I am Canadian and live every day as if it is Saturday - I am retired. I read romance because I enjoy it, have the time, and love the genre. I write reviews, so other readers can escape effortlessly. Although some may consider me too critical, I always try to be honest and always offer bona fide praise whenever it is due.
When I pick up a romance book, my only concern is emotional response! If the author is successful, the story should incite some strong feelings. A good romance book should always create an atmosphere that will lead the reader to the ultimate commitment. I detest "romance" stories that embrace a heavy "wham, bang" sexual theme. Yes, such stories have sex aplenty, but such stories always leave me wanting. A really good romance author should be able to take her reader to "reading heaven" via lust, seduction, and LOVE!
My Favorite Authors . . .
I just HAD to 'glom' (to seize or latch onto) everything written by - Catherine Anderson, Mary Balogh, Julie Garwood (historicals), Lorraine Heath, Emma Lange (retired), Lori Foster, Anita Mills (retired), Karen Marie Moning, and Karen Ranney.
Current Authors on My Auto-buy List . . .
Victoria Bylin, Liz Carlyle, Lori Foster, Diane Gaston, Jo Goodman, Elizabeth Hoyt, Barbara Metzger, Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
Favorite Books . . .
This was tricky, but I went ahead and chose the books I thought were PERFECT and were given my highest rating of A+ or 10.
Rarely do I give a book the ultimate grade, but in these I discovered everything I desired in a romance story.
#1 - Lisa Kleypas - "Where Dreams Begin" And in no particular order . . . Diane Gaston - "The Mysterious Miss M", Karen Ranney - "Tapestry", Mary Balogh - "A Precious Jewel", Inglath Cooper - "A Gift of Grace", Mary Balogh - "Tempting Harriet", Anita Mills - "Secret Nights", Emma Lange - "The Earl's Season", Lorraine Heath - "Smooth Talkin' Stranger", Karen Marie Moning - "The Immortal Highlander”
On My Shelf (Keepers) . . .
Over the years, these are the books I have loved! Never, never will they leave my house! Outstandingly, they have taken me to “reading heaven” and I thank the authors for my journey . . . of course, not everyone will share the same high . . . but for this romance lover they were glorious finds.
My Favorite Music . . .
That's a toughie! It all depends on my mood. Some days I can't get enough of AC~DC or the Rolling Stones. Other times I crank up the volume for Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, or some other "new country" marvel. But when I read . . . I switch to something low-key - mournful and haunting - Celtic in nature.
My Favorite Movies . . .
Pride and Prejudice (Colin Firth version), The Thorn Birds, Titanic, North and South, Braveheart, Gone With the Wind.
My Favorite Pastime . . .
When not reading, I love to haunt bookstores and libraries.
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