ago. Long story short, they came across a piece of paper with what looked like nonsense on it, and the side kick just mentioned that it could be a (cryptic) crossword clue. That immediately rang bells for Lewis and after a lot of figuring out, Morse's cryptic clue solved the case. I thought it was a nice touch.

I didn't like the young Morse.

Vivienne - There seems to be an unfortunate tendency to hang on to successful series characters after they have been exhausted. They are resurrected by sending them back to their youthful intro to policing. So we have Endeavour. And we have The Young Montalbano. I had read several of the Andrea Camilleri novels before I discovered they had been televised. Thus I have ended up with quite a few of the Montalbano dvd sets. Also with a few print versions of the novels. But I couldn’t warm to the Young Montalbano version tv series.

We didn’t mention the elephant in the room - Agatha Christie. I may be one of the few who hasn’t read any of the novels, but I have watched all the Marple and Poirot versions so that must count for something.

I see there is a new version of Les Miserables. I should have read the book when studying French but somehow bypassed it.

https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-ra...?

Altair wrote: "Vivienne - There seems to be an unfortunate tendency to hang on to successful series characters after they have been exhausted. They are resurrected by sending them back to their youthful intro to ..."

Altair - Yet another series I have both read and watched. I have all Agatha Christies, most in hardback bought when I belonged to Doubleday, and I have watched all the television series. For me, the definitive Miss Marple was the first actor to play her, Joan Hickson, in all 12 of thee BBC "Miss Marple series. Another British channel later re-ran the "Miss Marple" series with Geraldine McEwan, who came a distant second with me as Miss Marple, and when the title role was then given to Julia McKenzie, who is a very good actress, I stopped watching b/c to me she didn't fit the character of Miss Marple at all!

I haven't read Les Mis nor watched any shows, live or televised. I do like many of the songs from the stage show, but am not at all interested in the story. (Maybe I am a Philistine :) )

Vivienne, one day when I have time to watch TV again, I'd love to see the BBC Miss Marple series. I'm not much for musicals any more, but I'd like to see The Greatest Showman with Hugh Jackman.

HappyBookWorm2020 wrote: "Vivienne, one day when I have time to watch TV again, I'd love to see the BBC Miss Marple series. I'm not much for musicals any more, but I'd like to see The Greatest Showman with Hugh Jackman."

I'm not a huge musical fan. I like some, but very few. However, The Greatest Showman was one of the Best Movies I've ever seen! FLoved That Movie!

Mamacita wants a Bedtime Story wrote: "HappyBookWorm2020 wrote: "Vivienne, one day when I have time to watch TV again, I'd love to see the BBC Miss Marple series. I'm not much for musicals any more, but I'd like to see The Greatest Show..."

Mamacita, that's awesome! From the clip or two I've seen, I couldn't imagine not liking it, good to hear it confirmed. I like that Hugh Jackman seems like such a decent man - rare to find in one so good looking and in the movie business.

Mamacita wants a Bedtime Story wrote: "I totally agree w/ MG's post above!

I also read PNR so along w/ MG list above I have to say Hands Down J.R. Ward Black Dagger Brotherhood!!! It's the Best Series Ever IMHO."

Love me some BDB! My list was getting a little long, and I knew you'd bring that one into the fray, Mama

HappyBookWorm2020 wrote: "Mamacita wants a Bedtime Story wrote: "HappyBookWorm2020 wrote: "Vivienne, one day when I have time to watch TV again, I'd love to see the BBC Miss Marple series. I'm not much for musicals any more..."



His character was an ass a couple of times in the movie. I got so mad at him. I'm not a Zac Efron fan, but man he was great in that movie too! I laughed & I cried. Girl, it was so good I saw it 2x IN THE THEATER!!! I bought the digital & the Blu-ray! I cannot not rave enough about it.

MG wrote: "Mamacita wants a Bedtime Story wrote: "I totally agree w/ MG's post above!

I also read PNR so along w/ MG list above I have to say Hands Down J.R. Ward Black Dagger Brotherhood!!! It's the Best Se..."

Couldn't resist. When it comes to BDB, you know me...

Lots of really good books & authors (non-HR) in this freebie bundle I thought I'd share (because... hey.... FREE!) :)

Modern Fairy Tale: Twelve Books of Breathtaking Romance -->
Amazon link --> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P3XXXW5
Set Includes:

MG wrote: "Lots of really good books & authors (non-HR) in this freebie bundle I thought I'd share (because... hey.... FREE!) :)

Modern Fairy Tale: Twelve Books of Breathtaking Romance --> [bookcover:Modern ..."

Thank you! I'll try them out.

