Mainstream romance novels?

[wesleysgirl]

I'm interested in reading some mainstream romance novels. I don't want to buy them -- I intend to borrow them from the library, because reading them is more research than anything else. Can anyone recommend specific authors or titles of books that are fairly well-written and won't make me want to claw my eyes out? I'm looking for romance/angst/drama as opposed to comedy.

ETA - Stuff I've read and liked:
LaVyrle Spencer
Diana Gabaldon
Sherry Ashworth

Comments

[sizequeen.livejournal.com]

Are you a slasher? Because I just read a romance novel that made my slashy heart just about burst from my chest. The book is the debut novel of Jackie Ivie entitled Lady of the Knight. On the surface, it's the typical girl-pretends-to-be-a-boy-but-falls-in-love-story, set in medieval Scotland.

But it totally turns the conventions of that particular romance plot on it's head by making the hero a tough but sensitive guy and the girl into an insensitive, blood-thirsty, revenge-obsessed, weapons expert. She is actually a *better* fighter than him. You NEVER see that in a romance novel.

And here's the slashy bit: The hero falls for the heroine, while still believing her to be a boy, and he tries to seduce "him" on at least three separate occasions. ::mind boggles::

I love this novel, and I highly recommend it to romance novel fans and fans of slash.

I also recommend:
By Pamela Morsi- Courting Miss Hattie, Wild Oats and Simple Jess. Pamela Morsi does homespun romance, much like LaVyrle Spencer, with fairly steamy sex and lots of angst. Plus the characters aren't ever stupid.

Judy Cuevas/Judith Ivory:
The Proposition-- My Fair Lady with reveresed gender roles; steamy sex.
Sleeping Beauty-- Courtesan is romanced by adventurer 8 years her junior who has far less sexual experience

Finally, check out this website: http://mrsgiggles.com/books/index.html
Mrs. Giggles does romance novel, music, and TV reviews. The woman is hilarious and smart, and she has a strong fannish sensibility.