Category Archives: Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Books for People Who Like…Mary Balogh

#1 Carla Kelly

Carla Kelly is an award-winning author. She has over 67 titles to her name. Born in 1947, Kelly is a self-described “navy brat.” As a result, she has lived all over the United States. Kelly has been writing since 1985. She is still creating romances. Her Regency romances don’t always focus on nobility but on people from all stations of life.

We recommend reading: Miss Drew Plays Her Hand, Signet, 1994

Fleeing from the unwelcome advances of her brother-in-law, a widow relocates herself and her daughters to a nearby estate. She soon meets her new landlord, a divorced Marquis who is shunned by society after divorcing his unfaithful wife. A delightful romance begins.

This 1995 RITA Award-winning Regency Romance tale is a classic.

#2 Jo Beverley

Jo Beverley was a successful romance author who had over 30 novels published. She was born in England in 1947 and settled in Canada in the 1970s. In 1984, she published her first historical romance. Beverley earned numerous honors for her work, including five RITA awards from the Romance Writers of America.

She passed away in 2016.

We recommend reading: An Arranged Marriage, Zebra, 1991

The novel tells the story of a young woman forced into an arranged marriage with a man she barely knows. Despite their initial reluctance, the couple eventually finds themselves falling in love. This is a romantic story where love leads to redemption.

regency romance an arranged marriage popp

#3 Loretta Chase

Loretta Chase is a best-selling author of historical romances. She was born in 1949 in the United States and began her writing career in the 1980s. Chase is best known for creating witty and intelligent heroines and paying close attention to historical accuracy.

We recommend reading: Lord of Scoundrels, Avon, 1995

A notorious rake falls in love with a headstrong woman determined to resist his charms. A witty and passionate battle of the sexes ensues. Fans of enemies-to-lovers romances might appreciate this. This full-length sensual historical is sure to captivate readers with its witty banter and sizzling chemistry.

if you like mary balogh regency romance recommendations

#4 Barbara Hazard

Barbara Hazard was born and raised in New England. Since 1978, she has been writing historical romances, particularly Regencies. She published over 25 novels in her career, many of which featured unconventional heroines and heroes. Her emotional and touching stories often deal with issues of social class, gender roles, and the constraints of society.

We recommend reading: The Dreadful Duke, Signet, 1985

The novel follows the story of a 31-year-old spinster who is pursued by a determined Duke who desires her for his mistress. But when he realizes she is one of the few people who can reign in his wild twin daughters, he changes course. Perhaps she would be better suited as a bride? One way or another, he will have her.

#5 Edith Layton

Edith Layton was a prolific author who published over 30 historical romances, many of which were set in the Regency era. Layton was a three-time winner of the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a two-time finalist for the RITA Award.

Her stories featured strong-willed heroines and unconventional heroes and often explored themes of love, duty, and family.

We recommend reading: The Duke’s Wager, Avon, 1995

The daring novel features two villainous heroes who prey upon a lovely young woman and wager a bet on who will have her first. One will continue on the dark path, while the other will change for love. Readers who enjoy romances with redemption will appreciate this novel.

#6 Anita Mills

Anita Mills is an eclectic author of historical romance novels, with over 40 books to her name. Her works took place during different periods in history, such as the Medieval, Regency, and Western eras. They often feature heroines with fortitude and intricate political plots.

Mills was born in the United States and began writing in the early 1980s.

We recommend reading: The Duke’s Double, Bantam, 1995

After a scandalous rumor destroys their marriage, leading to a scandalous divorce, a Duke and his wife go their separate ways. Years later, when they meet again, the Duke realizes he has been betrayed.

dukes double books for readers who like mary balogh

#7 Mary Jo Putney

Mary Jo Putney is a New York Times bestselling author of historical romance novels. She has published over 30 books in the genre, primarily set in the Regency era. Putney is known for her well-researched historical settings, complex characters, and emotionally intense storylines.

We recommend reading: The Rake and the Reformer, Zebra, 1992

Alys Weston conceals her true identity and puts on a men’s disguise so she can be the manager of a secluded estate. However, with the arrival of Reginald Davenport, who is bent on revenge, her plans seem destined to collapse.

