©2010 Susanna Carr Blog. All Rights Reserved.

I asked what she thought of it and she said, “I’m waiting until the next book comes out so I can read it in succession.”

I warned her she might have to wait because it’s part of a trilogy.

But Jen the Twin has it all mapped out. She knows how long it will take her to read a book. By the time she finishes both books, the third one will be available.

Smart planning.

But what if she loves the first book so much that she has an all-night reading marathon with the first two books? She will have to wait for a whole month for the third book.

(Yes, I consider these things. I am all about maximizing my reading pleasure.)

I’m an impatient reader, and as I have found out, trilogies and impatient readers do not mix. Anticipation is overrated. If I know the book is part of a duet or trilogy, I will buy all the books before I start reading. It is easier for me to wait for the full trilogy rather than wait between books.

Waiting for the whole trilogy is great when the books are released back to back, not so great when they come out once a year! And don’t even get me started on when the publishers pull the plug on a trilogy/series before it ends! If they want me to commit to buying all the books, then they should make the same commitment and see the trilogy to the end.

There are quite a few books and series I would like to read, but I haven’t because the series hasn’t ended. Stephanie Plum? Eve & Roarke? I don’t think these series will end, so I might as well start now.

©2010 Susanna Carr Blog. All Rights Reserved.

If I could design a summer reading program, I would list the books that many romance authors, readers and editors have recommended to me. These books are not only their favorites, but they have also influenced the romance genre and the authors of today.

The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss

First published in 1972

Book description: Doomed to a life of unending toil, Heather Simmons fears for her innocence—until a shocking, desperate act forces her to flee … and to seek refuge in the arms of a virile and dangerous stranger.

A lusty adventurer married to the sea, Captain Brandon Birmingham courts scorn and peril when he abducts the beautiful fugitive from the tumultuous London dockside. But no power on Earth can compel him to relinquish his exquisite prize. For he is determined to make the sapphire-eyed lovely his woman … and to carry her off to far, uncharted realms of sensuous, passionate love.

When this book was first published in 1972, it was a phenomenon! I know many romance authors who read this while they were in their teens. I was one of them, too, and wow, was it an addictive read. A lot of the younger romance authors haven’t read this book and I think it’s because the style and subject matter had fallen out of favor by the time they started reading romance. I’m told that LaVyrle Spencer was inspired to become a romance writer after reading The Flame and the Flower.

Whitney, My Love by Judith McNaught

First published in 1984

Book description: Under the dark, languorous eyes of Clayton Westmoreland, the Duke of Claymore, Whitney Stone grew from a saucy hoyden into a ravishingly sensual woman. Fresh from her triumphs in Paris society, she returned to England to win the heart of Paul, her childhood love … only to be bargained away by her bankrupt father to the handsome, arrogant duke. Outraged, she defies her new lord. But even as his smoldering passion seduces her into a gathering storm of desire, Whitney cannot—and will not—relinquish her dream of perfect love.

Judith McNaught shot to superstardom because of this runaway bestseller, and it was her debut book! Yet, I still haven’t read it, despite so many authors, editors and readers demanding I do so right away. I have read McNaught’s Paradise which is one of those books you want to call in sick from work so you can finish it.

The Windflower by Laura London, aka Sharon and Tom Curtis

First published in 1984

Book description: When infamous pirate Devon Crandall kidnaps American beauty Merry Wilding, he plans to coax vital information from her with a little seduction, but he does not count on his sudden, intense desire.

I hadn’t heard of Sharon and Tom Curtis until I started writing romance and I haven’t found any of their books (so far!) I think they are the genre’s best-kept secret. Although the writing team retired decades ago, their work still influences writers and their books are in a place of honor in many keeper shelves. The Romance Reader says “their books have served as models for many other romance novelists.” Fantastic Fiction says the work of Sharon and Tom Curtis as Laura London “are considered classic examples of 1980s romance.” New York Times bestselling author Teresa Medeiros believes The Windflower is “the best historical romance ever written.”

Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer

First published in 1989

Book description: On the eve of World War II, two people are brought together by fate and discover an unexpected passion.

Elly had been an outsider all her life. Now she was all alone, with two little boys to raise, and a third child on the way. Will arrived in Whitney, Georgia, hoping to leave his lonely past behind. When he saw Elly’s classified—WANTED: A HUSBAND—and walked into her life, he knew he had left loneliness behind forever…

I have never read LaVyrle Spencer and I’m told that I need to correct that right away. So many authors have been influenced by Spencer’s writing. She had written quite a few books before she retired, but Morning Glory is the one most people recommend to me.

Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale

First published in 1992

Book description: Considered dissolute, reckless and extravagant, he was transparently referred to as the “D of J” in scandal sheets. But sometimes the most womanizing rakehell can be irresistible, and even his most casual attentions fascinated the sheltered Maddy Timms.

Then one fateful day she receives the shocking news—the duke is lost to the world. And Maddy knows it is her destiny to help him and her only chance to find the true man behind the wicked façade.

But she never dreamed her gentle, healing touch would alter his life and her own so completely—and bind them together in need, desire … and love.

I admit, I haven’t read it. (And I call myself a die-hard romance reader!) I remember the excitement about this book. Readers loved it, and when I say love, I mean the rapturous, worshipping variety. I really should try and find a copy. Amazon.com says it’s one of the best books in the genre.

What classic romance would you add to the list?

©2010 Susanna Carr Blog. All Rights Reserved.

