Laura Corin Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 I like to read a romance occasionally, but have high standards: the characters have to be intelligent human beings who think and articulate their thoughts. The writing needs to be literate and interesting. Does anyone have an author or book to recommend? Modern, historical, or period are all fine. Thank you Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornblower Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 Well, it's hard to live up to Gaudy Night & Harriet and Peter. "Placetne, magistra?" .....swooon...... & I don't really think Gaudy Night is a romance, technically speaking. But I know what you mean :D I think you might like Elizabeth Peters. Her books are mysteries but with a hefty dose of romance. The Amelia Peabody books are the best known but I like her Vicky Bliss & Jacqueline Kirby books too. She also writes under Barbara Michaels & those books tend to be 'gothic' romances. The thing about Elizabeth Peters is that she has a PhD in Egyptology and is a very smart lady. I find that her intelligence is evident in all her books, no matter how light they may appear to be. They're also very funny. Also, Laurie R King's series which starts with The Beekeeper's Apprentice & continues with A Monstrous Regiment of Women plus a bunch more..... Again, King is a scholar (theology in her case) and that really enriches her writings. Again mysteries but with romance - which is what I think is more in line with Gaudy Night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
battlemaiden Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 Well, it's hard to live up to Gaudy Night & Harriet and Peter. "Placetne, magistra?" .....swooon...... & I don't really think Gaudy Night is a romance, technically speaking. But I know what you mean :D . Lord Peter fan club members please check in here! :lol: Swoon. Have you read the most recent Sayers that was completed after her death? It was full of relationship depth. Thrones, Dominations....I think that is what it is called. Jo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KristenS Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 Ah, I love Busman's Honeymoon. I hated the one they finished after her death ... I've read her theological stuff and she was a hopeful woman; I've read other things by Walsh (who finished her book) and she isn't a very hopeful woman ... the book came out depressing. I love the Amelia Peabody mysteries too. Even my husband enjoyed the one we read aloud together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Katia Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 Also, Laurie R King's series which starts with The Beekeeper's Apprentice & continues with A Monstrous Regiment of Women plus a bunch more..... Again, King is a scholar (theology in her case) and that really enriches her writings. Again mysteries but with romance - which is what I think is more in line with Gaudy Night. This is exactly what I was going to recommend. I LOVE the Mary Russell novels. King does an excellent job. Also, books by Marcia Willett (a British writer) are good. A Week in Winter was one I remembered, although The Children's Hour struck me as well. These are sappy romance novels; just well written. The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig was terrific. Not your ordinary romance. The Marjorie McClelland Mysteries by Amy Patricia Meade are comical romances. The first is Million Dollar Baby and I laughed all the way through it. Good read for a good laugh. These are my favs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 I also like Sayers and Peters...and try Anne Perry, too. Esp. her series with William Monk and Hester whatshername the nurse. You have to read them in order as the "couple's" relationship gradually is developed book by book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HRAAB Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 I also enjoy Elizabeth Peters, although some are better than others. The Amelia Peabody series is my favorite of hers. Also, Daphne duMaurier is another favorite. I had another one on my mind just a minute ago... Geez, how long do these senile moments go on??? Janet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in Appalachia Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 My dd read that at the beginning of the school year, I read it last summer. We both enjoyed it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nan in Mass Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 Friends and Lovers by Helen MacInnes Appleby's End by Michael Innes (Hope I've gotten right title - if not, it probably doesn't matter because the other mysteries are fun, too. I especially like Hamlet's Revenge.) Neither of these is as romantic as Gaudy Night, but at least the characters are fairly intelligent. -Nan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 I like to read a romance occasionally, but have high standards: the characters have to be intelligent human beings who think and articulate their thoughts. The writing needs to be literate and interesting. Does anyone have an author or book to recommend? Modern, historical, or period are all fine. Thank you Laura The only romance-y book I think I've ever liked is 84 Charring Cross Road. Yes, it's a movie, too, but the book... so much better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mekanamom Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 I don't normally read romances, so I can't compare the series I'm currently reading with other books. I noticed a book club discussing the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon... highly rated at Amazon, so I gave it a try. It's an interesting story and quite the romance! Outlander Series Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nan in Mass Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 