This one is on sale right now ---- not an HR or even a romance, but an incredible story and totally worth the time (have also heard that they are making it into a movie). I listened to it on Audible and it was even more fabulous.
Born a Crime

MG wrote: "This one is on sale right now ---- not an HR or even a romance, but an incredible story and totally worth the time (have also heard that they are making it into a movie). I listened to it on Audibl..."

Looks good!

My favorite book of all time:

Horse Heaven by Jane Smiley.

A novel about the world of horse racing, with an ensemble cast of POV characters, both human and equine. A lot of adventure, a little suspense and mystery, some romance and plenty of humor.

Hi Georgina----

I have a few friends who own horses. What intelligent & beautiful creatures!

Hi HR. I spend a lot of time with them and appreciate them.

My one friend wanted to call a horse chiropractor! I did not know
one existed!

HR-ML wrote: "My one friend wanted to call a horse chiropractor! I did not know
one existed!"

There are equine specialists in chiropractics, massage, acupuncture and dentistry. I am a veterinary specialist in the field of equine fertility and reproduction; this is a busy time of year for me.

Georgiana,

What an interesting career! My horse owner friend, a nurse, was a blacksmith too. She also was a distance horse racer. Once yrs ago, she and horse were racing over a wooden covered bridge, the horse had 2 hooves fall through the wood. She kept the horse as calm as possible, while the vet, fire dept, etc. freed the horse. Luckily she and the horse had only minor injuries.

Another friend kept changing stables for her horse. Must have been confusing
for the horse? She sold him b/c he was "too wild." I've lost contact w/ my last horse owner friend.

The endurance horses have to be amazingly fit; your friend was really dedicated. The scariest thing about working with horses are the accidental situations they can get themselves into. Your friend did a great job with her emergency situation.

Most horses don't mind a change in environment. However, they do form close attachments to other horses or people and may suffer from some separation anxiety when moved to a new residence. Legend has it that the great racehorse, Swale, died of a broken heart. When he retired from racing and went to a stud farm he was separated from his long-term groom; who had a deep attachment to. The autopsy showed no organic or traumatic cause of death, it was a mystery.

Many people end up buying the wrong horse, or simply just a horse that is wrong for them. I've worked with a lot of horses over the years and I would have to say there are only a handful that I would have chosen for my own horse.

Horses likely become attached to those who groom them, exercise them, keep them medically healthy?

My friend who switched stables, complained she didn't see her horse often enough, but that was her choice. But then again, her ear was attached to her cell phone. LOL!

Give Us the Ballot: The Modern Struggle for Voting Rights in America
Doing Justice: A Prosecutor's Thoughts on Crime, Punishment, and the Rule of Law
To End a Presidency: The Power of Impeachment
The American system isn't perfect, but still we work toward justice.

Favorite non-fiction books I've read in the last year:

Bending Toward Justice: The Birmingham Church Bombing that Changed the Course of Civil Rights

Grace Will Lead Us Home: The Charleston Church Massacre and the Hard, Inspiring Journey to Forgiveness

How to Read the Constitution--and Why

It Shouldn't Be This Hard to Serve Your Country: Our Broken Government and the Plight of Veterans

Sleeping with the Devil: How Washington Sold Our Soul for Saudi Crude

The Golem and the Jinni

Beneath a Scarlet Sky

A Gentleman in Moscow

The Flatshare

The Alice Network

Any of Charlie Carillo's books.

Most of Catherine Ryan Hyde's books.

HR-ML wrote: "Favorite non-fiction books I've read in the last year:

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

Homo Deus: A History of Tomorrow

Just Mercy looks great!

Clasics
Jane Eyre
Pride & Prejudice

Historical Romance
Rosehaven By Catherine Coulter
Devil in Winter Lisa Kleypas

Mystery Series
Goldy Shultz series Dianne Mott Davidson

YA Fantasy (Don't judge me.)
The Abhorsen series by Garth Nix
and, of course, the Harry Potter series

Carol, I have to second A Gentleman in Moscow. Loved that book.

Is this for any favorite read at any time?

Roberta2 wrote: "Carol, I have to second A Gentleman in Moscow. Loved that book."

I love it. Loved the ending. And then I was sorry I finished it.

Since this is any genre, I'll mention a few relatively recent releases that I loved: The Ten Thousand Doors of January, Once Upon a River, The Paragon Hotel, The Wolf and the Watchman, Courting Mr. Lincoln.

OLT wrote: "Since this is any genre, I'll mention a few relatively recent releases that I loved: The Ten Thousand Doors of January, Once Upon a River, [book:The Paragon Hotel|37..."

I already have Ten Thousand Doors on hold. Nice to hear your rec.