Romance novels are essential items when packing for any vacation trip. They effectively discourage mindless conversation on airplane flights, and give you something to do in the motel room or anywhere else you may be stuck waiting. They are relaxing and entertaining. With some other types of books I find I have to be in the right mood to read them, but romance novels are easy to get into.

I grew up reading a lot of Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney books. They are a lot tamer than most, with more of a mysterious nature than a sexual one. Sometimes I miss that "mystery/danger" aspect of those books. Occasionally though I find something that fits the bill by rummaging through used bookstores.

I prefer historic romance novels over contemporary ones over all, especially those set in the Victorian or Regency era. I like to think that had I lived then, I'd be much like the heroines in my favorite books - intelligent, strong-minded and independent. Not just sitting back and accepting life's misfortunes as their lot in life, or conforming to society's idea of what's normal. But pushing the boundaries, speaking their minds, and... in the process, capturing the admiration and affection of a handsome rogue who heretofore had not shown the slightest interest in a permanent romantic relationship.

My all-time favorite romance novel is Judith McNaught's Whitney, My Love. She has a definite talent for writing, I even enjoy her contemporary romances.

I've read every book Jo Goodman has written, even scouring the used bookstores to find the out-of-print titles.

Johanna Lindsey's first 38 novels have all reached the best seller lists. The ones I've read have all been quite enjoyable, and I still have some waiting in the wings.

Recently I've begun reading Stephanie Mittman's books. I like her style and keep an eye out for new and/or old work from her.

Back in the 80's and early 90's I also read a lot of Constance O'Day Flannery's time travel romances. She took several years off from time travel when the concept took off and several other writers added their take on it. I tried some of them too, but I much prefer Constance's style and I'm so glad to see that she's back with more new time travel romances.