More authors, readers share favorite Susan Elizabeth Phillips romances

As we gear up for the release of Susan Elizabeth Phillips' Heroes Are My Weakness on Aug. 26, HEA asked some of our favorite authors to share their favorite romances by SEP (as she's so affectionately known). HEA readers chimed on posts last week and the week before, so I've included them here so everyone can see.

Donna Kauffman, author of Half Moon Harbor

The first book I read by SEP was Fancy Pants, and I remember being drawn in by how wonderfully she brought every single character to life, from the main protagonists to the walk-on players. I hadn't read anything quite like it before. She's been a Must-Buy author ever since. My very very (OK, maybe even three verys) favorite evah SEP book, the one I've read more than once — and I never re-read books, no time! — is Nobody¹s Baby But Mine. She had me at "I married a damn cereal killer!" Shoot. I may have to read it again now. :)

Jo Beverley, author of A Shocking Delight

I've enjoyed so many SEP books that it's hard to choose, but I have a fond spot for an early one — Hot Shot. Married to an early-adopter computer guy, and with two young sons following his footsteps it was so cool to read a romance about that crazy, exciting techie time. I'm quoting from memory, but one line went something like, "One morning the nerds woke up and found that they owned the world." Loved it.

Roxanne St. Claire, author of Seduction on the Sand (Barefoot Bay Billionaires Book 2)

My favorite SEP book of all time is Nobody's Baby But Mine for a very special, life-changing reason. I finished that book in August 1999 — 15 years ago this month! When I closed the last page with tears in my eyes, I made a vow that somehow, someday I would write a book that would make a reader feel as warm and happy and satisfied as I did at that moment. Later that week, I put pen to paper on my first novel ... and have written nearly 40 since then. Without a doubt, Susan Elizabeth Phillips inspired me to be a romance writer. I love her humor, her heart, her heroes, and her unforgettable love stories!

Lori Foster, author of No Limits

I've read quite a few books by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (who hasn't!?) and I've loved each and every one. But my all-time favorite is Nobody's Baby But Mine. I *adore* opposites-attract books, and at first that's what you think this is. But along with the laugh-out-loud moments (that start with the concept — which was *brilliant!*) you also get some awesome switch-ups and amazing dialogue and absolutely incredible romance ... and then you realize these two aren't so opposite after all. From the very line: "Let me get this straight," Jodie Polanski said. "You want to get Cal Bonner a woman for his birthday?" you know the sparks are gonna fly! And when you realize they want to get him a "classy" hooker who is older — like at least 25 — well, that starts the chuckles that keep on going straight through to the oh-so-wonderful end of the book! Nobody does romantic comedy like SEP!

Beverly Long, author of Stalked

My favorite Susan Elizabeth Phillips book is First Lady. I've always been intrigued by presidential wives. While the role, no doubt, has a big upside, I've never thought it looked like that good of a gig. It was not a stretch to imagine someone desperate to break away from that level of scrutiny. SEP wrote the story in such a way that I could believe that Nealy was one step ahead of the secret service. I was rooting for her and Mat all the way. I recently ran into SEP at a Chicago airport — we were both on our way to a romance writers conference. We have a common friend and had a lovely time catching up. She was every bit as nice and as funny as the characters she so deftly creates.

Nancy Herkness, author of The Place I Belong

Susan Elizabeth Phillips leapt onto my keeper shelf with It Had To Be You. Coach Dan Calebow was such a vivid character that I — who never willingly watch football — found myself scanning the sidelines of every pro football game on television, expecting — no, let's face it, hoping — to spot Dan pacing up and down, shouting into his headset. Phoebe Somerville snagged my sympathy with the sophisticated bimbo mask she wore to cover up her overwhelming sense of inadequacy. Together they were gasoline and matches in the most delicious and exciting ways. I just re-read IHTBY because the minute I thought of it, I had to. It's even better the fifth or so time around: gritty, heart-rending, funny, sexy, and full of brilliant secondary characters, including the whole Chicago Stars football team. Pure SEP genius!

Christie Ridgway, author of Light My Fire (Rock Royalty Book 1)

I am a fan of all SEP's books, since having received It Had to be You in a bag at the Romance Writers of America conference in Hawaii — my first as a published author. But a corner of my heart is permanently reserved for Kiss an Angel. Yes, the circus book. But who doesn't love a forced marriage, a brooding hero and lovable animals? Daisy herself is so vulnerable and yet so determined that she crumbles Alex's stubborn pride and tames the most dangerous beast of all ... her husband. I was charmed from the first when the bride couldn't recall the groom's name and swooned every time he conjured up a bit of magic. Romance readers shouldn't miss this one!

Jami Alden, author of Fall to Pieces

My favorite SEP book ever is It Had to Be You. This is the book that introduced us to the fantastic Chicago Stars series, and the chemistry between Phoebe and Dan sizzles off the page. This book showcases SEP's amazing ability to make you laugh and cry as you read, sometimes even within the same scene. We recently moved, which required me to do a considerable book purge, but my tattered, well read edition still holds an honored place on my keeper shelf.

