Kay's Blog

Tuesday

Farewell Julie Garwood

Goodbye to one of the greats!

We will miss you. You were there from the beginning.

December 26, 1944 - June 8, 2023

"I'll be seeing you
In all the old familiar places
That this heart of mine embraces
All day through

In that small cafe
The park across the way
The children's carousel
The chestnut trees
The wishing well

I'll be seeing you
In every lovely summer's day
In everything that's light and gay
I'll always think of you that way

I'll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new
I'll be looking at the moon
But I'll be seeing you

I'll be seeing you
In every lovely summer's day
In everything that's light and gay
I'll always think of you that way

I'll find you in the morning sun
And when the night is new
I'll be looking at the moon
But I'll be seeing you"
Sammy Fain and Irving Kahal - 1938

This year has been a pip. 2022 has forced me to make some hard choices. After a long, torturous brain-think, I have come to the decision, that for now, I must take a break from my much, beloved blog. There are times when life becomes a priority. So for now, I will still maintain a presence at Goodreads, but I must turn my full attention to life concerns, and the health issues of the voice across the room.

A special thanks to all of you who have dropped by over the years. It’s been a delight, and you just never know, this might be a temporary break. I love this genre, it’s been my joy since I spotted Regency Buck, by Georgette Heyer in 1975.

So, this year I will be taking a look back at the year end reviews I’ve done for the past 20 years, and pick my all-time favorites from that group. I have chosen “my” best of the best. As I looked through my years in reviews, I noticed that they have gone through some changes. I have added categories, dropped categories, and become even mouthier. Let’s take a dive into my favorite genre, the Historical Romance novel.

My Outstanding List from 2008-2021.
The rules for this list are I have chosen only the books which I scored A or better, no measly A- in this group. In descending order from 2021.

2021 – After Dark with the Duke, by Julie Anne Long
2019 – Angel in a Devil’s Arms, by Julie Anne Long
2018 – The Governess Game, by Tessa Dare
2016 – Duke of Sin, by Elizabeth Hoyt
2015 – Luck Be a Lady, by Meredith Duran
2015 – It Started with a Scandal, by Julie Anne Long
2014 – The Traitor, by Grace Burrowes
2013 – The Mad Earls Bride, by Loretta Chase
2012 – The Governess Affair, by Courtney Milan
2012 – Rules to Catch a Devilish Duke, by Suzanne Enoch
2011 – Unraveled, by Courtney Milan
2011 – Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke’s Heart, by Sarah Maclean
2010 – Mad About the Duke, by Elizabeth Boyle
2010 – A Lady’s Guide to Improper Behavior, by Suzanne Enoch
2010 – In for a Penny, by Rose Lerner
2010 – His Christmas Pleasure, by Cathy Maxwell
2009 – Make Me Yours, by Betina Krahn
2009 – What Happens in London, by Julia Quinn
2009 – Tempted by Midnight, by Jacquie D’Alessandro
2009 – Always a Scoundrel, by Suzanne Enoch
2009 – The Madness of Ian MacKenzie, by Jennifer Ashley
2009 – First Comes Marriage, by Mary Balogh
2009 – So Enchanting, by Connie Brockway
2009 – Scandal, by Carol Jewel
2008 – The Spymaster’s Lady, by Joanne Bourne

A lot of these authors are still writing in this genre, some have moved on to other genres, and some are no longer writing. But, I thank them all for giving us something wonderful to sigh over.

Now, I must include my all-time favorite historical romance books ever! And, if you’ve never read them, you should – if you can find them. A word of warning, some of them show their age, but I have fond memories of all of the following…Except for number 1, which by the way, will always be my number 1! The rest of my favorites are in descending order by publishing date.

