Friday

Goodbye 2023 - May it Never Return

 Farewell to the voices that I knew: Anne Perry, Carol Higgins Clark, Julie Garwood, and Fay Weldon. You will be missed.

Tuesday

Farewell Julie Garwood

Goodbye to one of the greats!  
We will miss you. You were there from the beginning.
December 26, 1944 - June 8, 2023


















Arrivederci 2022

"I'll be seeing you
In all the old familiar places
That this heart of mine embraces
All day through

In that small cafe
The park across the way
The children's carousel
The chestnut trees
The wishing well

I'll be seeing you
In every lovely summer's day
In everything that's light and gay
I'll always think of you that way

I'll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new
I'll be looking at the moon
But I'll be seeing you

I'll be seeing you
In every lovely summer's day
In everything that's light and gay
I'll always think of you that way

I'll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new
I'll be looking at the moon
But I'll be seeing you
"
Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal - 1938

This year has been a pip.
2022 has forced me to make some hard choices. After a long, torturous brain-think, I have come to the decision, that for now, I must take a break from my much, beloved blog. There are times when life becomes a priority. So for now, I will still maintain a presence at Goodreads, but I must turn my full attention to life concerns, and the health issues of the voice across the room.

A special thanks to all of you who have dropped by over the years. It’s been a delight, and you just never know, this might be a temporary break. I love this genre, it’s been my joy since I spotted Regency Buck, by Georgette Heyer in 1975.

So, this year I will be taking a look back at the year end reviews I’ve done for the past 20 years, and pick my all-time favorites from that group. I have chosen “my” best of the best. As I looked through my years in reviews, I noticed that they have gone through some changes. I have added categories, dropped categories, and become even mouthier. Let’s take a dive into my favorite genre, the Historical Romance novel.

My Outstanding List from 2008-2021.
The rules for this list are I have chosen only the books which I scored A or better, no measly A- in this group. In descending order from 2021.

2021 After Dark with the Duke, by Julie Anne Long
2019 Angel in a Devil’s Arms, by Julie Anne Long
2018 The Governess Game, by Tessa Dare
2016 Duke of Sin, by Elizabeth Hoyt
2015 Luck Be a Lady, by Meredith Duran
2015 It Started with a Scandal, by Julie Anne Long
2014 The Traitor, by Grace Burrowes
2013 The Mad Earls Bride, by Loretta Chase
2012 The Governess Affair, by Courtney Milan
2012 Rules to Catch a Devilish Duke, by Suzanne Enoch
2011 Unraveled, by Courtney Milan
2011 Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke’s Heart, by Sarah Maclean
2010 Mad About the Duke, by Elizabeth Boyle
2010 A Lady’s Guide to Improper Behavior, by Suzanne Enoch
2010 In for a Penny, by Rose Lerner
2010 His Christmas Pleasure, by Cathy Maxwell
2009 Make Me Yours, by Betina Krahn
2009 What Happens in London, by Julia Quinn
2009 Tempted by Midnight, by Jacquie D’Alessandro
2009 Always a Scoundrel, by Suzanne Enoch
2009 The Madness of Ian MacKenzie, by Jennifer Ashley
2009 First Comes Marriage, by Mary Balogh
2009 So Enchanting, by Connie Brockway
2009 Scandal, by Carol Jewel
2008 The Spymaster’s Lady, by Joanne Bourne

A lot of these authors are still writing in this genre, some have moved on to other genres, and some are no longer writing. But, I thank them all for giving us something wonderful to sigh over.

Now, I must include my all-time favorite historical romance books ever! And, if you’ve never read them, you should – if you can find them. A word of warning, some of them show their age, but I have fond memories of all of the following…Except for number 1, which by the way, will always be my number 1! The rest of my favorites are in descending order by publishing date.

