BE INSPIRED. My Top Five Romance Authors
They make me laugh, cry, and curl up with desire. What more does a gal need?
1. Nalini Singh
Nalini Singh holds a special place in my heart. I attribute ‘Slave to Sensation’ as the reason I am a romance author today. Five years ago my sister called and said I just had, had, had to get myself to the bookshop and buy ‘Slave to Sensation’. I baulked. The last time I had read a romance was in my early twenties. But my sis wouldn’t let up. Thank goodness. Nalini’s paranormal romance was easily one of the best romance novels I had ever read. And still today, I frequently find myself picking it up to read again … and again. Not only was I hooked back into the wonderful world of romance reading, last year I quit my career and started a new one! Writing romance!
Nalini creates sensual paranormal worlds that are so easy to relate to, they feel real. Her characters are unforgettable and their love stories move you to tears. I am addicted to both her Psy-Changeling Series and Guild Hunter Series.
2. Kristen Ashley
When Kristen Ashley releases a new book, I turn it into a day of celebration. All work comes to a halt. Out comes the red wine, chocolates and a comfy pillow. Then I can curl up and spend the whole day alternatively laughing and weeping … and, of course, crossing my legs to contain the delicious tingles of desire.
Her alpha heroes invade my dreams.
Her heroines are funny and beautifully accessible.
And her stories are both heartbreaking and uplifting.
I have read and loved everything Kristen has published, so when it came time to select my favorite book, I kept changing my mind. But I eventually settled on the Dream Man Series and just had to choose ‘Motorcycle Man’ as my all-time favorite. Kane “Tack” Allen is so panty-melting, no wonder Tyra ‘Red’ Masters succumbs to him over and over again.
3. Thea Harrison
For a period, paranormal romance was the only genre I would read. And my appetite was voracious. So imagine my delight when I discovered Thea Harrison and her Elder Races. I feasted on Dragos and Pia in Dragon Bound, and realized that Nalini Singh had stiff competition. How lucky we fans are!
Thea’s books are as compelling as they are magical. Passionate tales of love are interwoven with carefully crafted suspense. Her writing style captivates, drawing you into a world of rich mythology that you can’t help wishing you were part of. It is impossible not to love her powerful heroes who will stop at nothing to protect the unique women who own their hearts.
The Elder Series is a must-read for those of you who love sexy paranormal romance written by a master. Or is it a mistress!?
4. Maya Banks
I’m a sucker for romantic suspense with military-style heroes. There’s something about the potent alpha man, trained to protect, that gets me all hot and bothered. And there’s nobody who does it better, than Maya Banks in her KGI Series.
The men from the Kelly Family have military backgrounds, are rooted with strong family values, and gifted with rock hard bodies and good looks to die for. They work together in a ‘super elite, top secret, family-run business.’ This is the perfect platform for Maya to create heart-stopping love stories that fill you to the brim with smiles, tears and wet desire.
My favorite is the story of Grace and Rio in ‘Echoes at Dawn’. Maya heats up the series by introducing a touch of the paranormal. (A storyline she starts in her previous book, Whispers in the Dark, which is the heartbreaking tale of Grace’s sister.)
5. Sarah McCarty
Right off the bat I have to say that I am not really into Historical Romance. But I do love cowboy heroes – I don’t know who doesn’t! Sarah McCarty’s Hell’s Eight caught me off guard. From the first page of Caine’s Reckoning, I became obsessed. Who knew Western Historical could be so erotic?
I found it impossible not to be sucked into the romantic landscape of the old wild west. Sarah creates characters that capture both your heart and your girly parts. Her Texas Rangers scream with a blend of raw machismo and sensual sensitivity. Her heroines are often damaged, but this does not prevent them from being gorgeous and brave, and a worthy match for the potent challenge presented by their chosen men.
And did I remember to tell you how hot Hells Eight are? I mean HOT!
Love your blog and agree with you on Nalini Singh. She is m all time favourite. Looking forward to reading Luke’s Redemption. Best of luck.
blog really gave me a taste of what to read this summer
Great choices! Some I haven’t read, so I’ll definitely check them out.
Wow, Annie, with an endorsement like that, I have to read Nalini Slingh’s Slave to Sensation. I love your idea of making a book release by your favorite authors a day of celebration with wine and chocolate and a comfy pillow! Thanks for sharing your favorites.
Kimberly Keyes
Oh! Forgot to mention how much I love your home page of your website. Gorgeous!
Hi, Anni! What great summer reading suggestions. I’m definitely trying the first one right away!
Hi Danielle, Julia, Anna, Kimberly and Lori. Thank you for popping into my site and many thanks for your kind words. Keep on reading, keep on loving. xxx
I’m currently reading The Luxe series. It better all work itself out in the end. Right now it’s ripping my heart out. But it’s a very good series.
Do you mean the series by Anna Godbersen? Can you tell me more about it…?