A Bouquet Of Romantic Reads For Valentine's Day
by Bobbi Dumas
February 14, 2013
I
know plenty of people out there think Valentine's Day is an overly commercial
faux holiday, and to some extent I can see why. After all, it is a day when
people (especially men?) can feel forced to celebrate romance. Call me an
overly sentimental romantic if you want to, but I still adore the idea and
practice of a day devoted to romance and love.
Sure,
you can argue that Valentine's Day is a contrived holiday, created by the
greeting card companies, but I respectfully disagree. Celebrations of romance
on Valentine's Day date as far back as the Middle Ages. Chaucer himself noted
the day as one set aside to send greetings, trinkets and candy to sweethearts
(though, to be fair, it's not likely he was referring to the actual date of
Feb. 14). Sending cards and notes for Valentine's Day was a pretty big trend
during the Victorian era, too.
So
if you're a romantic like me, the next time someone cynically disparages
Valentine's Day as somehow false or a modern commercial construct, you can tell
them that you'd put your money on the fact that Chaucer never set foot in a
Hallmark store, and neither had the Victorians.
Of
course, as a romantic fiction advocate, one of my favorite things to do for
Valentine's Day is to read romance novels, and my, this is a great time to do
that! So many great ones to choose from recently — I've picked out some of the
best for you.
Happy
Valentine's Day. I hope it's filled with love and romance — and some great
books!
Crazy Thing Called Love
by Molly O'Keefe
Paperback, 357 pages
Fourteen years ago, bad boy hockey star Billy
Wilkins ruined his marriage to Maddy, the only girl he ever loved. Now he's in
Dallas, facing the end of his career. Maddy is also in Dallas, a star anchor
for a morning news program, and she wants nothing to do with her ex. But when
her producer sets up a celebrity makeover series with Billy, Maddy has to make
nice with the man who broke her heart. Too bad the chemistry between them is
still off the charts. An intense, emotionally poignant
"second-chance-at-love" storyline.
And don't miss Kristan Higgins' fabulous The Best Man, possibly her best ever. Two wounded souls have to overcome their own demons before they can find perfect love with each other, told with Higgins' perfect combination of emotion and humor. It comes out in a couple of weeks.
And don't miss Kristan Higgins' fabulous The Best Man, possibly her best ever. Two wounded souls have to overcome their own demons before they can find perfect love with each other, told with Higgins' perfect combination of emotion and humor. It comes out in a couple of weeks.
Killing Time
Paperback,
400
pages
When CIA attorney Eva Salinas secretly
investigates the military operation that got her husband killed eight years
ago, all roads lead to Mike Brown. Something's not right, and the more she
learns, the more questions arise, putting them both in danger. Soon they're on
the run, and Mike must fight to keep them both alive. Good thing he's more of a
hero than his file gave him credit for. A roller coaster of suspense and
adventure, centered around a sexy romance.
Also check out Jayne Ann Krentz's Dream Eyes, a terrific romantic suspense/paranormal crossover.
Also check out Jayne Ann Krentz's Dream Eyes, a terrific romantic suspense/paranormal crossover.
Going Under
Paperback,
312
pages
The world is divided after a global tragedy
reveals the existence of paranormal beings (aka "the Others") who
must defend themselves against a rising tide of hostility and violence. PR whiz
and outed witch Molly Ryan takes on the role of national spokesperson for the
Others, becoming a prime target. Gage Garrity is in charge of Molly's security,
and the two grow intimate as danger escalates. Dane creates a tense, conflicted
world with eerie historical parallels — it's a smart, provocative plot with a
sizzling romance.
Find Lisa Kleypas' Crystal Cove, too, the final addition to her Friday Harbor series. All of the Friday Harbor books have a hint of magic in them, but Crystal Cove is the most overtly magical installment yet, and a hot, moving read.
Find Lisa Kleypas' Crystal Cove, too, the final addition to her Friday Harbor series. All of the Friday Harbor books have a hint of magic in them, but Crystal Cove is the most overtly magical installment yet, and a hot, moving read.
One Good Earl Deserves a Lover
Paperback, 376 pages
Lady Philippa (Pippa) Marbury is headed into
marriage with a limited understanding of what is expected in the marriage bed,
so she approaches the most notorious rake in London for some answers. She's a
woman of science, after all, and what better way to approach a mystery than
through research? Mr. Cross is intrigued and bemused by the intrepid Pippa,
especially as she faces down gamblers, blackmailers and other evildoers to
stake a claim for love and happiness. A delightful romance that includes an
early-Victorian Ocean's Eleven spin.
Anne Gracie's The Autumn Bride is another great pick for historical fans, and also includes a unique, distinctive heroine readers will love.
(Also consider Teresa Medeiros and Jennifer Ashley's latest releases. So many great historicals in the last month — some of the best I've read in years — which makes it hard to choose just a couple.)
Bobbi Dumas is a freelance writer based in Madison,
Wis. She mostly reviews for Kirkus Media, and she discusses books on her blog ReadWriteLove.net.
http://www.npr.org/2013/02/14/171922060/a-bouquet-of-romantic-reads-for-valentines-day?ft=3&f=100876926&sc=nl&cc=bn-20130214
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