1. Lord of Scoundrels, by Loretta Chase, 1995
2. Matter of Class, by Mary Balogh, 2009
3. Silken Threads, by Patricia Ryan, 1999
4. The Rake, 1998 aka The Rake and the Reformer, 1988, by Mary Jo Putney
5. The Proposition, by Judith Ivory, 1998
6. Beyond Sunrise, by Candice Proctor aka C.S. Harris, 1997
7. The Vicar’s Daughter, by Deborah Simmons, 1995
8. Bewitching, by Jill Barnett, 1995
9. Dreaming of You, by Lisa Kleypas, 1994
10. The Secret, by Julie Garwood, 1990
11. Lady with a Black Umbrella, by Mary Balogh, 1989
12. The Houseparty, by Anne Stuart, 1985
13. The Windflower, by Laura London, 1984
14. The Clergyman’s Daughter, by Julia Jeffries, 1983
15. The Tenacious Miss Tamerlane, by Kasey Michaels aka Michelle Kasey, 1982
16. Lady Jane, by Norma Lee Clark, 1982
17. The Elsingham Portrait, by Elizabeth Chater, 1980, (a little time travel thrown in)
18. The Reluctant Lady, by Iona Charles aka Carolyn Nichols aka Carolyn McKnight, 1976
19. Spring Gambit, by Claudette Williams, 1976
20. Venetia, by Georgette Heyer, 1958

While some of these books may be dated, and a few may contain Bonehead Heroes, they are all books that turned corners, lead me down different paths, and gave me a love of Historical Romance.

On to my categories

Mommie Dearest Awards through the years 2012-2021

So, let’s take a look at some horrendous relatives that won this prestigious award through the years. Authors, you should be proud of these stinky characters you created. This category was introduced in 2012; someone must have made me really mad that year.

Olivia, from The Duke is Mine, by Eloisa James, 2012; Sir Clement Carnell, from A Little Folly by Jude Morgan, 2013; the obnoxious mother from, Three Weeks with Lady X, by Eloisa James, 2014; Lady Eleanor from 50 Ways to Ruin a Rake, by Jade Lee, 2015; two horrible fathers in 2016, one from Duke of Sin, by Elizabeth Hoyt and another from How to Manage a Marquess, by Kelly MacKenzie; the Earl of Riverdale, from Someone to Love, by Mary Balogh, 2017; Clarissa, from The Wedding Gamble, by Julia Justiss; Jeannie, from Vanessa Kelly’s, The Highlander’s Irish Bride, 2021… and the winners for my all time stinker relatives are two characters. Francesca, from Suzanne Enoch series, Wild Wicked Highlanders (MacTaggerts) 2019-2022. Francesca was one of the absolute worst mothers ever. And then there was the slimy toad, stinker brother Mathew from the same author, Suzanne Enoch introduced in Scot Under the Covers, 2020.

Bonehead Heroes aka Steve Morgan Award 2013-2021

When I first started this category, it quickly became one of my favorites to write about. There is just nothing better than a bonehead to start one ranting. And, there are a lot of them out there, just smirking their way through our books.

The brother from Diane Gaston’s, Her Gallant Captain at Waterloo, 2021; Coln from Elisa Braden’s, Desperately Seeking a Scoundrel; Harry from Lisa Kleypas, Temp me at Twilight, (read in 2019); Kerrich, from Christina Dodds, Rules of Engagement, written in 2000 (reread 2018); Lady Chatwick (females can be boneheads too), from Julia London’s, Sinful Scottish Laird, 2017; Jack, from Cathy Maxwell’s, The Fairest of Them All, 2016; Ranulf de Warbrooke, from The Black Lyon, by Jude Deveraux, written in 1980, (reread, 2014). But the biggest Bonehead goes to Lyon Redmond, from The Legend of Lyon Redmond, by Julia Anne Long, 2015. This guy is what we waited for?! He’s a whiner, a liar, a possessive, dominating jerk. This guy really burned me, and the heroine should have stayed with the nice guy. Sometimes waiting for our hero doesn’t work.

Sidekick, aka Secondary Character aka Supporting Cast: 2011-2021.
Another favorite category of mine. If it weren’t for the supporting cast, where else would we get our future heroes and heroines. Besides that, where would we turn for comic relief, especially with all the soul searching being done by the main characters.