1. Lord of Scoundrels, by Loretta Chase, 1995
2. Matter of Class, by Mary Balogh, 2009
3. Silken Threads, by Patricia Ryan, 1999
4. The Rake, 1998 aka The Rake and the Reformer, 1988, by Mary Jo Putney
5. The Proposition, by Judith Ivory, 1998
6. Beyond Sunrise, by Candice Proctor aka C.S. Harris, 1997
7. The Vicar’s Daughter, by Deborah Simmons, 1995
8. Bewitching, by Jill Barnett, 1995
9. Dreaming of You, by Lisa Kleypas, 1994
10. The Secret, by Julie Garwood, 1990
11. Lady with a Black Umbrella, by Mary Balogh, 1989
12. The Houseparty, by Anne Stuart, 1985
13. The Windflower, by Laura London, 1984
14. The Clergyman’s Daughter, by Julia Jeffries, 1983
15. The Tenacious Miss Tamerlane, by Kasey Michaels aka Michelle Kasey, 1982
16. Lady Jane, by Norma Lee Clark, 1982
17. The Elsingham Portrait, by Elizabeth Chater, 1980, (a little time travel thrown in)
18. The Reluctant Lady, by Iona Charles aka Carolyn Nichols aka Carolyn McKnight, 1976
19. Spring Gambit, by Claudette Williams, 1976
20. Venetia, by Georgette Heyer, 1958

While some of these books may be dated, and a few may contain Bonehead Heroes, they are all books that turned corners, lead me down different paths, and gave me a love of Historical Romance.

On to my categories

Mommie Dearest Awards through the years 2012-2021
So, let’s take a look at some horrendous relatives that won this prestigious award through the years. Authors, you should be proud of these stinky characters you created. This category was introduced in 2012; someone must have made me really mad that year.

Olivia, from The Duke is Mine, by Eloisa James, 2012; Sir Clement Carnell, from A Little Folly by Jude Morgan, 2013; the obnoxious mother from, Three Weeks with Lady X, by Eloisa James, 2014; Lady Eleanor from 50 Ways to Ruin a Rake, by Jade Lee, 2015; two horrible fathers in 2016, one from Duke of Sin, by Elizabeth Hoyt and another from How to Manage a Marquess, by Kelly MacKenzie; the Earl of Riverdale, from Someone to Love, by Mary Balogh, 2017; Clarissa, from The Wedding Gamble, by Julia Justiss; Jeannie, from Vanessa Kelly’s, The Highlander’s Irish Bride, 2021… and the winners for my all time stinker relatives are two characters. Francesca, from Suzanne Enoch series, Wild Wicked Highlanders (MacTaggerts) 2019-2022. Francesca was one of the absolute worst mothers ever. And then there was the slimy toad, stinker brother Mathew from the same author, Suzanne Enoch introduced in Scot Under the Covers, 2020.

Bonehead Heroes aka Steve Morgan Award 2013-2021
When I first started this category, it quickly became one of my favorites to write about. There is just nothing better than a bonehead to start one ranting. And, there are a lot of them out there, just smirking their way through our books.

The brother from Diane Gaston’s, Her Gallant Captain at Waterloo, 2021; Coln from Elisa Braden’s, Desperately Seeking a Scoundrel; Harry from Lisa Kleypas, Temp me at Twilight, (read in 2019); Kerrich, from Christina Dodds, Rules of Engagement, written in 2000 (reread 2018); Lady Chatwick (females can be boneheads too), from Julia London’s, Sinful Scottish Laird, 2017; Jack, from Cathy Maxwell’s, The Fairest of Them All, 2016; Ranulf de Warbrooke, from The Black Lyon, by Jude Deveraux, written in 1980, (reread, 2014). But the biggest Bonehead goes to Lyon Redmond, from The Legend of Lyon Redmond, by Julia Anne Long, 2015. This guy is what we waited for?! He’s a whiner, a liar, a possessive, dominating jerk. This guy really burned me, and the heroine should have stayed with the nice guy. Sometimes waiting for our hero doesn’t work.

Sidekick, aka Secondary Character aka Supporting Cast: 2011-2021. Another favorite category of mine. If it weren’t for the supporting cast, where else would we get our future heroes and heroines. Besides that, where would we turn for comic relief, especially with all the soul searching being done by the main characters.

