Comments on: Converting a Non-Romance Reader

By: HeatherS AAR

HeatherS AAR — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:30:15 +0000

Thanks, everyone, for all of the wonderful suggestions. Thus far I have gotten her hooked on Patricia Briggs’ series as well. I’ve not-so-subtly suggested the Kate Daniels series and Nalini Singh’s books lately. She has not tried either yet, but I’m pretty sure we can attribute that to the fact that her TBR pile is nearly as out-of-control as mine is. Which I think is just grand!

By: Vanessa

Vanessa — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:04:13 +0000

I have to second the recommendation of Lauren Willig’s “Pink Carnation” series. Also anything by Ilona Andrews as the storetelling and worldbuilding are great in both the “Kate Daniels” & “Edge” series. In these books the romance is well written without taking over the entire story.

By: Carol Lowe

Carol Lowe — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 03:46:02 +0000

I would have someone start with “Morning Glory”. It’s got a little history, a little mystery, not too much sex and a whale of a love story. As far as I’m concerned if they don’t like “Morning Glory” they will never like romance novels and we just as well give up.

By: Renee

Renee — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 01:46:20 +0000

If she likes mysteries and audiobooks, she should try the Claire Fergusson series by J. Spencer Fleming or the historical mysteries/romances by Deanna Rayburn. Also, I second the vote for JD Robb’s Eve Dallas police procedurals.

By: Linda

Linda — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:50:41 +0000

You could also try Kaki Warner’s books. She writes some wonderful American historical romances and they are not explicit at all.

By: TerryS

TerryS — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 21:00:06 +0000

I remember thinking as I read Sherry Thomas’s Not Quite a Husband that those who sniff at the thought of romances, need only to read this book and they would understand how powerful and satisfying a romance can be. Sherry Thomas writes some of the lovliest passages I have ever read.

By: Lynn

Lynn — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:48:01 +0000

How about Susan Elizabeth Phillips especially if she likes audio books. Another suggestion would be Linda Howard’s less intense books like Mr. Perfect, Open Season and the MacKenzie Series.

By: JoAnn

JoAnn — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:15:28 +0000

If they like mystery/history….suggest the Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig. Suspense/action…I-Team series by Pamela Clare. Anything by Lisa Kleypas (contemporary or historical). Also would add the Virgin River series by Robyn Carr.

By: PatH AAR

PatH AAR — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:18:04 +0000

Carla Kelly is my answer every time for someone who says she/he likes historical books! My lovely JD-educated attorney daughter always rolled her eyes when I told her what I was reading. One Kelly book was enough to turn her into an avid historical romance fan.

She “graduated” to Mary Balogh after Kelly, and now (gasp!) actually takes recommendations from me.

By: Cassandra

Cassandra — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:19:11 +0000

Diane, I'd suggest Celeste Bradley's Liar's Club and Royal Four series. They are set in Regency and feature spies and some mystery. Amanda Quick is another author I'd get her to try. Her's are also regency but have more mystery and can be a launching board if she likes them to the other genres of romance as Amanda Quick is one of the pen name of Jayne Ann Krentz (contemporary) and Jayne Castle (future paranormals). All her pen names books are linked by the subtle theme of the Arcane Society. If she is more of a cop/dectective mystery reader then try JD Robb. They are set in the future but Eve is such a kick ass dectective and the books are written very well. There is sex of course but it's not as decscriptive as some romances can get. And this is a hugh series so if she likes Naked in Death then she'll be hooked for a time. This series also does something most series can't do, it explores the relationship after HEA and how the characters mesh and deal with what life throws at them. Can you tell I love it? hehe. Hope that helps.

Diana N.: I could use some suggestions myself.I would love to show the wonderfulness of romance novels to my boss who only reads historical fiction or mysteries.She constantly makes negative comments about my books and calls them “porn”.What makes this even more difficult is that we work in a library and she hates to order what she calls “smut”, and I know we have patrons who would love more romances. If someone could suggest a book to introduce her to the genre (without scaring her preferably ;] ) would be GREATLY appreciated!