You might try Silver Pigs, too. The woman in that is intelligent. It is set in ancient Rome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alice Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 I was also going to say Elizabeth Peters. The Amelia Peabody books are great...especially the first few. They aren't high literature but they are fun and intelligent. And someone else mentioned Laurie King and the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series. They are also very good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heidi @ Mt Hope Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 I would recommend The Harvester by Gene Stratton Porter. (Swoon, for sure!!) If you don't mind some (or a lot) of theology mixed in with your romance, I highly recommend novels by George MacDonald, such as The Baronet's Song. C. S. Lewis often mentions George MacDonald as being an inspiration to his life. Here is a little bit about him from the Amazon page I linked: "George MacDonald (1824-1905), Scottish poet, preacher, novelist, and mystic, was one of the most original and influential writers of Victorian Britain. His books have sold in the millions of copies, and he was one of the most popular authors of the day on both sides of the Atlantic. Drawn to the pulpit early, MacDonald eventually left to pursue his writing. Numbered among Dickens, Trollope, and other giants of the age as a novelist, MacDonald ended his career with over fifty books ranging from fantastical literature, to children's stories, to critical essays, and numerous novels. In addition to writing, MacDonald lectured extensively. MacDonald's fiction combined the man's immense spiritual understanding with his innate storytelling ability. His works have influenced writers like C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and many others." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Virginia Dawn Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 Daphne DuMaurier is my favorite for old fashioned Gothic romance that isn't stupid. Some of Mary Stewart's books are very good- Airs Above the Ground is one I really enjoy. The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness D'orczy is the beginning of a series that takes place during the French Revolution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakia Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 I don't normally read romances, so I can't compare the series I'm currently reading with other books. I noticed a book club discussing the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon... highly rated at Amazon, so I gave it a try. It's an interesting story and quite the romance! Outlander Series LOVE LOVE LOVE the Outlander books! My favorite series EVER! And not to hijack this thread, but can someone elaborate on Gaudy Night? I've never heard of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladydusk Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 Some of Mary Stewart's books are very good- Airs Above the Ground is one I really enjoy. I enjoy Mary Stewart as well, but wasn't sure she'd be "smart" enough as I haven't read Sayers. I checked my first Sayers novel out of the library today (Whose Body?) at the rec of some other friends. I haven't seen Airs Above the Ground before, I'll have to see if my library has it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andie Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 84 Charring Cross Road. Yes, it's a movie, too, but the book... so much better. Oh. :iagree: Love, love, looooove that book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted March 17, 2009 Author Share Posted March 17, 2009 And not to hijack this thread, but can someone elaborate on Gaudy Night? I've never heard of it. You should really read them in order: Strong Poison, Have His Carcase, Gaudy Night and Busman's Honeymoon. One of the other characters describes the pair as 'two equally irritable intelligences' and says that a marriage between them would be disastrous because they have such a capacity to hurt each other. They come together through reason as well as passion. My kind of people, my kind of marriage. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted March 17, 2009 Author Share Posted March 17, 2009 I enjoy Mary Stewart as well, but wasn't sure she'd be "smart" enough as I haven't read Sayers. I checked my first Sayers novel out of the library today (Whose Body?) at the rec of some other friends. I haven't seen Airs Above the Ground before, I'll have to see if my library has it. But if you find it rather slight, don't give up on Sayers. For the beginning of the romantic story go for Strong Poison. Another magnificent read is The Nine Tailors. I read Mary Stewart's romances as a teenager, but I should probably try her again - I just re-read The Crystal Cave to see if I should give it to Calvin. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladydusk Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 This Rough Magic and Madam, Will You Talk? are probably my favorites, but I haven't read nearly all of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakia Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 You should really read them in order: Strong Poison, Have His Carcase, Gaudy Night and Busman's Honeymoon. One of the other characters describes the pair as 'two equally irritable intelligences' and says that a marriage between them would be disastrous because they have such a capacity to hurt each other. They come together through reason as well as passion. My kind of people, my kind of marriage. Laura Thanks. I just requested Strong Poison from my library! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted March 17, 2009 Author Share Posted March 17, 2009 Thanks. I just requested Strong Poison from my library! One of the main characters has had a pre-marital affair, later regretted. Another character has had a string of (unregretted) pre-marital affairs. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
