The Best Romances of 2009

[#1]

There’s nothing more subjective than a Best Books list. Keeping that in mind, the first thing I did was eliminate novels written by my closest friends, which took Connie Brockway, Christina Dodd, Lisa Kleypas, Teresa Medieros, and Julia Quinn out of the running. They’ll have to glow in the warmth of their appearances on other Best Books of 2009 lists. That decision helped me decide to focus on rising stars, authors whose books you might have missed. Each of these five books was a discovery for me, read once with delight, and a second time with an equal sense of discovery, comfort and affection. The heroes include a couple of Scottish lords, a convict, and a werewolf; the heroines are bold, witty and enduringly lovable. I’ve put the novels in alphabetical order, by author.

The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie

Jennifer Ashley

This novel about a not-so-mad Scotsman and a delightful, bold young widow is deeply, passionately romantic. If you're suffered from ennui due to reading about yet another rakish English nobleman, Ian Mackenzie is your antidote. I adored him.

One Reckless Summer

Toni Blake

This is the perfect small town romance, pitting the sheriff's do-good daughter against the town hell-raiser, Mick. There's nothing simple about the story, because once Jenny knows Mick's secret, she learns that weave of good and evil is as complex as the breakdown of her marriage - and her new love for Mick.

To Beguile a Beast

Elizabeth Hoyt

This is a Beauty & the Beast story - an utterly entrancing novel about a scarred man and a woman determined to find refuge with him - whether he wants it or not. I loved how Helen simply shows up at the castle announcing she's the new housekeeper - and forces her way into Sir Alistair Munroe's heart.

Big Bad Wolf

Christine Warren

One of the lingering results of a miserable high school experience is a deep love of romances in which plain Janes win the hottest boy in town. Big Bad Wolf is a hilarious, super-sexy novel about a plain and plumpy kindergarten teacher who's suddenly noticed by the BBW himself.

The Sweethearts' Knitting Club

Lori Wilde

I kept reading this book throughout a hours long rain ride with whining children, spilled hot chocolate and a grumpy husband. We arrived in London, and I could hardly put it down. The story of how Jess Calloway got out of prison and came back home to Twilight, determined to find Flynn MacGregory is one of the the sexiest and flat-out most romantic novels I've read this year.

[#2]

I am amazed that I've actually read two of the five, have been thinking about picking up one of them and, no shock here, I will be adding the other two to my TBB list. I think it's good to expand our reading lists to test out new authors and genres. I try to do that as much as possible.

[#3]

I love these lists! And I've read the first three on your list--all A reads for me too. The Sweethearts' Knitting Club is a recent addition to my TBR stack.

I blogged on my top 10 this week, and The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie heads my list too. A Duke of Her Own is there as well, along with some other very popular titles  and a couple that probably are not showing up on many lists. :)

[#4]

I read those first three books and really loved them too. I haven't read Lori's books yet but really hope to do it soon !! I could add Duchess of Mine, Seduced by His Touch, Gone too Far, Love at First Flight, Bed of Roses, Hot on her Heels, What I did for Love... to that list.