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

[margarks.livejournal.com]

suzanne brockmann! she is my all time favorite. her books all focus on a team of navy seals. The first is Unsung Hero. There's romance, terrorism, action, and angst. very excellent writing.

my second favorite at the moment is Catherine Anderson - she writes modern day cowboy romance, but usually with a angsty twist. In Phantom Waltz the heroine is in a wheelchair because of a rodeo accident.

If you're looking for drama/adventure also try Linda Lael Miller's two books - Never Look Back and Don't Look Now. About a female district attorney I think (or maybe she was a defense lawyer? can't remember ta the moment). But there's mystery and romance and witty banter. very good. Her other books didn't really float my boat, but they're mostly historical romance.

if you're looking for something that's just got the incredibly HOT factor - try Lori Foster's Too Much Temptation and Never Too Much. Both good. I like Too Much Temptation because (just like in Jennifer Crusie's Bet Me) the heroine is not a skinny model. She's chubby (so she thinks) and yet the hero digs her, mostly because she's got curves :) I like all of Lori Foster's books, but those two are my favorite.

If you choose only 1 of recs I gave, choose Suzanne Brockmann. I can't say enough about how much I love this woman. Her writing is excellent and her stories are fast paced, funny, hot, and totally suck you in. Plus, if you like her, she's got a ton of books (she's been writing for over 10 years) so it will be awhile before you read through them all :)

I have other recs that are more funny than drama/angsty so I won't go on any longer. But if you're interested you can always email me and I'll send you even more... :) Or just comment here that you want more and I'll keep on going...