Let’s chat about our favorite romance authors. Why do we love the romances they write so much?
Julie:
I’m not big on just romance novels, but I do enjoy a good romance in my books. We’ve talked about our favorite couples before, but now let’s talk about the writers who create them.
Obviously, the romance between Claire and Jamie has to top the lists. Diana Gabaldon knows how to weave a complicated love story and make us superfans of the couple. Well-developed characters who you feel like you just know make them fun to read about. Characters you relate to, characters you hurt for, these characters suck us into their world. We feel what they feel, we grow when they grow, and we love when they love.
A love story has to be believable, it has to be raw and honest and it is rarely pretty. But it is deep, and must ring true. That’s when we know it was written by a skilled author and when we fall in love with the characters as they fall in love with one another.
I’m going to focus on one, but this applies to any characters written in such a way that we are drawn into their lives.
Lynn:
I generally prefer my romances to have some plot. Be it mystery, history, paranormal. Something to help me connect with the characters, outside of insta-lust. Because of this, I tend to gravitate to authors that are good with plot, characters, AND romance. And usually some humor and sarcasm doesn’t hurt!
And I’m sure we’ve talked about these authors before, but here’s a list of romance authors I gravitate towards, in no particular order:
- Cora Carmack – queen of awkward girls and totally hot boys.
- Tammara Webber – Never say no to a Tammara Webber book. Completely relatable characters. Loads of swooning.
- Colleen Hoover – her books are emotional roller coasters. Even when I don’t want the emotions.
- Sophie Jordan – writes both historical AND modern romances. Something for everyone!
- Stephanie Perkins – Cricket Bell forever. Plus, I love how the characters from the three Anna and the French Kiss books are interconnected.
- Elizabeth Lowell – I adore her Only series. One of the few series I’ve read multiple times.
- Diana Gabaldon – see above. And all the other Outlander related posts on our blog.
- Jay Crownover – totally sexy books with strong characters. With tattoos.
- Gwyn Cready – time travel, humor, and great characters.
How about you? Any favorite romance authors?
I’m amazed that I actually haven’t read many of these authors (including Gabaldon—Outlander is on my shelf, but I haven’t picked it up yet!). I do love Colleen Hoover, though—but I agree she sometimes gives me emotional overload!
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction recently posted…Bite-Sized Reviews: Gemina, Our Chemical Hearts, The Lovely Reckless, Spindle
Definitely Gabaldon. I don’t read straight romance often. I find is too sweet and sappy. I’ve got to have some gritty…I’m especially fond of Scottish grit.
Terri M. recently posted…This Book Will Control Your Mind
I prefer my romance with a good story and strong characters as well. And I like your list of authors, Lynn. There are only two on your list (and the one you listed, Julie) that I haven’t read yet. I just *know* I’m going to love Outlander…why, oh why, do I keep putting it off? But anyway, I would add Kristen Ashley to the list as well. 😉
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…#OctobeRecFest Review ~ The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright ~ Tessa Dare
yes – why are you putting off Outlander, Brandee! Other than the fact that it’s a REALLY LONG series! It is really good!