Monday, June 6, 2011

The Joy of Romance



Readers experience the joy of romance in a variety of subgenre including Historicals, Medieval, American West, Fantasy, Futuristic or Contemporaries. Each caters to the reader with particular tastes and individual preferences. Personally, when I find a new book that interests me, I track down the author's previous and current work, and get busy reading every offering. Some of my favorite romance authors are Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown, Jayne Ann Krentz, Julie Garwood, Judith McNaught and La Vryle Spencer.

Kiss and Tell be introducing you to some of the heroes and heroines that fill the pages of their books as we explore the joy of romance. Romance authors present a variety of sub genre in the novels they produce. Let's take a look at some of the all time greats.

Versatile Nora Roberts, multi award winner, is the Queen of Romance. Her works include Historicals, contemporaries, series, fantasy, paranormals and romantic suspense. The "In Death" series, written under pen name J. D. Robb, offers mystery and romance in a tidy futuristic package, featuring tough NYPD Lt. Eve Dallas and sexy hero Irish billionaire Roarke, the love of her life. The series begins with "Naked in Death", followed by "Glory in Death", my favorite novel in the series. Interested in Nora's pseudonym J. D. Robb? The initials J. D. evolved from her sons' first names, Jason and Daniel. Robb is a shortened version of Roberts. The most recent releases in the sixteen book series are "Seduction in Death", "Reunion in Death", and "Purity in Death". "Divided in Death" is the first offered in hardback.

My all time favorite series by Nora Roberts is The MacGregors. Family patriarch, Daniel Duncan MacGregor, schemes to find suitable husbands for his granddaughters, Laura, Julia and Gwen. Their stories make up the best selling "MacGregor Brides". When that task is completed, Daniel makes matches for his grandsons in "The MacGregor Grooms". Recent re-issues "Serena~Caine" and "Alan~Grant" allow us to meet Daniel's children, spunky Serena, crafty Caine, and tenacious Alan. Reissue "Daniel~Ian" includes the novel "For Now, Forever" telling Daniel's story, his pursuit of soon to be doctor Anna Whitfield, and how he won her heart and lifelong commitment. An extensive, informative review on the MacGregors will be available here on The Pink Pages.

Also reissued is the MacKade Bothers series about four drop-dead gorgeous guys, each steaming with sensuality? Give yourself a treat and check out these brothers at The MacKades. You won't regret the journey.

Other Nora Roberts releases include "River's End" and "The Reef". Both books are in the stores and available now for your reading pleasure. Recent reissues include The Donovan Legacy featuring, "Captivated", "Enchanted”, and "Charmed" which are included in our reviews.

In 2000, Nora rolled out a trilogy set in Ireland's Waterford County, along the Celtic Sea. It's the stories about the Gallaghers, two brothers and a sister, who run a pub. There's a great deal of mysticism including a legendary fairie prince and a ghost. Titled "Jewels of the Sun", "Tears of the Moon", and "Heart of the Sea", these novels are available in paperback.

If you are anything like me, you enjoy seeing characters you've come to love appear in a subsequent story. It's like meeting old friends and catching up on the news. The family series is one of the best vehicles for keeping in touch. In some cases, these novels span decades, charting the family's course through the ages. In others, the family saga evolves in a shortened time period, about five years or so. Whether the setting is the same or different, the characters don't change much. They are still the same wonderful people we've come to love. Check Kiss and Tell for other family series. I invite you to help me expand the list. Just e-mail me with the information.

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