#8 Joan Wolf

Joan Wolf is a talented author of over 50 historical romance novels. Her works span multiple historical eras, including the Regency period, and often feature strong, independent heroines and intricate political plots.

Wolf was born in the United States and began writing in the early 1980s.

We recommend reading: The Counterfeit Marriage, Signet, 1980

This Regency romance has a tinge of “bodice ripper” to it. An arrogant Earl abducts and ravishes a beautiful woman at a country inn. The night of debauchery leads to an arranged marriage. The couple struggles to recognize their feelings for one another as both outside and inward forces tear them apart.

#9 Barbara Metzger

Barbara Metzger is a prolific author of historical romance novels, with over 50 books to her name in various subgenres, including Regency, historical, and contemporary romance.

She was born in 1948 in the United States and began her writing career in the early 1980s. Metzger’s works are known for their humor and lightheartedness, as well as their attention to historical detail. She received several awards for her work, including the Romance Writers of America RITA Award.

We recommend reading: A Loyal Companion, Signet, 1997

Dog lovers will delight in this unique romance told from the perspective of man’s best friend. A free-spirited young debutante falls for a veteran of the Napoleonic wars, who has been ostracized by the ton. Fans of all romances will appreciate this heartwarming and funny story.

a loyal companion if you like mary balogh regency

#10 Elizabeth Mansfield

From 1978 to 2003, Elizabeth Mansfield published 38 Regency romances. Mansfield was the pen name of Paula Reibel Schwartz, who also wrote different genres using the pen names Paula Reibel, Paula Reid, and Paula Jonas.

Mansfield was born to a Jewish family in the Bronx, New York City. She was a drama and English teacher before she began to write novels in 1973. Mansfield passed away on December 21, 2003.

We recommend reading: The Bartered Bride, Charter, 1989

After a failed romance leaves him with a broken heart, an impoverished lord marries a wealthy heiress of the common class, who is secretly in love with him.

Your Opinion

What do you think of our picks for the top ten list? Are you a Mary Balogh fan or a fan of the authors and books we’ve recommended? Do you agree if you like Mary Balogh’s Regency romances, you’ll enjoy reading these books??

As always, please drop a comment, and let’s talk romance!

Top Ten Tuesday: Bookish People I’d Like to Meet

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For this Top Ten Tuesday post, Jacqueline Diaz lists ten bookish people she’d like to meet. Almost all her choices are relevant to the books in the romance genre.

It’s Top Ten Tuesday, where we post a list of 10 of our best/favorite/most important bookish-related items, depending on the week’s theme. Thank you to That Artsy Reader Girl for providing us with this feature and creative ideas.

“Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.”

10 Bookish People (Alive, Dead, or Fictional) I Would Like Meet

This Top Ten Tuesday theme is: “pick a previous topic that you missed or would like to re-do/update.” I missed posting on March 7 (and I almost missed posting today!). The topic that week was “10 Bookish People I’d Like To Meet,” which is my list for Tuesday March 21.

The subject was rather broad, and I chose people from different segments of the book industry, living, deceased, or fictional.

Because there are so many choices, this was a tough one.The bloggers section was particularly hard; there are so many people I would adore meeting in real life, but I was limited to just one person per category!

1. All-Around Bookish Renaissance Woman: Kathryn Le Veque

bookish people romance genre Kathryn Le Veque — *Kathryn Le Veque*

If I had to name one bookish person who inspires me, it would be Kathryn Le Veque. Her achievements are amazing–intimidating, even. LeVeque is an inspirational success story proving an author’s dreams can come true.

A USA Today bestselling author, an Amazon All-Star author, and a #1 bestsellier of medieval historical romance and contemporary romance, she has blazed a trail for others to follow.

Le Veque is a tour-de force leader in the industry. She pens unique novels, mostly medievals, and is the founder of several publishing houses, including Dragonblade Publishing.

bookish people romance genre the wolfe kathryn le veque

When Le Veque started out the big publishers rejected her manuscripts. They said her chosen genre not being considered “marketable enough.” Defiant and determined, Kathryn had vision and saw it through.