2021, a place not a person, the Battle of Waterloo, from Diane Gaston’s, Her Gallant Captain; 2020, Bazzle, from Lisa Kleypas’, Chasing Cassandra; 2019, Mr. Delacorte, from Julie Anne Long’s, Angel in a Devil’s Arms. Nothing better than a dried testicle salesperson; 2018 - King, from Kelly Bowen’s, Devils of Dover series. He did get his own book (short story); 2017, dead Thomas, from Julia Quinn’s, The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband; 2016, lemonade, Grace Burrowes, True Gentlemen series; 2015, Danny, from Daniel’s True Desires, by Grace Burrowes; Apollo, from Elizabeth Hoyt’s, Duke of Midnight; 2012, Rupert, from Eloisa James’, The Duke is Mine; 2011, Daniel, from Jennifer Ashley’s, The Many Sins of Lord Cameron; And my favorite secondary character…well, of course there were the hairpins from Unraveled, by Courtney Milan, 2011…but…I know this isn’t fair to the other secondary characters…but, since I reread these books during the time period I’m covering my all time favorite secondary characters are: Derek Craven, from Then Came You, by Lisa Kleypas, 1998, and Cat, from The Windflower, by Laura London, 1984.  Derek got his own book, but sad to say Cat never did.

The Timothy Toad Award 2010-2021.
Another favorite, along with Mommie Dearest and Secondary Awards, these three categories were the longest running. Over the years there have been many eye-opening Toads, and their friends. Some made me laugh, and some made me go ewwwww. But they were all memorable. 2021, brought us a Timothy Toad Award for an author’s body of work: Anne Stuart’s men. They are mind boggling. 2020, the anthology book by Sylvia Day, Minerva Spencer, and Kristin Vayden, The Arrangement; 2019, another group: Julie Garwood’s entire Crown Spies group 1988-1993. 2018, The Mr. Toad from Lynsay Sands, Surrender to the Highlander;2016 Nathaniel’s talking Timothy Toad, from Sally Mackenzie’s, How to Manage a Marquess; 2015, the death defying Mr. Toad from Sabrina Jeffries, The Heiress and the Hothead; 2014, not only the Mr. Toad from Manda Collin’s, Why Earl’s Fall in Love, but the heroine has an echo chamber cavern; 2013, Castor’s, Timothy Toad from Celeste Bradley’s, And Then Comes Marriage; 2012, Winter’s furry Mr. Toad, from Elizabeth Hoyt’s, Thief of Shadows; 2010, William’s Mr. Toad, from Judith James’, The Libertine; I would have to say the most memorable Toad comes from 2011…yes, nothing says luv better than Aiden’s “hairy scrotum”, from Mia Marlowe’s, A Knack for Trouble (short story). Thanks guys for all the joy you have brought me.

Now for some categories which were either new or were allowed to just fade away. 2021 saw the introduction of Emma Wodehouse/Scarlett O’Hara Annoying Heroine Award. That category had promise. Last years winner was the annoying Joan Wilde from Eloisa James’, Wilde Child.

Romanceland Plan 2020-2021. Once again Joan Wilde, from Wilde Child became a winner for one of the most ridiculous plans ever. 2020, Aden’s plan, from Suzanne Enoch’s, Scot Under Covers

Garlic Breath Award 2010 - 2019
Nothing says romance like a good villain…and when I say good, I mean a villain who for some reason or other, stands out. Sometime they stand out too much, and sometime they surprise us. 2019, the Reverand Reeves from the Warriner series, by Virginia Heath. 2018 the Duke from Sarah MacLean’s, Wicked and the Wallflower; 2017, a group of evil doers from Elizabeth Hoyts, Maiden Lane series; 2016, Angus, from Grace Burrowes, The Laird; 2015, the sexy villain from, What a Lady Demands, by Ashlyn MacNamara; 2014, a reread master villain, Edward from Julia Ross,’ The Seduction, 2002; 2013, the smarmy Clivesdale from, A Most Scandalous Proposal, by Ashlyn Macnamara; 2012, Sir Walter Patsworth, from Courtney Milan’s, What Happened at Midhnight; Evidently there were no villains in 2011, but 2010 gave us Harcraft, from Courtney Milan’s, Trial by Desire.
 
