Romance is the most maligned genre of literature, despite being the highest grossing. How do publishers afford multi-million dollar contracts for first time literary fiction authors? On the backs of romance. We, romance readers, are the most loyal fans. We are powering through the recession, earning even more profits for Harlequin despite the buying downturn through the rest of the economy. Unfortunately, most people who criticize the genre as “bodice-rippers” and “crotch novels” have never read one. I’ll leave the eloquent arguments to Smart Bitches who Love Trashy Books and Dear Author. Check out the stats on romance readers from the Romance Writers of America to see that we’re a highly diverse, highly educated bunch. Escapist fantasies? What book, besides a textbook, isn’t an escapist fantasy? That’s what reading is. That’s what TV and movies are. ENTERTAINMENT.

Romance novels are delicious. Nom…nom…nomnomnomnomnom.

What I want to share with you now is the time honored wisdom: Don’t Knock it till You’ve Tried it

Here are 13 recommended books (all of which I’ve read and loved) in each subgenre of your reading persuasion. Go ahead, try one. I double-dog dare ya.

1. Contemporary: This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
2. Paranormal: Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione
3. Historical: It Happened One Autumn by Lisa Kleypas
4. Regency: The Spymaster’s Lady by Joanna Bourne
   
5. Science-Fiction: Games of Command by Linnea Sinclair
6. Fantasy: The Moon Witch by Linda Winstead Jones
7. Suspense: Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard
8. Young Adult: Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith (sigh, or Twilight…but who’s left who hasn’t read it?)
9. Women’s Fiction: Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas
10. Erotica: Go Fetch! by Shelly Laurenston
11. Contemporary Category Romance: Marriage at the Millionaire’s Command by Anne Oliver
12. Paranormal Category Romance: Raintree Inferno by Linda Howard
13. Suspense Category Romance: Strangers in the Night by Kerry Connor

Thursday Thirteen: Book Recommendations for Twilight Saga Fans

Whether you love Jacob or Edward, here are a few delicious books to sink your teeth into. I’ve listed only the first book in a series, unless the book/novella stands alone. YA stands for Young Adult, which means teenage protagonists. Adult books typically have some sex. Many thanks Ana, Christine, Katie(babs), and twitter friends for brainstorming with me!

1. WICKED LOVELY by Melissa Marr (2008 RITA winner for best YA – fairies, but not the cute kind, read Dear Author review)
2. MARKED by P.C. and Kristin Cast (House of Night series – YA – vampires, read Smart Bitches Trashy Books review)
3. VAMPIRE ACADEMY by Richelle Mead (YA – vampires, Seattle author!, read Mrs. Giggles review)
4. A CURSE AS DARK AS GOLD by Elizabeth Bunce (YA – magic, read a review from the Book Smugglers, recommended by Ana)
5. BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE by Annette Curt Klause (YA – werewolves, very different than the movie based loosely on it, suggested by Christine)
6. CROWN DUEL by Sherwood Smith (YA – magic, alternate world, beautiful love story!)
7. SABRIEL by Garth Nix (YA – Abhorsen Trilogy, magic, alternate world, more horror than romance but still fabulous)
8. THE DARKANGEL by Meredith Ann Pierce (YA – vampires, dark, recommended by Meljean!)
9. THE SUMMONING by Kelley Armstrong (YA – ghosts, recommended by Lisa)
10. LORD OF THE FADING LANDS by C.L. Wilson (alternate universe, magic, fairies, shape-shifters, not technically YA but teenage protagonist and no sex (yet))
11. A HUNGER LIKE NO OTHER by Kresley Cole (Immortals After Dark series – werewolves, vampires, valkyries, witches and more, read my review)
12. “THICKER THAN BLOOD” by Meljean Brook in First Blood anthology (Guardian series, stands alone. – vampires, read my review, read The Book Smugglers review, special note – if you live in the Portland area you can meet Meljean on Sept 19 and get a signed copy, or if you’re new to Meljean stop by her blog and leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy! )
13. THE SMOKE THIEF by Shana Abe (dragon shape-shifters, read Dear Author review, recommended by Christine)

PS: You should also read TUCK EVERLASTING by Natalie Babbitt after you read Twilight to compare the theme of Immortality. If you are looking for adult romances with werewolf protagonists (JACOB 4EVAH) check out this list of recommendations (Please note: they are hotter and darker than YA).