She uploaded her first novel for purchase on Amazon’s Kindle platform in May 2012. A year later, she was able to quit her day job to focus on her writing full-time. All thanks to the phenomenal success of her e-books.

She writes remarkable stories about knights, kings, and queens. History plays a starring role in her books, not merely a backdrop. Her stories are unique, emotional and deeply touching. Through her many novels and hard work Le Veque has earned the admiration of her peers and fans.

Publishers shut her out of mainstream because she didn’t adhere to the current trends. Kathryn proved them to be fools, self-publishing the books she wanted to to write–and read. She found a large and devoted audience eager to read her stories. On top of that, she built an indie publishing empire to help others succeed.

Who wouldn’t want to talk to a renaissance woman like Kathryn Le Veque?

2. Author (Deceased): Jackie Collins

bookish people romance genre jackie collins

Have you ever wished you could talk to a great writer whois no longer living? For me, that would be Jackie Collins. She was the brilliant, bold, and wildly successful author of over 30 novels that shocked and entertained readers worldwide.

Her career spanned from 1968 with The World Is Full of Married Men to her final work, The Santangelos in 2015. Her bestsellers detailed the glamorous and sordid lives of celebrities.

As actress Joan Collins’ younger sister, Jackie had access to the inner workings of the showbiz industry. She smashed through the conventions of polite society with her books. Collins penned raunchy romantic thrillers. Filled with crimes, sex, drugs, and rock & roll, they went beyond what other writers of her era would touch.

With over 500 million books sold, Collins was one of the most influential and fun icons of American literary history. Some of her acclaimed works include Chances, Lucky and Hollywood Wives.

Chatting with her would be a dream come true. What stories she could tell!

bookish people romance genre lucky jackie collins

3. Author (Living): Rebecca Brandewyne

bookish people romance genre rebecca brandewyne — Rebeca Brandewyne
Source: Wichita State University, *The Shocker*

Rebecca Brandewyne is a romance author who has not written in years. I would be delighted to sit down and see what she has been up to

When I started reading romances in the early to mid-1990s, Rebecca Brandewyne, along with Jude Deveraux and Johanna Lindsey, was one of my favorite authors. Her books were grandiose and epic. They began with a prologue and ended with a happy epilogue, and included a poem and cast of characters at the beginning of the book.

As Brandwyne’s health issues were one of the reasons behind her leaving the writing field, I would ask her how she is faring now. It would be fascinating to learn what she has been up to all these years. I’d want to talk about her works, her writing style, and her current ideas on the genre.

Finally, I would inquire about the two series she never completed. How she would have ended her fantasy trilogy of the Chronicles of Tintagel, which began in Passion Moon Rising?

Most importantly, what was to be the conclusion for her unfinished Highclyffe Hall trilogy? What was to happen with the “twins” Ransom and Rhodes Chandler, who were born in Across a Starlit Sea? And what of their parents and grandparents?

I would love to know the answers to those questions!

4. Book Blogger/ Reviewer: Nenia Campbell

bookish people I want to meet Nenia Campbell — *Nenia Campbell*
*Source: Goodreads*

Nenia Campbell is a multi-talented lady whose name can go in at least four other bookish categories. I chose her for the book blogger I’d want to meet.

Campbell has written books such as Fearscape and Horrorscape, dark (un)romances that feature villainous heroes. She runs Readasaurus Reviews, a blog where she posts book reviews. She is one of the top reviewers on Goodreads where she runs the Unapologetic Romance Readers group.

What’s cool about Nenia is she reads everything. Nonfiction, general fiction, and the entire spectrum of the romance genre. She reads sweet teen romances, bodice rippers, the latest contemporaries, vintage Harlequins, and bizarre treats like Mating with the Mantis!

“I don’t typically like what’s popular because I don’t like what’s predictable or easy; I like books that are raw and difficult and dark and challenge me and the way that I see the world, even if it means heartbreak and tears and playing hours of Animal Crossing to get myself back into the happy zone.”
From Nenia’s Review for Damsel by Elana K. Arnold

Plus, Nenia is very prolific on social media. She discussws all things bookish and posts images ofholding many beautiful books and of herself in lovely colorful wigs.

