10 Romance Writers Share Their Absolute Favorite Romance Authors
What better time to dig into a new romance novel than during the steamiest time of year? And what better way to broaden your awareness of great romance novelists, than by asking for book recommendations from other romance readers and writers? We asked the authors of the sizzling new historical romance collection Tempted by His Touch: A Limited Edition Boxed Set of Dukes, Alpha Heroes, and Rogues to show their favorite authors some love—with sexy results, of course.
Anthea Lawson (Five Wicked Kisses – A Tasty Regency Tidbit): My favorite romance author is Mary Balogh. Every time I read one of her books, I fall in love again—with the romantic arc, with the language of historical romance, with the vibrant and real characters she creates, and with the deeply emotional and hot love scenes. I always recommend her Slightly series, especially as it builds up to a final book, Slightly Dangerous, that is truly and fabulously memorable.
Delilah Marvelle (Night of Pleasure): My favorite romance author would have to be Judith McNaught. Why? Because she was the first author I ever read who opened my eyes to the world of emotionally, sweeping historical romance. I got addicted to not only reading it, but also writing it, and I have her to thank for my passion.
Erica Monroe (A Dangerous Invitation): I have so many favorite authors that it’s hard to choose! I tend to read all across the romance subgenres. But the author most influential to my writing is Meredith Duran. She draws me in every time with her complex characters and atmospheric writing. My particular favorite Duran novel is Bound by Your Touch. Everything about it works for me. I like that Duran takes two very flawed people and shows that through the power of love they can become something greater.
Darcy Burke (The de Valery Code): I adore Elizabeth Hoyt (and not just because we’re very distantly related by marriages!). I picked up her first historical, The Raven Prince, several years ago on a whim, when I wanted something to read over Thanksgiving weekend. It had a pretty cover and a great blurb. Could. Not. Put. It. Down. I don’t know if it was her voice, the raw way in which she wrote emotion, the unique characters (a pockmarked hero! A destitute, independent widow!), the absolute immersion in the world she created, or the amazing love scenes—all of it, I’m sure. Anyway, I was hooked and I’ve been a fan ever since. I love all of her books, but for me, the quintessential Elizabeth Hoyt is The Serpent Prince (though Notorious Pleasures has become a close second for me – Griffin, sigh).
Gina Danna (Her Eternal Rogue): My absolute fave is Kathleen Woodiwiss. Started with The Flame & The Flower. I read them all, and they pulled me into their world, where I fell deeply in love with historical romance. I read more and more novels and couldn’t help but dream of writing my own.
Erica Ridley (Too Wicked to Kiss): Julie Garwood. She was the second romance writer I ever discovered, and the first whose entire historical romance backlist became permanent keepers that I read many times. I loved her strong heroines, the men they drove mad, and the fun mix of romance and hilarity that ensued.
Bronwen Evans (A Promise of More): My favorite author is (and this is very hard to decide) Gaelen Foley. She was the reason I wanted to write historical romance. I loved the world she created, with richly flawed characters.
Lila DiPasqua (Awakened by a Kiss): I don’t have a single favorite author. There are many I enjoy reading. But if I had to pick, I’d choose Sylvia Day—for her interesting characters, and the searing sensuality of her prose. I also love it that I can enjoy her writing in so many different genres.
Eva Devon (The Duke’s Match Girl: A Christmas Fiery Tale Novella): My favorite romance author is Julia Quinn because she is the master of disaster! The antics and scrapes the Bridgertons get into make me cry with laughter!
Emma Locke (The Trouble with Being Wicked): I have two favorite authors: Courtney Milan and Tessa Dare. Not only do they write beautiful stories, but they are beautiful people too.
Who is your favorite romance author?