Gus Award. 2010 - 2019

Love animal scene stealers, I just wish authors would use more of them. This ones been spotty through the years. 2019, one of the best was the fictitious Orange Blossom, created by Virginia Heath, from A Warriner to Rescue Her. Stories told through the eyes of a horse. 2018, shape-shifter Raven, from Josie Litton’s, Believe in Me (2001). 2017, Cato the dog, from Loretta Chase’s, A Duke in Shining Armor; 2015, Peter Francis Danforth, a cat, from Grace Burrowes’ The Traitor; 2014, Daffodil, the Italian Greyhound from Elizabeth Hoyt’s, Darling Beast; 2013, Beezle, the hair chewer, from Jill Barnett’s, 1995 Bewitching; 2012, Ghost the dog, from Courtney Milan’s, Unraveled; 2011, the foul-mouthed parrot from Tessa Dare’s, Night to Remember; My favorite: 2010, when this category began: Gus, the dog that started it all. From Jill Barnett’s, Dreaming. He was the best part of this book written in 1994

Once upon a time, I had a Cover Award. That lasted only two years, 2010 and 2011. Historical romance covers have gone through a lot over the years. From naked guys in the snow to headless women. And, who can forget Fabio. I also kicked around favorite families, or series, but I think that was going to be too much work, so we let it slide.

And now for some special book moments.
A bee. Yes, a bee written by Julia Quinn has opened up a whole new vision for romance writing. Who knows where Historical Romance will go from here, not me. 2021 brought us Psyche Winthrop-Abent. Psyche was one of the best heroines I’ve encountered, and that’s saying a lot. Psyche was written by Elizabeth Rolls, A Marriage of Equals. Another character brought to life was Gideon, from The Perfect Rake, by Anne Gracie. This book was written in 2005, but when I reread it in 2018, I found him to be a totally, wonderful character. Laugh out loud moment from 2016. If you want to laugh, read Tessa Dare’s, Do You Want to Start a Scandal.

That just about wraps it up. There have been a lot of paths, and changes that have happened to the world of Romanceland through my years here. I like to think we have come through it all together. Regardless of whether the changes were for our good, or not, I will always love the Historical Romance genre. It’s been my pleasure to spout my voice, and I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have, my little Petunia’s. Now, I must bid a fond “see you later,” and take a pause. But to all of you romance book lover’s out there, and not just the historicalskeep on truckin’

Holy Moly! Who Is Bringing the Vegetable Tray Time!!! Upcoming Historical Romances!!!

 Here is a list of some new historical romance books; some of them are already out. Authors with an asterisk*, I'm picking up! Authors with **asterisks have either fallen off my radar or new to me, and I'm might read them this time around. Release dates mostly between November 15, 2022 and January 1, 2023. 
 
Series indicates a series, spin-off, sequel, trilogy, brother/sister, secret society/spies, good friends who attended Oxford/Eton, vampire/werewolf - anything that has something continuing - even if written 20 years ago. Anthology/novella/short stories could be an anthology or a bunch of books in one print or novella - one tiny book or an anthology with a bunch of novellas - could be a short stories by one author, could be short stories by multiple authors - could be - I'm getting a headache. Ebook, only sold electronically for now. Debut - congratulations!

By the way, it is not my fault if a publisher changes the release dates - just so you know, they do not consult me. Let me also add this warning - since I am now using different sources, I am finding that one person's genre isn't necessarily another persons - sorry if your book is in the wrong genre.
 