Louann Carroll, author of the Gemini Rising series

Kiss an Angel is the best SEP book ever! I am not ashamed to say that I cried and sniveled my way through the sweetest most innocent romantic novel ever. Kiss an Angel was my first introduction to SEP and is still my favorite. From the circus (clowns always scare me) to Glenna and Sinjun as a wonderful backdrop, Kiss an Angel captured me body and soul. How can you not love a novel that contains a line like: Next time could you maybe try it with your eyes open? While all of SEP novels have their own mesmerizing effect, I found Kiss an Angel to be one of the best, ever.

Sandy Bobik Palumbo, reader

My top two seem to be popular: Nobody's Baby But Mine and Match Me If You Can.

Mia Marlowe, author of Once Upon a Plaid

My favorite SEP book has to be Ain't She Sweet? because the heroine truly wasn't. In fact, I rather disliked Sugar Beth at first, but like all of Susan Elizabeth's characters, she breathes on her own. She grows and changes over the course of the story and I was firmly in her camp by the oh-so-sweet end!

Jennifer Bernard, author of Four Weddings and a Fireman

Trying to choose a favorite SEP book is like trying to decide on my favorite dessert. Can't I pick them all? But I'll go with Fancy Pants because it was my first SEP. The scene where Francesca is … ahem … conceived in an empty, late-night department store blew my impressionable young mind. I never looked at perfume bottles the same way again. Thank you, SEP, for all the wonderful moments in so many wonderful books. In honor of her next one — SEP is My Weakness.

Toni Blake, author of All I Want Is You

My favorite SEP book of all time is Kiss an Angel. It was my very first SEP book and she had me at the very first line: "Daisy Devreaux had forgotten her bridegroom's name." Hilarious. Simple. And filled with conflict and questions. In one line. That's SEP. I have since then had the pleasure of spending a little time with Susan and I am truly honored to know her. A lovely woman all the way around!

Candis Terry, author of Something Sweeter (Sweet, Texas book 3)

Hands down my favorite SEP book of all time is Heaven, Texas. Why? Three words. Bobby Tom Denton. I love this book so much I own two original print dog-eared copies. Bobby Tom (the former best wideout in the NFL) is outrageous, fun, super sexy, and more vulnerable than he'll ever let on. Reading this book is like going on a roller coaster — blindfolded. You never knew what mischief Bobby Tom would pull next. I have no idea how Gracie Snow managed to handle such a bigger-than-life alpha male, I'm only glad she did. My favorite Bobby Tom quote is: "I happen to be immature, undisciplined, and self-centered, pretty much a little boy in a man's body, although I'd appreciate it if you didn't quote me on that."

Kimberly Kincaid, author of Gimme Some Sugar

My favorite SEP book of all time is Call Me Irresistible. I'd read a few other books by her at the time I picked it up, but this one simply stood out and demanded to be read all in one sitting. SEP is a master of bringing quirky, engaging, love-'em-or-hate-'em characters to the table, and Call Me Irresistible is no exception. But what I loved most about the book is that the reader sees the hero, broody, handsome Ted Beaudine, through everyone's eyes but his own until the book is nearly over. It was such a natural yet unexpected way to draw the conflict and the wow factor of the final scenes. I still get goose bumps thinking about finally getting into his head the end of Call Me Irresistible! Simply brilliant.

Linda Grimes, author of In a Fix

I adore all of SEP's books. It's tough to pick a favorite, but if I had to single one out it would be Heaven, Texas. Being as I was born and raised in the Lone Star State, I can't help but be drawn to the brashly handsome Bobby Tom Denton. It's in my blood. Also, I'm a sucker for an "ugly duckling" story. Watching plain Jane Gracie captivate Bobby Tom was such fun! And the secondary romance between two older characters is pretty dang hot, too. (Darn — now I want to read it again!)

Katherine Garbera, author of Her Summer Cowboy

I was introduced to SEP by another author who told me I just had to read Heaven, Texas. I was a little skeptical since I wasn't a big fan of football players, but it had me hooked from the very first line. And I fell for Bobby Tom almost as quickly as Gracie did. I love the emotional punch I get from reading her stories and absolutely can't wait for her latest release.

Kate Douglas, author of Dark Refuge

I'd have to go with Hot Shot, the first one I read, simply because it was the first! 1991, we'd recently moved to a new area and I was miserable. The kids were in school, I was living in a farmhouse in the middle of a vineyard and my husband was working 16-hour days, but that first book took me away. I started hunting her other stories and have bought them ever since as soon as they're out. I loaned Fancy Pants to a friend and never got it back — I don't loan my books anymore and I will forever remain a fan of some of the funniest, most touching prose I've ever read.