Imagine waking up with partial memory loss and having to depend on the gorgeous billionaire who everyone says you belong to. Okay, you’ll go along with it. Who are you to argue? You enter his luxurious lifestyle and you feel right at home. However, your instincts tell you this guy broke your heart. So why is he pampering you like a princess? He must have done something really, really bad.

In a romance novel, amnesia is even more interesting because the couple has a second chance at love. The hero and heroine rediscover what made them fall for each other, and they get to experience the magic again. Of course, we know the second honeymoon is going to come crashing down the minute someone gets their memory back. And then you hope that the couple’s love is stronger than ever to overcome the obstacles they face.

If you are looking for passion and drama in your romantic fiction, try a few amnesia love stories. Here are three recent releases I recommend:

Bought: The Greek’s Baby by Jennie Lucas

Betrayed by his former mistress, Talos wants to destroy Eve. When he finally finds her, she is not only an amnesia patient, but she is pregnant with his child. Talos wants to punish her, but his priority is the child. Eve is horrified to discover what kind of person she used to be. It doesn’t make sense to her. She longs for security and love, which Talos seems to be offering, but she doesn’t trust his urgency to marry. She’s drawn to him, but her instincts warn her to keep her distance. I love the twists that are in Jennie Lucas’s stories, and Bought: The Greek’s Baby doesn’t disappoint!

The Marchese’s Forgotten Bride by Michelle Reid

Six years ago, Cassie fell in love with Sandro. They spent one night together and then he disappeared. Now he’s walked back into her life – as her boss.  Cassie can’t believe that while their affair had changed the course of her life, he acts like he doesn’t know her. But it turns out that Sandro had a car accident six years ago and suffers partial memory loss around the time of the accident. Yet why is Cassie the only part of his life Sandro can’t remember? She’s not sure if she wants to know the answer. The Marchese’s Forgotten Bride is an emotional rollercoaster ride!

Forgotten Mistress, Secret Love-Child by Annie West

Alessandro doesn’t trust anyone, and now that he suffers from partial amnesia, he’s feeling extremely vulnerable. After seeing a photo of a woman, Alessandro senses that he knows her and flies across the world to find her. It turns out that he does know Carys—not only did they have an affair, but she is the mother of his son. He quickly gets her to agree to a marriage even though it turns out their affair ended because of claims of infidelity on both sides. Forgotten Mistress, Secret Love-Child is an exceptional love story about two people who work through their fears to find true happiness.

Do you have a favorite amnesia story?

©2010 Susanna Carr Blog. All Rights Reserved.

©2010 Susanna Carr Blog. All Rights Reserved.

Lucy also writes paranormal romance and Moon Craving is her latest. It comes out February 2! For all you paranormal fans, I think you will really enjoy this.

Moon Craving
Feb 2010 – Berkley Sensation

If it were up to him, Talorc—laird of the Sinclair clan and leader of his werewolf pack— would never marry. But when the king orders that Talorc wed an Englishwoman, the lone wolf is shocked to find his mate in the strong-willed Abigail. And after an intensely climactic wedding night, the two fiercely independent souls sense an unbreakable bond…

Deaf since childhood, Abigail hopes to keep her affliction from Talorc as long as possible. And for his part, he has no intention of telling her about being a werewolf. But when Abigail learns that the husband she’s begun to love has deceived her, it will take all of his warrior’s strength—and his wolf’s cunning—to win his wife back. And Talorc will have to face his biggest challenge yet: the vulnerability of a man in love…

Read an Excerpt | Buy the Book

©2010 Susanna Carr Blog. All Rights Reserved.

Ionanthe is something of a crusader. Everything she has done in her life is to help the less fortunate. She doesn’t want to be royal but she made the commitment for the good of the country. She also hopes that she can be an influence to the children who would eventually have the power to rule. But Ionanthe doesn’t realize that Max shares a very similar vision.

This book is about royalty, but with a spin. Instead of the glitz and glamour of castle life, A Bride for His Majesty’s Pleasure is about sacrifice, duty and commitment.

A Bride for His Majesty’s Pleasure  is a December 2009 Harlequin Presents. You can find out more about this book and other works by Penny Jordan on her website.

©2010 Susanna Carr Blog. All Rights Reserved.

©2010 Susanna Carr Blog. All Rights Reserved.

But it doesn’t work that way. Neither Alissa nor Dario expected the intense sexual awareness. And when Alissa requests an advance for the castello, Dario wants sex as payment. And he’s a little surprise that she agrees! When he discovers why Alissa needed the money, he realizes his grave error. Little does he know that Alissa is wondering if she allowed herself into that agreement as an excuse to go to bed with her husband. Dario does everything in his power to make up for his behavior, and if Alissa wants to repair the relationship, she needs to make the first move.

This book is a provocative read, but the building love between Alissa and Dario is what makes the story so good. Don’t miss this one! Blackmailed Bride, Inexperienced Wife is a December 2009 Harlequin Presents Extra and part of the Innocent Wives collection. For more information about this book and other works by Annie West, visit her website.

©2010 Susanna Carr Blog. All Rights Reserved.

This is mostly Chloe’s story. She goes from rock bottom to gaining the life she’s always wanted to lead. Max is the master player. He tries so hard to give Chloe control, but Max is protective. He always knew that Chloe was special, and it doesn’t take long for Chloe to be the most important part of his life.

The Master Player is a December 2009 Harlequin Presents.

©2010 Susanna Carr Blog. All Rights Reserved.