Historical Romance


Alanna Lucas
http://www.alannalucas.com
It Started with a Christmas Kiss, ebook
Forgotten Heiress series
November 29



Annie Burrows
http://annie-burrows.co.uk  
Lara Temple
https://www.laratemple.com     
Joanna Johnson
Regency Christmas Parties, anthology
November 29



Bronwyn Scott
Miss Claiborne's Illicit Attraction
Daring Rogue series
November 29


Cara Maxwell
https://www.caramaxwellromance.com/
The Duchess Who Dared, ebook
Hesitant Husbands series
November 28



Carol Arens
A Family for the Reclusive Baron
Rivenhall Weddings series
November 29


Cassandra Dean
https://www.cassandradean.com/
Vexing Lady Violet
Lost Lords series
November 20


Catherine Tinley
http://www.catherinetinley.com     
A Laird in London         
December 27


Charlie Lane
https://www.charlielaneauthor.com/
Daring Done Right, ebook
Debutante Dares series
November 24


Christi Caldwell
http://christicaldwell.com/
Devil by Daylight, ebook
Heart of a Duke series
November 29


Michelle Deerwester-Dalrymple
https://mddalrympleauthor.wixsite.com/home
Christmas in the Glen, ebook, novella
Glen Highland series
November 28



Christy Carlyle
https://christycarlyle.com/
Lady Meets Earl
Love on Holiday series
November 29



Elizabeth Rolls*
http://www.elizabethrolls.com     
Lord Martin's Scandalous Bluestocking      
December 27


Ella Quinn
http://www.ellaquinnauthor.com
The Marriage List     
December 27


Eloisa James*
https://www.eloisajames.com/
The Reluctant Countess
Would-Be Wallflowers series
November 29


Emily E K Murdoch
https://emilyekmurdoch.com/
Five Gold Rings, ebook
Twelve Days of Christmas series
November 25


Kate Bateman
http://www.kcbateman.com
A Wicked Game
Ruthless Rivals    
December 27


Kathryn Le Veque
https://kathrynleveque.com/
WolfeAx
De Wolfe Pack Generations series
November 26



Lara Temple
https://www.laratemple.com
The Wrong Way to Catch a Rake     
December 27



Laura Martin
A Match to Fool Society
Matchmade Marriages     
December 27



Lissa Morgan
https://lissamorgan.com/     
An Alliance with His Enemy Princess     
December 27


Lotte James
The Gentleman of Holly Street
November 29



Lucy Ashford
Challenging the Brooding Earl
November 24


Miriam Minger**
https://www.miriamminger.com/
My Highland Champion
Warriors of the Highlands series
November 29


Nicole Locke
http://www.NicoleLocke.com
The Highlander's Bridal Bid
Lovers and Highlanders series
November 29


Sadie Bosque
https://sadiebosque.com
Taming His Wicked Duchess, ebook
Shadows series
November 29


Samara Parish
https://samaraparish.com
How to Win a Wallflower
December 13


Sarah M Eden
https://www.sarahmeden.com/
The Best Intentions
Huntresses series
November 21


Sarah Rodi
One Night with Her Viking Warrior
December 27


Sophie Barnes
https://www.sophiebarnes.com/sb/
Mr. Clarke's Deepest Desire
Enterprising Scoundrels series
November 22



Susanna Craig
http://www.susannacraig.com
Nice Earls Do, ebook, prequel, novella        
December 27
   
Historical Fiction


Alex Gough
http://www.romanfiction.com
Emperor's Fate
Imperial Assassin series
November 24



Christopher C. Tubbs
Empire
Dorset Boy series
December 9


Deborah Swift
http://www.deborahswift.com  
The Fortune Keeper
Tofana series
November 26


Gina Buonaguro
https://ginabu.com/     
The Virgins of Venice     
December 13


Mariah Fredericks
https://www.mariahfredericksbooks.com     
The Lindbergh Nanny     
November 15


Mathew Hartfy
http://www.matthewharffy.com  
Forest of Foes
Bernicia Chronicles series
December 8

Wednesday

Holy Popcorn Balls!!! Upcoming Historical Romance Books!!!

October 26
 
Things are starting to look up!
 
Here is a list of some new historical romance books; some of them are already out. Authors with an asterisk*, I'm picking up! Authors with **asterisks have either fallen off my radar or new to me, and I'm might read them this time around. Release dates mostly between October 15, 2022 and November 14, 2022. 
 
