Historical romance, say what? Regular readers of this blog are probably wondering why I’ve decided to feature a historical romance author when I barely read books from that genre. Most of the romance that I read are contemporary novels but when certain books come highly recommended by those I trust, I’m willing to give them a chance. I remember hearing about Joanna Bourne through Sounis, the LiveJournal community for fans of Megan Whalen Turner’s books. That was before I started this little bloggy. I can’t even remember who first mentioned The Spymaster’s Lady but I do recall that it was said that it’s a good read if one can stomach the naked manly chest on the cover. When I saw a copy in a local bookstore, I decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did! I enjoyed The Spymaster’s Lady enough to read the rest of Joanna Bourne’s novels when they came out. I like her novels because of all the spying, clever plot twists and witty dialogue. Oh and all the tension leading up to the sexytimes. Joanna Bourne made me realize that spying is pretty similar to thieving and you all know how fond I am of thieves in fiction. If this sounds like your cup of tea, then go ahead and pick up her novels and feel free to let me know what you think of them.
Joanna Bourne's other novels: My Lord and Spymaster, The Forbidden Rose, The Black Hawk
I always think it’s a good thing when an author surprises you with how unexpectedly good his or her writing is. More so when the novel is from a genre you normally wouldn’t read. It’s good to step away from your comfort zone from time to time, right? I’m in the middle of The Black Hawk, Joanna Bourne’s latest, which reminded me of how much I enjoy reading her novels so I decided to talk about them here. Have you ever given an unfamiliar genre a try? What was your experience like?
April 25, 2012 at 6:20 pm
My comment was eaten! But what I said was: I am a shameless romance book junkie. I no longer try to hide it. I love the naughty bits.
And I had to wait until BOOK FOUR for NAUGHTY BITS with the BEAST LORD. Why didn’t you tell me!? You and Angie TORTURED ME SO.
It was good though- I read it twice 🙂
April 25, 2012 at 9:13 pm
Boo WordPress for eating your comment! LOL I am aware that you’re a fan of the romance genre – I’ve seen the reviews on your blog. Like I said, I mostly read contemporary romance but maybe I should try other subgenres.
Sorry! There were some naughty bits in book three, remember the hot tub scene? And there’s a Curran POV of that scene. I’m pretty sure you’ll love reading the scenes from Curran’s point of view. 😀
April 26, 2012 at 5:39 am
I just finished book four. I’m so so in love. I’ll read Curran’s POV after book five.
April 26, 2012 at 10:31 am
Sigh, I can still remember the first time I read Magic Strikes and Magic Bleeds. Love Kate and Curran so much! ♥
April 25, 2012 at 9:36 pm
I’ve been very slowly and warily trying some romance (Jennifer Crusie, mostly, because she makes me giggle) but haven’t had good luck with historicals. I tend to get too caught up in “This NEVER would have happened!”
April 26, 2012 at 10:36 am
If you like Jennifer Crusie, you might like Julie James and Kristan Higgins (her love scenes are fade to black) as well. LOL good thing I don’t have that problem when it comes to historical romances! I don’t know much about Western history.
April 26, 2012 at 11:03 am
I will definitely look them both up! I keep hoping.
April 26, 2012 at 2:54 pm
Good luck, I hope you enjoy reading them! 🙂
April 26, 2012 at 2:37 am
I am totally doing a major disservice to this blog post by saying, “I’m sorry I’m sure there are other words here but I can’t get past that man-chest-y cover.”
April 26, 2012 at 10:42 am
See, that is why when it was recommended in Sounis, the naked chest had to be mentioned. 😛 I think I covered the book in paper when I brought it around with me.
April 26, 2012 at 10:27 pm
Bahahahaha!
April 27, 2012 at 10:30 am
I didn’t have a Kindle back then. If I did, I probably would have just read the ebook edition.
April 26, 2012 at 7:44 am
To be honest, I don’t think I could get beyond the cover. My Mom and sister joked on me about one of the Miles Vorkosigan books because its cover almost had a cheesy romance vibe (it was Cordelia’s Honor; idk, I guess it was Aral in the background all sussed up in ruffles?) I thought I’d never live it down, and it wasn’t even romance. XD
April 26, 2012 at 10:48 am
But the Miles Vorkosigan covers aren’t even very romance-y! They just don’t look good. 😛 You can always start reading romance novels on an e-reader if you have one. That’s what I’d do if I want to avoid getting teased by friends and family about reading romances.
April 26, 2012 at 11:03 am
They just don’t look good.
*cough* A Civil Campaign *cough*
April 26, 2012 at 2:54 pm
LOL I really need to read more of the Vorkosigan books so I’ll be familiar with the titles.
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