Nenia seems like such a passionate and creative reader and book lover that I could glean so much from a conversation with her. I also adore her sense of fashion, so I’m sure our talks would be an enlightening and hair-raising experience!

5. Character from a Book: Hercule Poirot

bookish people I want to meet Hercule Poirot — ***The various actors who portrayed Poirot on screen (Source: British Period Dramas)***

As far as fictional bookish people I’d love to meet, it would be the egg-headed protagonist from Agatha Christie’s long-running mystery series. The elegantly dressed Belgian detective Hercule Poirot is a most fascinating character. He solved the mysteries of the Murder on The Orient Express, The ABC Murders and Death on the Nile, and many more.

Poirot is one of the most iconic crime-solvers in fiction, far more interesting to me than Sherlock Holmes. I’d like to pick his brain and learn some detective tips and tricks. And some fashion tips! Il est un homme très sophistiqué.

I would start the conversation by expressing admiration for Poirot’s skills and intellect and asking him to share the secrets of his success. His perspective on human psychology is pivotal to his investigations. How does he know what he knows? What techniques does he uses to solve murders?

I’d also ask him about the cases that were the most memorable or challenging for him. What is his opinion on the state of modern detective work? What advice he would give to aspiring detectives?

Then I’d dive into the details of his fashion sense, which is always so dapper. I’d love to hear his advice on how to look smart and stay stylish, as well as his thoughts on current trends in men’s clothing.

6. Cover Artist: Victor Gadino

victor gadino and apollo bookish people I want to meet — *Victor Gadino and Apollo*

If I could talk to any book cover artist, it would be Victor Gadino. He is one of the top romance novel cover artists of all time. Gadino has created hundreds of beautiful and sensual covers.

His amazing stepbacks make him one of Sweet Savage Flame’s favorite illustrators.

I would love to talk to him about his creative process and how he designs such beautiful and sensual covers.

Victor Gadino was born in New York in 1949. His big break in book illustration came in the late 1970s when he designed romantic-styled covers for gay fiction. Avon reissued Gordon Merrick’s backlist of books, for which Gadino did al the new artwork.

He was a designed covers for many years, but his rise to prominence in the genre came with Johanna Lindsey’s Prisoner of My Desire in 1991, making him a highly sought-after romance illustrator.

He has also designed album covers for well-known performers, Broadway play posters, and collectibles for the Bradford Exchange and Franklin Mint. His work is in the homes of celebrities such as George Lucas and Clint Eastwood, as well as many famous New York City families.

A creator of sensual images, Victor Gadino is the artist I would be honored to meet. I’d be delighted to hear whatever he had to say and, if possible, to observe him at work on his paintings.

7. Cover Model: Fabio

If I could talk to any romance book cover model, it would be the great Fabio Lanzoni. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you the details about Fabio. After all, he’s the supermodel whose face and body have been launched millions of covers.

Plus, he’s also a romance writer himself (even if he had some help from ghostwriters.)

Being a successful cover model and the author, I’m sure he has a great deal of creative insight and inspiration to share.

Fabio’s unique perspective as a romance genre celebrity would provide a lot of fun stories and anecdotes.

The questions I’d ask Fabio would be simple: I’d ask him about his modeling experiences, his favorite covers, which artists he thinks painted him best.

Honestly, Fabio wouldn’t have to say much. At 60, he’s still fine. As I’m 45 now and not the 13-year-old girl who imagined him as the hero of numerous romances, it’s okay to appreciate that eye candy that is Fabio Lanzoni.

‘

I’m certain a chat with Fabio would spark the creative energy to follow my own dreams with renewed vigor.

And maybe he’d let me squeeze his biceps to get a feel those rock-hard muscles? Would that be wrong? Oh, well a girl can dream…

8. Bookstagrammer: Mary Lynne Nielsen

mary lynne nielsen bookish people — **Mary Lynne Nielsen**
**Source: Romance Ruminations**

Bookstagrammer: Mary Lynne Nielsen

Mary Lynne Nielsen has been reading romance for 45 years and has a wealth of information about books and the business.

“I’ve been reading romance for a long time–over forty years. And over that time I’ve managed to produce a few pieces of writing of my own. Rather than having them scattered hither and yon, or not even available, I decided to create a centralized home for them. Hence, my ruminations on romance.

