On authors' keeper shelves: Lisa Kleypas, Susan Donovan and Dee Henderson
We asked three Zebra/Kensington authors — Vanessa Kelly, Regina Cole and Molly Jebber — to share what's on their keeper shelves.
Vanessa Kelly, author of How to Marry a Royal Highlander
The Kraken King by Meljean Brook. The Iron Seas gets better with every book (and they're all great). The Kraken King has amazing world building, thrilling battles between man, beast and machine, and wonderful characters — all grounded in prose both rigorous and lyrical. It's also a delicious romance between Zenobia Fox and Ariq, the Kraken King. Zenobia is a savvy but vulnerable woman who's been hurt too many times. As for Ariq? No woman in her right mind could resist him!
Married by Morning by Lisa Kleypas. It's hard to imagine a romance keeper shelf that doesn't include at least one book by LK. The question is, which one? I settled on Married by Morning (Hathaway Series 4), although I could easily pick several others. I chose MBM for one reason: the hero, Leo Hathaway. Leo is a reformed rake with a twist — he (mostly) reformed himself well before he met his heroine. Leo is handsome, smart, cynical and funny, and one of LK's best heroes.
The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness. Book three in the All Souls Trilogy, this is easily my favorite book in a long time. It's a colorful and smart paranormal fantasy, with vampires, magic, Elizabethan history, biology, social dynamics, adventure and romance all rolled up into one thrilling package. The star-crossed lovers, Matthew and Diana, are epically wonderful in their fierce, preternatural devotion to each other. It's a story about breaking barriers and proving that love in all its diversity ultimately makes us stronger.
About How to Marry a Royal Highlander:
Illegitimate yet thoroughly irresistible, the Renegade Royals are leaving behind their careers as daring spies for the greatest adventure of all…
At sixteen, Alasdair Gilbride, heir to a Scottish earldom, fled the Highlands and an arranged betrothal. Ten years later, Alasdair must travel home to face his responsibilities. It's a task that would be much easier without the distracting presence of the most enticing woman he's ever met…
After one escapade too many, Eden Whitney has been snubbed by the ton. The solution: rusticating in the Scottish wilderness, miles from all temptation. Except, of course, for brawny, charming Alasdair. The man is so exasperating she'd likely kill him before they reach the border—if someone else weren't trying to do just that. Now Eden and Alasdair are plunging into a scandalous affair with his life and her reputation at stake—and their hearts already irreparably lost…
Regina Cole, author of Sex Becomes Her
My keeper shelf is pretty darn big! Part of my measurement of a really good book is how many times I read it. My favorite books are the ones with yellowed, dog-eared, creased pages, their covers barely holding on by a thread. Of course, my e-books have weathered the multiple readings much better than my paperbacks! Here's a small taste of my romance favorites.
Regency romances by Catherine Coulter. My sister and I discovered these back in high school, and we both glommed them up like crazy. There are too many of these that I adore, so rather than list out all the "Brides" titles and the "Legacy" titles, etc., I opted to lump them together! I love the banter, wit and spirit of these Regencies. They're like old friends, and every time I crack one open I sigh a little, remembering the first time I read them.
The Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward. Fell in love with these when there were only five or so out, so the wait was terrible! I tend to cycle through genres, and in my last four or so PNR phases these were a mainstay. I LOVE the bond between the heroes. So sexy!
Contemporary romances by Susan Donovan. I love clever books, and Ms. Donovan definitely corners clever well! A good friend introduced me to these, and they definitely have earned a place on my keeper shelf. Sexy books that can make me laugh, too? Sign me up!
About Sex Becomes Her:
One touch.
Eliza's last relationship ended in ruins, and she's anything but eager to jump back into something serious. A trip to Hawaii for her best friend's wedding couldn't come at a better time. Showing up without a date is the least of her worries. In fact, it may even play into her wildest fantasies when the perfect hunk of a man appears before her…
One look.
With Chandler's divorce behind him he's ready to move on, so he heads to Hawaii for his cousin's wedding. The moment his eyes encounter Eliza's sultry curves and sensual lips, he's more than ready for a night of non-stop sex. But despite the heat of their unbridled carnal pleasure, Eliza is still afraid to tell him about her forbidden desires. And when their casual affair follows them home, it threatens to alter their lives forever.
Molly Jebber, author of Change of Heart
I like romance and mystery stories, so here's some of my favorites I keep on my shelf.
Breathing on Her Own by Rebecca Waters. Molly is the main character, although she is not named after me. She has a troubled past. When her daughter has an accident that leads to a lawsuit, Molly's determination to help her had me rooting for her. This story captivated me. It has a message of unconditional love in the toughest of circumstances. This made me cry and laugh.
Taken by Dee Henderson. Story of abduction, crime family and romance. This story kept me up late until I finished it. Shannon is in danger, and Mark does his best to protect her. The twists and turns in this story make for exciting reading. I had a pile of laundry to do. It just had to wait!
Face of Betrayal by Lis Wiehl. As a successful trial attorney and highly regarded commentator, Lis does a great job writing about a missing young assistant involved with a senator. Three friends, a prosecutor, FBI agent and journalist are determined to find her. She keeps you guessing until the end. It's a good thing I'm not a nail biter. I wouldn't have had any left!
About Change of Heart:
A modern new century brings a young Amish woman an unexpected new life—and a chance to discover love's true way home…
Ohio, 1899. Soft-spoken midwife Becca Yost lived by her Amish faith's strict rules—until her fiancé jilted her before their entire community. She's never been away from home, but the bustling Englischer town of Massillon, Ohio, is a welcome unexpected refuge. Especially when she goes to work for Dr. Matt Carrington, who shares her passion for healing those in need. His outgoing spirit and gentle strength show Becca a surprising new world of choices—and irresistible love. But there is one formidable obstacle: Matt's wealthy mother is determined her son will marry a society woman.
With her newfound resolve challenged, Becca decides that she and Matt must not be destined for each other after all. She accepts that she will have to forge a life alone—until a wrenching crisis and life-changing revelations teach her that true faith lies in all things, especially impossible second chances...