Throwback Thursday: Old-timey romances
Romance means a lot of things to a lot of different readers. The genre has evolved to encompass more books then ever before, and new authors and ideas are being published every year. But what really kick-started the romance genre? What pushed boundaries and spread love? Below are just three books of the many favorites of the '70s, '80s and '90s that got the romance genre really going. (Note: We tried to find the older covers for these romances, but we weren't always successful.)
Shanna by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss (1977)
Kathleen Woodiwiss captivated readers with her sweeping prose and descriptive words. Shanna was ahead of her time: Spoiled and high-maintenance, she refused to be married off to someone just to please her father. She wanted her own independence. This is where she hatched a plan and the prisoner Ruark comes in. She marries him, reneges on her deal (one night of passion) and believes that he has been hung for his crimes (she's a happy widow). This is not what happens, and imagine her surprise when she sees her "husband" on her getaway island?
For a "bodice-ripper," the heroine was actually pretty progressive. Usually in these types of romances I hate the hero: He cheats, he's too dominant, and the heroine is whiny. While the heroine was whiny, I really liked Ruark. If you're in the mood for a bit more prose, romantic wording and a dominant hero, try out this classic romance.
Flowers from the Storm by Laura Kinsale (1992)
The D of J (that's Duke of Jervaulx for those not reading the scandal sheets) has it all. He's handsome, brilliant and an irresistible womanizer. Then one day, a stroke of some sort leaves him unable to communicate. This, of course, causes his temper to flare, which then causes him to be thrown into an insane asylum. To make matters worse, a Quaker girl (whom didn't like him before his "condition") is trying to help him.
One thing to keep in mind is that this book is going to appeal to fans who like religion with their romance. There are many characters, including the heroine, who felt the Duke deserved "punishment" from God. While I didn't enjoy that part, the characters grow to love each other and have a good HEA. It's a solid 1990s romance read.
Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer (1990)
The book starts out with the widow Elly (who has two boys and a third child on the way) putting an ad for a husband in the local paper. She's desperate and alone and can't fathom spending the rest of her life by herself. Will Parker is alone as well. His existence is solemn, until he sees Elly's ad. What a character Will is. He's thin (bone thin) and a drifter. He spent some time in prison and is looking for a chance at redemption.
The two seem at first mismatched, but soon love blossoms, and the two outsiders form their own world. Like most books written in the era, this one is full of fluffy writing. You have to really be in the mood for such descriptive writing, but Morning Glory is a beautiful and emotional read.
Jessie Potts, also known as Book Taster, adores books in all forms. She is a top 1,000 reviewer on Amazon and also does reviews for Bitten By Books andAllRomance.com.