As you browse through the picks by Robyn Carr, RaeAnne Thayne, Emily March, Jayne Ann Krentz, Julie James, Kat Martin, Lauren Layne, and Samantha Chase, you'll notice a recurring book. And I agree--it's an excellent one that will make both your heart and your sides ache.
Read on to find out what eight smart women are recommending in the wide-ranging contemporary romance field.
Enjoy!
Robyn Carr
The best romance of 2016 that comes to mind is First Star I See Tonight by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I confess, I'm a Chicago Stars junkie and I've been secretly hoping she'd revisit that wonderful football team. She's known for her to-die-for heroes, and Cooper Graham does not disappoint. But Piper Dove, the heroine in this wonderful, funny, sexy book, is amazing. Piper is a private investigator who just won't give up. And her most important job is to investigate Chicago Stars former quarterback Cooper Graham. What a wonderful ride!!
Robyn Carr’s most recent novel is The Life She Wants.
RaeAnne Thayne
Sweet Little Lies by Jill Shalvis - I love the big-city setting of the Heartbreaker Bay series, and Book 1 is amazing, filled with Jill’s trademark humor, fantastic characters, and heartrending emotion. Every time I read a Jill Shalvis book, I end up closing the book with a happy smile that lasts all day.
Mistletoe Cottage by Debbie Mason - This was the first Debbie Mason book I’ve had the pleasure to read and I enjoyed every page. This was a beautiful story, filled with humor and heart. The story was warmly romantic, with charming characters and a delightful town. I can’t wait to make a return visit to Harmony Harbor.
First Star I See Tonight by Susan Elizabeth Phillips - This book is absolutely vintage Susan Elizabeth Phillips and I absolutely devoured it – in fact, I loved it so much I had to go back and re-read all the other Stars books on my keeper shelf and had so much fun revisiting old friends. Susan has a true gift for capturing the reader from the first page, with her compelling characters, clever dialogue and intense emotion. This book was a delight from start to finish. The only thing I don’t like about her books is that they eventually have to end!
RaeAnne Thayne's most recent book is her Christmas-themed Snowfall on Haven Point.
Emily March
First Star I See Tonight by Susan Elizabeth Phillips - I'm a huge fan of Susan Elizabeth Phillips, and reading one of her Chicago Stars books is like coming home to visit with dear old friends. First Star I See Tonight is funny and romantic with characters I adored. A great book by a fabulous writer.
A Shoe Addict's Christmas by Beth Harbison - I'm a sucker for shoes, angels, and Christmas. Add in dreams coming true and what more could you ask for? It's a fun twist on a classic Christmas tale.
The Wicked Prince by Nicole Burnham - Take one wealthy, powerful prince and send him to a remote South Pacific island children's shelter run by an uptight woman and you get a fish out of water story that's fun and wildly romantic. It's a Cary Grant movie in a book.
Emily March most recently published romance novel is Christmas in Eternity Springs.
Jayne Ann Krentz
First Star I See Tonight by Susan Elizabeth Phillips - Sharp dialogue, intriguing characters, humor and passion define SEP’s writing. Gotta love a heroine who, in the midst of a steamy scene, can pull out a gun at the appropriate moment. Turns out she’s a good shot, too.
Because I'm Watching by Christina Dodd - When the sleep-deprived heroine drives her car into her neighbor’s house she breaks open Jacob’s dark, closed world – literally. With its intense suspense, two wounded characters fighting nightmares, and the quirky characters of the Pacific Northwest town of Virtue Falls, this is a gripping read.
Jayne Ann Krentz's next thrilling novel is When All the Girls Have Gone, available Nov. 29, 2016.
Julie James
It would be tough for me to narrow my contemporary romance picks down to a true "favorites" list, because: (A) there are so many good ones out there, and (B) books resonate with me for different reasons. But, here are three contemporary romances that are certainly among the many in the genre I'm happy to recommend:
Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie - This was the first contemporary romance I'd ever read, over ten years ago, and I still remember the sparkling chemistry and dialogue between the heroine and hero.
Yours to Keep by Shannon Stacey - Every time someone asks me for a romance recommendation, this is one of the first books that comes to mind. I think it has something to do with those adorable scenes with the Post-It Notes.... Check it out for yourself and you'll see what I mean.
Act Like It by Lucy Parker - I read this one a few months ago based on multiple recommendations I'd seen on Twitter, and I can happily say that the book lived up to all the hype! The heroine and hero can't stand each other, so the sparks fly when they have to pretend to be a couple for publicity's sake.
Julie James's next new FBI romance is The Thing About Love, coming in April 2017.
Kat Martin
One of my favorite romances of 2016 was First Star I See Tonight by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I had been waiting for this one and it did not let me down! Fast-paced and funny, there is never a dull moment in one of Susan’s books and definitely not in this one.
Texas Tall by Janet Daily - The final book in the Tylers of Texas Trilogy, is a big, bold, ranching family saga that sucks you in from the start. Characters you hurt for and come to admire, and a love story that keeps you turning the pages until the very end.
Kat Martin brings her BOSS Inc. series to an exciting conclusion with Into the Firestorm (January 2017).
Lauren Layne
First Star I See Tonight by Susan Elizabeth Phillips - Listing a Susan Elizabeth Phillips book among the best of contemporary romance is a bit like suggesting one might want to check out the Eiffel Tower while in Paris: obvious. But the incomparable SEP really outdoes herself with this one—the characters are almost painfully real, her writing as snappy and engaging as ever. Pretty darn close to flawless.
Tailored for Trouble by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff - I can’t remember the last time I’ve fallen so completely for a hero. Bennett is exactly the type of haughty, suit-wearing alpha that I can’t resist. Paired with Pamfiloff’s sharp writing and a feisty, relatable heroine, this book’s already warranted a rare re-read for me.
To Have and to Hold by Serena Bell - Surely I’m not the only one that secretly misses those old-school amnesia romances?! Serena Bell manages to bring back the beloved trope in a believable, modern way with To Have and to Hold—absolutely one of the most satisfying romances I’ve read all year.
Lauren Layne returns to the men of Oxford with Someone Like You (Dec. 6, 2016).
Samantha Chase
What an amazing year 2016 has been for reading! I almost missed several deadlines because my nose was stuck in somebody else’s book! So what were some of my favorite contemporary romances for 2016? Here are just a few:
Prime Minister by Ainsley Booth & Sadie Haller. Two words – Oh. My. A sexy Canadian Prime Minister and an intern. Fast-paced and great dialogue and just…wow. This is a sexy, erotic contemporary and I just could not put it down!
Every Beat of My Heart: The Sullivans (Wedding Novella) by Bella Andre - I am a longtime fan of Bella Andre and the Sullivans, so this book was a must-read for me and did not disappoint at all. Sometimes you just need a story that catches you up with some of your favorite characters. A big thank-you to Bella for giving her fans such a treat!
And finally, Going Down Easy by Carly Phillips - I adore Carly and this story – in my opinion – is her BEST. I was engaged from the get-go with the characters and just wanted the story to go on and on and on. She took a popular trope – the demanding boss and the assistant – and made them fun! I’ve gone back and read it two more times…so I really, really can say that I love it!
Samantha Chase begins a new series in February 2017 with One More Kiss.
Still not convinced you should pick up First Star I See Tonight ASAP? Check out our video interview with Susan Elizabeth Phillips and then be convinced.
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The Best Romances of November: Our Top Picks
Go on a Book Bender: 4 Excellent Series with 10+ Books for Romance Binge-Readers
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