Series indicates a series, spin-off, sequel, trilogy, brother/sister, secret society/spies, good friends who attended Oxford/Eton, vampire/werewolf - anything that has something continuing - even if written 20 years ago. Anthology/novella/short stories could be an anthology or a bunch of books in one print or novella - one tiny book or an anthology with a bunch of novellas - could be a short stories by one author, could be short stories by multiple authors - could be - I'm getting a headache. Ebook, only sold electronically for now. Debut - congratulations!

By the way, it is not my fault if a publisher changes the release dates - just so you know, they do not consult me. Let me also add this warning - since I am now using different sources, I am finding that one person's genre isn't necessarily another persons - sorry if your book is in the wrong genre.
 
Historical Romance


Alyssa Clarke
No Good Dare Goes Unpunished, ebook
Wager and Wallflowers
October 24


Amelie Howard
http://www.amaliehoward.com
The Duke in Question
Daring Dukes
November 8


Bronwyn Scott*
http://bronwynswriting.blogspot.com/
Marguerite Kaye
http://www.margueritekaye.com
Under the Mistletoe
October 25



Caroline Lee
A Plaid Case of Loving Ye
Bad in Plaid
October 20


Cheryl Bolen
http://www.cherylbolen.com/
The Wallflower's Christmas Wish, ebook, short
Brides of Bath
October 18



Christi Caldwell
https://www.christicaldwell.com/
The Duke Alone, ebook
October 18



Christine Merrill*
http://www.christine-merrill.com
How to Survive a Scandal
Society’s Most Scandalous
October 25


Collette Cameron
http://collettecameron.com
Never a Proper Lady, ebook
Daughters of Desire
October 19



Darcy Burke
http://www.darcyburke.com
Impeccable, ebook
The Phoenix Club
October 18


Diane Gaston*
http://www.dianegaston.com
Secretly Bound to the Marquess     
October 25


Emma V. Leech
http://www.emmavleech.com/
Wildly Daring, ebook
Daring Daughters
October 21


Felicity Niven
https://www.felicityniven.com
A Perilous Flirtation, ebook
Lovelocks of London
October 20


Jade Lee
http://www.jadeleeauthor.com
Almost a Scot, ebook
Always a Scot
October 27


Jessie Clever
http://jessieclever.com/
The Earl She Ruined, ebook
Atwood Sisters
October 20



Karla Kratovil
https://www.karlakratovil.com
Christmas at Belhaven Hall, ebook
The Maidens of Marbury
October 27


Lauri Robinson
http://www.laurirobinson.blogspot.com
The Captain's Christmas Homecoming
October 25


Maggie Sims
Penelope’s Passion, ebook
School of Enlightenment
October 19


Melissa Oliver**
https://www.melissaoliverauthor.com/
A Stolen Knight's Kiss
Protectors of the Crown
October 25



Merry Farmer
http://merryfarmer.net
The Forty-Day Governess, ebook
Regency in Color
October 18



Minerva Spencer
http://minervaspencer.com/
The Boxing Baroness
The Wild Women of Whitechapel
October 25


Sandra Sookoo
http://www.sandrasookoo.com
Courting Lady Yeardly
Willful Winterbournes
October 20


Sarah Mallory
http://www.sarahmallory.com
The Duke's Family for Christmas  
October 25


Theresa Romain
http://theresaromain.com
The Baron’s Marriage Gamble, ebook
Holiday Pleasures
October 18
Historical Fiction


Griff Hosker
http://www.griffhosker.com/
The Fettered King
Border Knight
October 21


Janice Pariat
http://www.janicepariat.com
Everything the Light Touches  
October 25


Wilbur Smith
http://www.wilbursmithbooks.com/
Titans of War
Ancient Egyptian
October 18


Peter Jaksa
Dacia In Rebellion
Rome - Dacia Wars
October 25


Peter Watt
http://www.peterwatt.com
Call of Empire
Colonial
October 25


Philippa Gregory
http://www.philippagregory.com
Dawnlands  
The Fairmile
November 8


S. J. A. Turney
http://www.simonturney.com/
Domitian
Damned Emperors
October 20