“I make no claims of expertise, wisdom, knowledge, or the like. But I do have, as so many readers do, a deep and abiding love of the often maligned genre of romance.”
-Mary Lynn Nielsen

A prolific bookstagramme r under the handle @emmelnie, she is one of many people whom I’d like to chat with in person. Social media is great for meeting lots of great folks. Unfortunately, because I am a slow typist with ADHD, I am unable to participate in lengthy debates.

Mary Lynne has written articles for blogs and magazines, posted educational videos about the genre, attended conventions, and spoken with/interviewed prominent figures in the industry, academics and fans alike.

Her website, Romance Ruminations is an excellent resource for readers.

I’d be delighted to meet at a coffee shop near a used book store and hear her thoughts on the evolution of the genre, her favorite books and authors, and her advice for aspiring writers and readers.

Basically, we would discuss everything there is possible about our romance and then go book shopping!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mary Lynne (@emmelnie)

9. Publisher or Editor: Steven Zacharius, President & CEO at Kensington Publishing Corp

Publisher or Editor: Steven Zacharius

As far as bookish people on the business side of the industry, I’d enjoy a sit-down with Steve Zacharius. He is the president and CEO of Kensington Books, the parent company of Zebra and Pinnacle. Kenisgton is a multi-million dollar family-run company founded in 1974 by Steve’s dad, Walter Zacharius.

With almost 30 years of experience in the company, Steve has led Kensington’s growth and expansion. I am curious to hear his thoughts on the industry and how he has kept Kensington relevant and successful for so long.

Steve is married with two kids and three grandkids. His son, Adam Zacharius, has also been working there since 2008.

Kensington is one of the last large, privately owned book publishers in the United States. It releases over 500 fiction and nonfiction titles each year.

I would ask him about the challenges that Kensington and the industry as a whole have faced, as well as his insights on the current state and future of the publishing industry.

I’d love to hear his thoughts about the potential death of the mass market paperback, as sales have dropped rapidly for that format in the past several years. E-books have usurped their position as the most convenient and cheapest way to read.

Although romance is genre that still thrives in MMP, trade and hardcover are rising in popularity, especially for the readers who love to display their books on shelves.

Might Kensington’s Zebra imprint also return its focus to dazzling cover art as it did when his father Walter was alive?

10. Podcaster: Andrea Martucci, of Shelf Love

There a several bookish people in podcasting I would appreciate having a chat with. To start , I’d talktot the staff of Shelf Love, particularly the woman-in-charge of it all: Andrea Martucci.

Shelf Love explores fictional stories of romantic love across media, time, and cultures. Their knowledge of romance novels and bodice rippers is vast, and I would enjoy discussing different genres of romance novels with them.

The podcast invites experts to share their knowledge and love for diverse genres and explore romantic love in romance novels, comic books, soap operas, romantic comedies, video games, oral stories, advertisements, and more.

Andrea has presented a paper at the Popular Culture Association and has released nearly 100 episodes since the podcast’s launch in 2019.

Andrea is familiar with so many facets of romance, not just in books, but throughout all pop culture. I’d be thrilled to converse with Andrea about anything and everything. I would ask her about her favorite romance books, her thoughts on different genres, and her insights on the role of love stories in popular culture. What are her favorite couples and love stories in other forms of entertainment?

I could pick her brain for hours. Metaphorically speaking, of course. I’m no zombie!

First episode of Shelf Love Podcast w/ Andrea Martucci

Your Opinion

What do you think of this week’s Top Ten Tuesday theme of “bookish people I want to meet”? Do you like Jacqueline’s list? Would you like to meet any of her choices?

What bookish people would you like to meet?

As always, please drop a comment and let’s talk romance.

Top Ten Tuesday: Our Spring 2023 To-Be-Read List

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We’re listing ten books on our to-be-read list for Spring 2023 for this week’s Top Ten Tuesday theme.

Top Ten Tuesday

It’s Top Ten Tuesday, where depending on the week’s theme, we post a list of 10 of our best/favorite/most important bookish-related items.