2021, a place not a person, the Battle of Waterloo, from Diane Gaston’s, Her Gallant Captain; 2020, Bazzle, from Lisa Kleypas’, Chasing Cassandra; 2019, Mr. Delacorte, from Julie Anne Long’s, Angel in a Devil’s Arms. Nothing better than a dried testicle salesperson; 2018 - King, from Kelly Bowen’s, Devils of Dover series. He did get his own book (short story); 2017, dead Thomas, from Julia Quinn’s, The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband; 2016, lemonade, Grace Burrowes, True Gentlemen series; 2015, Danny, from Daniel’s True Desires, by Grace Burrowes; Apollo, from Elizabeth Hoyt’s, Duke of Midnight; 2012, Rupert, from Eloisa James’, The Duke is Mine; 2011, Daniel, from Jennifer Ashley’s, The Many Sins of Lord Cameron; And my favorite secondary character…well, of course there were the hairpins from Unraveled, by Courtney Milan, 2011…but…I know this isn’t fair to the other secondary characters…but, since I reread these books during the time period I’m covering my all time favorite secondary characters are: Derek Craven, from Then Came You, by Lisa Kleypas, 1998, and Cat, from The Windflower, by Laura London, 1984. Derek got his own book, but sad to say Cat never did.

The Timothy Toad Award 2010-2021. Another favorite, along with Mommie Dearest and Secondary Awards, these three categories were the longest running. Over the years there have been many eye-opening Toads, and their friends. Some made me laugh, and some made me go ewwwww. But they were all memorable. 2021, brought us a Timothy Toad Award for an author’s body of work: Anne Stuart’s men. They are mind boggling. 2020, the anthology book by Sylvia Day, Minerva Spencer, and Kristin Vayden, The Arrangement; 2019, another group: Julie Garwood’s entire Crown Spies group 1988-1993. 2018, The Mr. Toad from Lynsay Sands, Surrender to the Highlander;2016 Nathaniel’s talking Timothy Toad, from Sally Mackenzie’s, How to Manage a Marquess; 2015, the death defying Mr. Toad from Sabrina Jeffries, The Heiress and the Hothead; 2014, not only the Mr. Toad from Manda Collin’s, Why Earl’s Fall in Love, but the heroine has an echo chamber cavern; 2013, Castor’s, Timothy Toad from Celeste Bradley’s, And Then Comes Marriage; 2012, Winter’s furry Mr. Toad, from Elizabeth Hoyt’s, Thief of Shadows; 2010, William’s Mr. Toad, from Judith James’, The Libertine; I would have to say the most memorable Toad comes from 2011…yes, nothing says luv better than Aiden’s “hairy scrotum”, from Mia Marlowe’s, A Knack for Trouble (short story). Thanks guys for all the joy you have brought me.

Now for some categories which were either new or were allowed to just fade away. 2021 saw the introduction of Emma Wodehouse/Scarlett O’Hara Annoying Heroine Award. That category had promise. Last years winner was the annoying Joan Wilde from Eloisa James’, Wilde Child.

Romanceland Plan 2020-2021. Once again Joan Wilde, from Wilde Child became a winner for one of the most ridiculous plans ever. 2020, Aden’s plan, from Suzanne Enoch’s, Scot Under Covers

Garlic Breath Award 2010 - 2019

Nothing says romance like a good villain…and when I say good, I mean a villain who for some reason or other, stands out. Sometime they stand out too much, and sometime they surprise us. 2019, the Reverand Reeves from the Warriner series, by Virginia Heath. 2018 the Duke from Sarah MacLean’s, Wicked and the Wallflower; 2017, a group of evil doers from Elizabeth Hoyts, Maiden Lane series; 2016, Angus, from Grace Burrowes, The Laird; 2015, the sexy villain from, What a Lady Demands, by Ashlyn MacNamara; 2014, a reread master villain, Edward from Julia Ross,’ The Seduction, 2002; 2013, the smarmy Clivesdale from, A Most Scandalous Proposal, by Ashlyn Macnamara; 2012, Sir Walter Patsworth, from Courtney Milan’s, What Happened at Midhnight; Evidently there were no villains in 2011, but 2010 gave us Harcraft, from Courtney Milan’s, Trial by Desire.