valkett Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 Eloisa James writes great historical romances. She's also a professor of Shakespeare. You might like her books. Val Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janna Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 I thought it was a great read. Some language and sex, but it doesn't dominate the story at all. The whole story line is intriguing, thoughtful and intelligent for sure. Intelligent on the Sayers level though...probably not. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janna Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 Oh yes, I love this story also! Made me cry. Never saw the movie and it's definitely one of those things where I have no desire to see it either. My idea of the characters is so firmly planted that I don't want it ruined, LOL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janna Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 I would recommend The Harvester by Gene Stratton Porter. (Swoon, for sure!!) You know, I own this book, but haven't yet read it. Never would I have thought it was romantic! I don't know why though, as GOTL was romantic in a sense, as was Laddie (kind of). I'll have to work on getting it read over the summer. It's one of my Dad's favorites -he's read it more than once in the last 3 years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 My first thought was Dunnett's Lymond Chronicles (the final book is the more romantic of the series, but the books have to be read in sequence - and, for me, there is a lot to skip/skim... but they are intelligent, incredibly well researched, and crammed full of literary references (so much so that there are companion volumes which try to reference as many of the quotes as possible). As a Dunnet fan, I would second Eliana's recommendation with the caveat that these books are extraordinarily dense. The companion volumes to Dunnett's works are a necessity for me. You may also enjoy the Scottish/English borderland setting to which Lymond regularly returns! Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heidi @ Mt Hope Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 Honestly, The Harvester was one of the *most romantic* books I've read in a long time. The romance was the essence of the story, rather than one by-product of the story. If you've enjoyed other Gene Stratton Porter books and are in the mood for a romance, this one will probably hit the spot. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebastian (a lady) Posted March 17, 2009 Share Posted March 17, 2009 Lord Peter fan club members please check in here! :lol: Swoon. Have you read the most recent Sayers that was completed after her death? It was full of relationship depth. Thrones, Dominations....I think that is what it is called. Jo Gaudy Night was the first Sayers book I read. I think that it is totally a romance. There are some great moments in Have His Carcasse too. Thrones, Dominations is a nice book, although you can sort of see where the bits from Walsh are. I don't think you could make openly uncritical comments about Hitler's Germany knowing what was to come (there are a few such lines in Gaudy Night that help place the book in the 1930s rather than later). There is one more Peter & Harriet book that Walsh finished up, A Presumption of Innocence. It isn't quite as good, but it is far better than much of what is out there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mekanamom Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 LOVE LOVE LOVE the Outlander books! My favorite series EVER! Yup, I'm ripping through those books like there's no tomorrow. Just starting the 5th one today! I'm going to have to slow down and re-read them before the 7th book comes out in September, lol. Have you read any of the Lord John Grey books? Are they as good? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakia Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 Yup, I'm ripping through those books like there's no tomorrow. Just starting the 5th one today! I'm going to have to slow down and re-read them before the 7th book comes out in September, lol. Have you read any of the Lord John Grey books? Are they as good? I'm getting the series from paperbackswap.com slowly but surely! I plan to reread them this summer. I've read all the Lord John Grey books, and they were ok. I love the time period and the Lord John character. There was a lot of s*x in one of the books between Lord John and other men. I don't remember which one, but I had to skip that part. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 I like to read a romance occasionally, but have high standards: the characters have to be intelligent human beings who think and articulate their thoughts. The writing needs to be literate and interesting. Does anyone have an author or book to recommend? Modern, historical, or period are all fine. Thank you Laura More like a coming of age story, but there is a hinted romance in Lucy Gayheart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remudamom Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 I despise romance novels but I loved The Thorn Birds. Would that count as a romance? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melmc Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 I write romances so my suggestions are more of what you'll find currently in the romance section of your bookstore. Many of these authors are also available in the libraries. I second the recommendation of historical romance author Eloisa James and would also add Jo Beverly as another historical writer to check out. Susan Wiggs writes fantastic contemporaries. If you like paranormals, Virginia Kantra has a intriguing selkie trilogy that's based on ancient legends/folklore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LilyK Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 I consider Gone with the Wind to be romance. I also love Jane Eyre. