Nine Best Historical Romance Writers

I've been thinking about this list for some time. There really are some great historical romance writers out there and they are some of the best romance writers in general. Tell me your favorite historical writers and the best book they've written...

And here they are:

Kathleen Woodiwiss

            Kathleen’s dialogue is spot on and her prose epic. We are on a first name basis with her characters. We want to be owned by Wulfgar, on the high seas with Captain Birmingham and seduced by Cole Latimer.

            FIVE STAR RECOMMENDATION: The Wolf and the Dove

Eloisa James

            Eloisa blends clever wit and unusual plots. She gives us a reason to hate the protagonists and then forces us to love them, even that scoundrel Villiers. Her heroines get matted hair, her heroes lose chess matches to their wives and she welcomes with open arms bastards and governesses.

            FIVE STAR RECOMMENDATION: This Duchess of Mine

Loretta Chase

            Loretta is another dialogue queen who writes the naughtiest little stories – clever naughty, you know - innuendo and intimacy coupled with unlikely heroines and dashing rakes. I don’t think there is a more lovable hero who so hates himself as Lord Dane. It just goes to show the right woman, handled with the skill of Loretta’s keyboard, can make everything right, even for Dane.

            FIVE STAR RECOMMENDATION: Lord of Scoundrels

Mary Balogh

            Mary. Mary. Mary. How I love thy words. She has written two of my ALL-TIME all-time favorite novels: The Secret Pearl and Simply Love. There is no one who can write such flawed, wounded characters, especially the men, the way Mary does, deftly using their wounds and their honor in such a beautifully moving way.

            FIVE STAR RECOMMENDATION: The Secret Pearl

Sherry Thomas

            Sherry has some KW qualities with beautiful, clever prose and excellent history added in for flavor. I’ve read all of Sherry’s books and enjoy every word the second and third time. Three of my favorite words ever written are “Leo. Leo. Leo.” Read those words in the context of Not Quite A Husband and your heart will break too!

            FIVE STAR RECOMMENDATION: Not Quite A Husband

Madeline Hunter

            I don’t see Madeline’s name on enough Top Ten lists. Again, we have another history buff who provides an excellent backdrop to her stories along with very unconventional plots. Madeline has an excellent command of language, using words in such a clever way.

            FIVE STAR RECOMMENDATION: The Charmer

Liz Carlyle

            I find Liz and MH to be very similar in their writing style, though Liz will just come out and say things like they are - with no sugar coating. I remember one phrase that cracked me up, something about sucking the brass off a candlestick. Well, you get the idea. Liz is a darker storyteller with dryer humor.

            FIVE STAR RECOMMENDATION: The Devil To Pay

Julia Quinn

            Well, no one can dispute that Julia is the queen of comedy in a historical romance and maybe comedy isn’t the right word. Her stories are just full of fun and smiles. All of her heroes feel like they could be my brother and the women my sisters. Delightful is the word that describes Julia’s writing.

            FIVE STAR RECOMMENDATION: The Duke and I

Joanna Bourne

            Joanna is another fantastic in depth historical writer and she tackles history from a unique perspective, not (just) the ballrooms but in prisons and the byways of life. Her stories are gritty but the prose and dialogue perfection!

            FIVE STAR RECOMMENDATION: The Spymaster’s Lady

 I know I'm crushing all the Lisa Kleypas and Elizabeth Hoyt fans, so you'll have to make your case.

Stop by the I Love Historical Romance Facebook page and join the discussion this Thursday, which I will be co-hosting!

Wicked Lord Release Contest

I haven't done a contest for awhile so here goes! I was originally going to call this contest a "Fortnight of Narcissism," but I thought that was too narcissistic.

Between September 1st (the paperback release of Wicked Desires) and September 14th (the ebook release of Wicked Lord,) you may enter the contest by: 1) commenting on a blog post 2) following this blog or 3) friending me on twitter (elloydwriting.)  Be sure to leave your contact information, preferably an email address.

And what's in it for YOU?

Don't forget, you need to be 18 to enter!

First prize: an ebook of Wicked Lord, the first season DVD of Hawaii Five-O (quick some one tell me why I choose that series,) and a paperback edition of one of my favorite historical novels by Loretta Chase, Lord of Scoundrels along with a $25 Lord and Taylor gift card. Okay, have you figured out the LORD connection to Hawaii Five-O. I know it was a stretch.

Second prize: an ebook of Wicked Lord, a paperback of Wicked Desires and a paperback of another favorite novel, My Lord and Spymaster by Joanna Bourne.

Third Prize: an ebook of Wicked Lord and some author swag.

Prizes will not go out until the end of September (due to the DVD release date of Five-O.) Tell all your friends so they can share in my narcissism!

Why Loretta Chase Rocks.

Any one who has read my blog (or my JERR Interview here: http://elizalloyd.blogspot.com/2011/06/interview-at-just-erotic-romance.html ) knows that I dig Loretta Chase's historical novels. She is so clever.



So, I'm reading Silk is for Seduction. The premise is unique: a dressmaker who catches the eye of a Duke. Marcelline, the heroine, is lovely. A shark at heart, she also is very aware of what and who she is...and poor Clevedon can't help by fall for her by the page.

Another great read from Loretta and I would highly recommend for any reader who enjoys a witty historical romp.

Five GREAT historical romance writers

I love historical romances...most of you who know me know that one thing about me.

1) Kathleen Woodiwiss started it all. She had a knack for the epic romance tale. The love didn't come easily, but when it did, one knew it would be a forever love. My two favorites are The Wolf and The Dove and Ashes in the Wind. I read these two stories once every winter.

2) Loretta Chase. Loretta writes some naughty little stories with feisty heroines. My favorite is Lord of Scoundrels. I've taken this book with me on vacation the last three summers. A great reread.

3) Madelline Hunter. She also writes big story lines with unconventional plots. I don't have a favorite book, but I read everything she writes knowing I won't be disappointed.

4) Mary Balogh. Love her. She writes with warmth and emotion. Her heroines are always even-keeled and compassionate. Her heroes are never too rakish but one knows that have the capacity to be bad.

5) Who to choose here? Eloisa James? Liz Carlyle? Well, Eloisa is nudging out Liz. Why? Obviously you haven't read Eloisa's Desperate Duchesses series. Jemma is one of the best Regency heroines of all time.