Thank you to That Artsy Reader Girl for providing us with this feature and for the creative ideas.

“Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.”
That Artsy Reader Girl

Ten Books on My Spring 2023 TBR List

This week’s theme for Top Ten Tuesday is “Spring 2023 Books to Read.”

We had to tweak this list a bit, as we always try to do things as far ahead as possible. So rather than this list consisting of books-to-be-read, they are books-to-be-reviewed. Introvert Reader has read almost all the books listed below, so look out for these ten reviews in the upcoming months.

1. Historical Bodice Ripper: The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss

Doomed to a life of unending toil, Heather Simmons fears for her innocence — until a shocking, desperate act forces her to flee… and to seek refuge in the arms of a virile and dangerous stranger.

A lusty adventurer married to the sea, Captain Brandon Birmingham courts scorn and peril when he abducts the beautiful fugitive from the tumultuous London dockside. But no power on Earth can compel him to relinquish his exquisite prize. For he is determined to make the sapphire-eyed lovely his woman… and to carry her off to far, uncharted realms of sensuous, passionate love.
THE FLAME AND THE FLOWER BY KATHLEEN E. WOODIWISS

2. Traditional Regency: Lord Carew’s Bride by Mary Balogh

Samantha Newman is getting older, but though she is beautiful and courted by a large number of gentlemen, she is restless and unhappy. While she is staying in the country with her friends Jennifer and Gabriel, she takes a walk alone and wanders onto the property of the reclusive Marquess of Carew.

She meets him far from the house and mistakes him for a landscape designer. He is an ordinary-looking man and is half crippled. He is also friendly and unassuming, and Samantha soon relaxes into a warm friendship with him.

It is only much later, back in London, when she is again threatened by the man who broke her heart years ago during her come-out Season, that Samantha discovers who her friend really is. And this time she is tempted to settle for the contentment of friendship in order to escape the pain of love.
Lord Carew’s Bride by Mary Balogh

3. Harlequin Historical: Sun Woman by Lindsay McKenna

BRANDED A TRAITOR…

Desperate to save the last of her family, Kuchana had become a scout for the

army. To the young Apache, the return of her people to the reservation seemed the only way to ensure their continued survival. Her chosen path was not an easy one, but the promise of a future with Gib McCoy gave her the will to complete her journey.

Lieutenant Gib McCoy had known his share of women, but the pampered eastern ladies of his past paled next to Kuchana’s ethereal beauty. Her courage drew him to her like a moth to the flame. He could not protect her from the jealousy and prejudice that surrounded them, but he knew he would not rest until she was in his arms forever.
SUN WOMAN BY LINDSAY MCKENNA

4. Silhouette Desire: Wrong Address Right Place by Lass Small

THE COMFORT INN

Linda Parsons was excited about her first business trip–and a shambles of a bed-and-breakfast place wasn’t going to dampen her spirit. Especially since ruggedly sexy innkeeper Mitch Roads seemed determined to make her stay enjoyable. There was certainly nothing wrong with this perfect specimen of a man, and his all-too-personal kisses soon drove all professional matters out of Linda’s mind.

Mitch knew Linda had come to the wrong address, but she was too beautiful to turn away. He’d play host and win her heart. But Mitch quickly learned that Linda despised liars. If she found out about his charade, would she check out–for good? Or could he convince her to make a lifetime reservation?
Wrong Address Right Place by Lass Small

5. Harlequin Temptation: Two Can Play by Emma Jane Spenser

They were playing a dangerous game

Private Investigator Natalie Tracy specialized in finding what was lost–missing kids, family heirlooms–so a treasure hunt piqued her curiosity. She’d been hired to unravel the clues hidden in the pages of The Quest. Her first step was to track down the elusive author, Alexander Garrick. That’s when she learned a new set of rules….

Rule #1: Despite her attraction to Alex, she couldn’t trust him.

Rule #2: She only had three weeks to solve the riddle, but her future happiness depended on it.