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maria/ME Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 (edited) (this thread was tagged as "is this a kissing book?" TOO funny!!) Meanwhile, I'd like to add my voice to those that love the Outlander series. (Although edited to add that despite the time travel there was a point where I was feeling some of the relationships themselves were far fetched...about the third book for me) For a sweet old fashioned (30's) romance I always like Mrs.Mike. I'm not so sure about "intelligent" but it's sweet. I think that Gillian Bradshaw is an amazingly intelligent author. I love all her books, although her first, Beacon At Alexandria is one of my favorites! Island of Ghosts by same is also big on my list. Great reading, dialogue and the perfect amount of romance without over selling it, ykwim? Those are my favorite kissing books. Meanwhile, I just watched Wives and Daughters on DVD. I thought it very romantic in an Austen sense, but have no idea what the book would be like. Just a thought.... Great post..I've got my wish list ready! P.S. Just re-reading and have to second Eliana's suggestion of Prisoner of Zenda and Rupert of Hentzau~it's been literally 20 years since I read those two books, but I LOVED them so much! Edited March 18, 2009 by Maria/ME spelling!! Hello? I homeschool, I should know how to spell! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pam "SFSOM" in TN Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 My first thought was Dunnett's Lymond Chronicles (the final book is the more romantic of the series, but the books have to be read in sequence - and, for me, there is a lot to skip/skim... but they are intelligent, incredibly well researched, and crammed full of literary references (so much so that there are companion volumes which try to reference as many of the quotes as possible). Eliana's here! *squeal!* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosie_0801 Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 "Firebrand" by Marion Zimmer Bradley? Rosie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakia Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 But if you find it rather slight, don't give up on Sayers. For the beginning of the romantic story go for Strong Poison. Another magnificent read is The Nine Tailors. I read Mary Stewart's romances as a teenager, but I should probably try her again - I just re-read The Crystal Cave to see if I should give it to Calvin. Laura I just looked on a Dorothy Sayers website, and it looks like there are several books before Strong Poison that are about Lord Peter. Do I need to start at the very beginning? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted March 18, 2009 Author Share Posted March 18, 2009 No, you don't. The other books are also good, but the only ones with a clear and necessary chronology are the series of Strong Poison, Have His Carcase, Gaudy Night and Busman's Honeymoon. The rest of the Wimsey chronology can be constructed by Sayers geeks, but it's not very important. Have fun! Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted March 18, 2009 Author Share Posted March 18, 2009 I thought it was a great read. Some language and sex, but it doesn't dominate the story at all. The whole story line is intriguing, thoughtful and intelligent for sure. Intelligent on the Sayers level though...probably not. ;) I found it rather predictable. Thanks for the suggestion though. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted March 18, 2009 Author Share Posted March 18, 2009 Thank you, ladies - I'll look into your suggestions. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakia Posted March 18, 2009 Share Posted March 18, 2009 No, you don't. The other books are also good, but the only ones with a clear and necessary chronology are the series of Strong Poison, Have His Carcase, Gaudy Night and Busman's Honeymoon. The rest of the Wimsey chronology can be constructed by Sayers geeks, but it's not very important. Have fun! Laura Thanks!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Closeacademy Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 I've found an author who weaves Greek mythology, modern day and vampire hunters all in one huge series of books. It is very well written. Her name is Sherrilyn Kenyon. Just another idea and I belive that there are more than 20 books in this series right now including Archeron which is huge but in that she created a pantheon for Atalantis.:001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornblower Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 I've found an author who weaves Greek mythology, modern day and vampire hunters all in one huge series of books. It is very well written. Her name is Sherrilyn Kenyon. Just another idea and I belive that there are more than 20 books in this series right now including Archeron which is huge but in that she created a pantheon for Atalantis.:001_smile: Hey! I've met Sherrilyn Kenyon! She was keynote speaker at a conference put on by the local RWA chapter in Vancouver. Great speaker, but wrong genre for me. I don't like vampire stuff.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hornblower Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 I have to confess to a fondness for some of the Johnson Johnson books, though those are decidedly less literary... LOL, I'll confess that they're the ONLY Dunnett I like.... - color me "decidedly less literary" :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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