Greetings from Amazon.com Delivers Romance Editor, Stefanie Hargreaves From historical to contemporary and all subgenres in between, the romances released this year were an impressive lot: imaginative, well-told tales that further established the prominence of the genre in the minds of readers and critics alike. Here's a look at my favorite titles of 1999. 1. "Ransom" by Julie Garwood http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0671003356/entertainmentsit In "Ransom," New York Times bestselling author Julie Garwood returns to her beloved Highlands and the dark days of the despotic rule of King John to reacquaint readers with chieftain Brodick Buchanan, first introduced in "The Secret." Brodick finds himself playing protector to Gillian, an exquisite English beauty of immeasurable courage and determination. Can love be far behind for this fiery Scotsman and his English lady? 2. "Lake News" by Barbara Delinsky http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0684864320/entertainmentsit Both Lily Blake and John Kipling grew up in Lake Henry, New Hampshire, and both left after high school to pursue their dreams (singing for Lily and writing for John). Now the two have returned separately to the small lakeside town to seek shelter from the disastrous results of paparazzi fever--Lily as a victim, John as a member of the press responsible for a tragedy. A skillful blend of scandal, relationship issues both familial and romantic, and small-town idealism, Barbara Delinsky's "Lake News" is a timely and thought-provoking tale from one of the genre's top authors. 3. "All the Queen's Men" by Linda Howard http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0671034413/entertainmentsit In Linda Howard's latest romantic suspense novel, "All the Queen's Men," undercover operative John Medina--first introduced in "Kill and Tell"--takes center stage as he becomes involved in an overseas operation of global proportions while fighting off feelings for his beautiful if untrusting partner, Niemi Burdock. This is romantic suspense at its best! 4. "How to Marry a Marquis" by Julia Quinn http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0380800810/entertainmentsit Deemed a "delightful parfait of a book" by Nora Roberts, historical author Julia Quinn's "How to Marry a Marquis" follows the hilarious happenings in the life of Elizabeth Hotchkiss, whose financial situation has her in search of a marriageable marquis. With a little help from a Rules-style guidebook of seduction--and the kindness of one terribly handsome estate manager--she just may find the perfect mate. 5. "Be My Baby" by Susan Andersen http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0380795124/entertainmentsit In Susan Andersen's "Be My Baby," Boston socialite Juliet Lowell is in town for the opening of her father's latest hotel, where dear old dad insists she receive police protection. And while the prospect of a bodyguard shadowing her every move doesn't exactly thrill Juliet, the arrangement is met with even less excitement by Beau Dupree, the handsome cop who views his latest assignment as glorified babysitting. Watch the sparks fly in this contemporary as the two navigate real danger in steamy New Orleans. 6. "Pearl Cove" by Elizabeth Lowell http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0380974045/entertainmentsit Elizabeth Lowell combines her trademark sophisticated suspense and sexual intensity in "Pearl Cove," the third book in the Donovan Family saga. When Archer Donovan's brother is murdered and his widow, Hannah--whom Archer has been in love with for years--asks for help, it's off to Australia for the dangerous Donovan, where criminals of all kinds are willing to do anything to keep the two from discovering the truth. 7. "The Horsemaster's Daughter" by Susan Wiggs http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1551665344/entertainmentsit At his wits' end, southern plantation owner Hunter Calhoun employs horse gentler Eliza Flyte to tame his crazed Irish Thoroughbred. But it's Hunter's heart that will soon be bowing to the beautiful young woman in Susan Wiggs's "The Horsemaster's Daughter," an outstanding historical that will capture your heart. 8. "Lady Be Good" by Susan Elizabeth Phillips http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0380794489/entertainmentsit The prim and proper Lady Emma Wells-Finch is desperate to shake her pompous British suitor. Enter Kenny Traveler, a suspended golf pro who's willing to do anything to be reinstated, even look after Emma, the close friend of the golf commissioner's wife, while she's in town. But Kenny's golf career just may be a thing of the past as his weakness for the British beauty grows in Susan Elizabeth Phillips's "Lady Be Good," an exceptional contemporary that's both warm and wonderful. 9. "The Midnight Hour" by Karen Robards http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0440225043/entertainmentsit Judge Grace Heart seems to have it all: a successful career, an intelligent teenage daughter, and a comfortable home in a quiet Ohio town. But when a stalker appears, everything Grace holds dear is threatened. Enter Tony Marino, a detective who's determined to protect Grace and her daughter from the maniacal stranger. Can Tony catch the psycho before it's too late? Find out in this romantic thriller that will leave you breathless. 10. "Charming the Prince" by Teresa Medeiros http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0553575023/entertainmentsit A prince may not always fit the traditional royal mold, as Sir Bannor the Bold demonstrates in "Charming the Prince," the delightful medieval from Teresa Medeiros. Desperate to find a mother for his 12 unruly children, Bannor buys the unsuspecting Willow Mallory to play nursemaid to the brood. But little does he know that this beautiful and headstrong woman will soon rule not only his house but also his heart. ****** Looking for power tools? From screwdrivers to scroll saws, our brand-new Home Improvement Store offers the planet's best selection of tools and more. Home Improvement ****** You'll find more great books, articles, excerpts, and interviews in Amazon.com's Romance section at Romance ******
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