Rule #3: In a game where winner takes all, the stakes became her life!
Two Can Play by Emma Jane Spenser

6. Silhouette Intimate Moments: Paintbox Morning by Kathleen Eagle

SWEET VENGEANCE …

Miguel Hidalgo had been left for dead by the minions of De Colores’s evil dictator, but he was very much alive—and determined to exact revenge and return his country to freedom. But even a man of Miguel’s determination and talents couldn’t accomplish that alone. He needed Veronica Harper.

Ronnie had flown into De Colores on a mission of mercy only to find herself hijacked at gunpoint, forced to fly the handsomest man she’d ever seen to safety. Soon guns were no longer necessary because once Ronnie heard Miguel’s story, she was eager to help him rescue his island home and even more eager to spend the future by his side.
Paintbox Morning by Kathleen Eagle

7. Harlequin Presents: The Shining of Love by Emma Darcy

Dedicated to her husband and their work at a rural Australian outback clinic, Suzanne had rejected the temptation Leith Carew had offered.

But he’d taken away her inner peace, just as she’d taken his. And when their paths crossed again, the longing that coursed through Suzanne’s body could no longer be denied. Except this time, Leigh was not free…
The Shining of Love by Emma Darcy

8. Paranormal/Science Fiction/Futuristic Romance: Passion Moon Rising by Rebecca Brandewyne

Ileana – The cherished princess of a brave and noble land. Violet-eyed, silver-haired, she was graced with beauty, pride and passion … born with a great gift and a rare destiny.Cain – A warrior prince who denied the danger that could destroy him. He lived by his courage and his instincts, and from the moment he gazed on Ileana, he knew nothing would vanquish his desire.

In each other’s arms, they shared a rich and wondrous love that brought them to exquisite ecstasy. But in a fierce and fiery clash of wills, their union was torn by betrayal and mistrust. Now, as their kingdoms are plunged into the terror of war, they must take up the only weapon that can save their world … the power that blazes in the blackest of nights – the gleaming sword of love!
Passion Moon Rising by Rebecca Brandewyne

9. Western Historical Romance: Temptation’s Trail by Dana Ransom

HERO FOR HIRE…
When Amanda Duncan headed West to find her missing brother, she knew she was a little out of her element. Her privileged upbringing in a fancy boarding school hadn’t prepared her for the perils of frontier Texas. So, she made a plan-all she had to do was hire a hero. But when legendary gunslinger Harmon Bass showed up, he wasn’t what she expected at all. True, he was gorgeous beyond belief, but he was also unarmed! What kind of hero didn’t carry a gun?

LADY FOR LOVE…
Rugged half-breed Harmon Bass needed a job that paid well and disguised his true mission. What ha got was an irritating and irresistible trail partner who could not ride, shoot or keep quiet! Yet with every move she made, he wanted her more! Maybe it was Amanda’s sheer pluck…or unexpected courage…or the way her beautiful brown eyes glowed with sensual fire. Here was a woman to tempt and torment him-the woman he’d been waiting for all of his life. Now, as he and the feisty eastern beauty crossed a wilderness dogged by crooked lawmen and avenging outlaws, Harm only prayed they lived long enough to calm the love that waited at the end of…TEMPTATION’S TRAIL
Temptation’s Trail by Dana Ransom

10. Harlequin Super Romance/ Full-Length Contemporary: The Hellion by LaVyrle Spencer

TWO HEARTS . . . WORLDS APART

RACHEL. The image of elegance, social standing, and beauty, she had barely recovered from her husband’s death when the wildest, most passionate flame of her youth stepped into her life, once again…

TOMMY LEE. The all-time hellraiser of Russellville, Alabama, he had three marriages behind him and a string of fast cars and women. The townsfolk said he’d never change. But Rachel knew differently…

One they were high school sweethearts, too young and reckless to handle the consequences of their love. Now, twenty-four years later, Tommy Lee could still excite Rachel like no other man. Maybe this time, they could make it work. In spite of his wild reputation…the local gossip…or Rachel’s questioning heart.
The Hellion by LaVyrle Spencer

That’s Ten Weeks of Spring Reading

Overall, this Spring will be a season of romance and adventure as we dive into our top ten book picks. We can’t wait to review all these fantastic romance novels and share our opinions with you.

Thanks again to That Artsy Reader Girl for organizing Top Ten Tuesday and giving us fun ideas each week!