Hope Tarr, author of Claimed by the Rogue

My favorite SEP book of all time is Dream a Little Dream — and yes, it was the first SEP I'd ever read. Back then, I didn't read all that much contemporary romance. It took a lot to lure me from perfectly appointed drawing rooms, viscounts exuding "ennui" from their aristocratic pores, and the London social whirl centered around Almack's. But this SEP chick's name kept cropping up. Everywhere. All the time. "You've never read SEP — really?" came the frequent question from both fans and fellow authors, accompanied by much raising of brows and rolling of eyes. What was everyone raving about? I wondered. Finally, curiosity got the better of me, and I cracked the cover on Dream a Little Dream, more than half convinced I was going to hate it. A heroine who was a televangelist's widow — and a crooked televangelist at that. A hero in possession of a broken-down drive-in movie theater, *not* the ancestral "heap" I'd come to count on. And lastly, a town christened Salvation — seriously!?! But a few pages in, I wasn't only baited — I was hooked. The down-and-out Rachel stole my heart — ditto for her cute kid. And the hero, Gabriel — yowza! But as I've since learned, that's the beauty — the magic — of a SEP book. No matter how lofty or lowly in "station," no matter if she's First Lady of these United States or a town outcast on the cusp of homelessness, a SEP heroine/hero always, ALWAYS not only tugs on the strings to your heart. S/he steals it straightaway.

Tina Leonard, author of Hotter than Texas

My favorite SEP book of all time is Nobody's Baby But Mine, and I still have my dog-eared copy on my keeper shelf. Our heroine Jane wants a big, stupid lug to give her a baby — she wants a child but not with the huge smarts for which she's been picked on all her life. Cal Bonner, quarterback for the Chicago Stars, seems to fit the bill — only he turns out to be anything but a big, stupid lug. Just reading the first chapter again makes me realize I'm going to have to read the whole book again from cover to cover! This is Cal, playing a little bit thick when he meets Jane for the first time, dressed with a pink bow around her neck as a gift from his teammates: "Well, now, I don't think I ever got a birthday present quite like this one. You guys got more tricks up your sleeve than a deer's got ticks." Then later: "Tell you what, guys. People exchange presents all the time. How about I trade her in for a steak dinner?"

Alethea Kontis, author of Enchanted

I can't even remember the first SEP book I read — I think it was Nobody's Baby But Mine — but I can't choose a favorite. I love them all because they are SO FUNNY. It's a rare author that can make a reader laugh out loud, and SEP has that talent in spades. So you can imagine how over the moon I was to meet her at RWA Nationals in July and find out that she is just as effervescent in person. I mean ... SHE asked to have her photo taken with ME. How cool is that? And on panels she would say things like, "You will embarrass yourself horribly at least once every conference," which is just so true. That honesty and humor ... that's just who she is, and that makes all her books even more special to me.

Lucy Monroe, author of Sheikh's Scandal

I'm a total SEP fangirl. From the first book I read by her (It Had to be You — which sparked a buying frenzy of her backlist and total glomming reading), she has been on my auto-buy and immediate-read list. While I truly love all of her books, my "favoritest" is This Heart of Mine. I love that Mollie writes children's books and how her stories reflect her real life and Kevin is such a heartbreaker. The imperfect hero that is perfect for her. The secondary romance between his estranged mom and the artist is really moving, too. It's just an amazing book!

Alison Kent, author of The Sweetness of Honey

My favorite Susan Elizabeth Phillips' book will always and forever be Honeymoon (followed closely by Hot Shot). I loved her early books with multiple plots and years' long storylines. But Honeymoon ... That one broke my heart, the love between Honey and Dash, and then Honey and Eric. The part that has stayed with me forever, though, is when Honey loses Dash. Reading the scene when she walks through the house and picks up his toothbrush, "rubbed her thumb over the bone-dry bristles and then slipped it into her pocket," then takes a pair of his socks from the laundry hamper, I about lost it. The mourning is so intimate, so detailed and personal. "She pulled his toothbrush from one pocket and his socks from the other. They formed a warm damp ball in her hand. Tears wet her cheeks as the silence suffocated her. She slipped his toothbrush into her mouth and sucked on it." This book ... it is so emotionally brilliant.

Tawna Fenske, author of Fiancée for Hire

As a romantic comedy author myself, I bow before the greatness that is Susan Elizabeth Phillips and I'll freely admit I want to be her when I grow up. She's the queen of the zany opening paragraph that grabs a reader's funny bone and doesn't let go. I'm especially fond of Natural Born Charmer. A headless beaver marching down the road? Seriously, who comes up with that? Susan Elizabeth Phillips, that's who! Did I mention I love her for it? Oh, and if Colin Byrne from Ain't She Sweet ever finds himself single, I'm going to need him to call me, pronto.

Nahid Mahdavi, reader

I have all the Books of SEP I love them all they are fun her female characters are full of intelligence. And the male are a bit crazy and gorgeous. The first I read Fancy Pants is also my favorite. I love the little boy. The use of children in all her books Is wonderful. I hope to have follow up books of the little girls. That are nobody's fools.

Erica Mitchell, reader

Kiss an Angel. I re-read it all the time.