Gus Award. 2010 - 2019
Love animal scene stealers, I just wish authors would use more of them. This ones been spotty through the years. 2019, one of the best was the fictitious Orange Blossom, created by Virginia Heath, from A Warriner to Rescue Her. Stories told through the eyes of a horse. 2018, shape-shifter Raven, from Josie Litton’s, Believe in Me (2001). 2017, Cato the dog, from Loretta Chase’s, A Duke in Shining Armor; 2015, Peter Francis Danforth, a cat, from Grace Burrowes’ The Traitor; 2014, Daffodil, the Italian Greyhound from Elizabeth Hoyt’s, Darling Beast; 2013, Beezle, the hair chewer, from Jill Barnett’s, 1995 Bewitching; 2012, Ghost the dog, from Courtney Milan’s, Unraveled; 2011, the foul-mouthed parrot from Tessa Dare’s, Night to Remember; My favorite: 2010, when this category began: Gus, the dog that started it all. From Jill Barnett’s, Dreaming. He was the best part of this book written in 1994

Once upon a time, I had a Cover Award. That lasted only two years, 2010 and 2011. Historical romance covers have gone through a lot over the years. From naked guys in the snow to headless women. And, who can forget Fabio. I also kicked around favorite families, or series, but I think that was going to be too much work, so we let it slide.

And now for some special book moments. A bee. Yes, a bee written by Julia Quinn has opened up a whole new vision for romance writing. Who knows where Historical Romance will go from here, not me. 2021 brought us Psyche Winthrop-Abent. Psyche was one of the best heroines I’ve encountered, and that’s saying a lot. Psyche was written by Elizabeth Rolls, A Marriage of Equals. Another character brought to life was Gideon, from The Perfect Rake, by Anne Gracie. This book was written in 2005, but when I reread it in 2018, I found him to be a totally, wonderful character. Laugh out loud moment from 2016. If you want to laugh, read Tessa Dare’s, Do You Want to Start a Scandal.

That just about wraps it up. There have been a lot of paths, and changes that have happened to the world of Romanceland through my years here. I like to think we have come through it all together. Regardless of whether the changes were for our good, or not, I will always love the Historical Romance genre. It’s been my pleasure to spout my voice, and I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have, my little Petunia’s. Now, I must bid a fond “see you later,” and take a pause. But to all of you romance book lover’s out there, and not just the historicals…keep on truckin’

Holy Moly! Who Is Bringing the Vegetable Tray Time!!! Upcoming Historical Romances!!!

Here is a list of some new historical romance books; some of them are already out. Authors with an asterisk*, I'm picking up! Authors with **asterisks have either fallen off my radar or new to me, and I'm might read them this time around. Release dates mostly between November 15, 2022 and January 1, 2023.

Series indicates a series, spin-off, sequel, trilogy, brother/sister, secret society/spies, good friends who attended Oxford/Eton, vampire/werewolf - anything that has something continuing - even if written 20 years ago. Anthology/novella/short stories could be an anthology or a bunch of books in one print or novella - one tiny book or an anthology with a bunch of novellas - could be a short stories by one author, could be short stories by multiple authors - could be - I'm getting a headache. Ebook, only sold electronically for now. Debut - congratulations!

By the way, it is not my fault if a publisher changes the release dates - just so you know, they do not consult me. Let me also add this warning - since I am now using different sources, I am finding that one person's genre isn't necessarily another persons - sorry if your book is in the wrong genre.

Historical Romance

	Alanna Lucas http://www.alannalucas.com It Started with a Christmas Kiss, ebook Forgotten Heiress series November 29
	Annie Burrows http://annie-burrows.co.uk Lara Temple https://www.laratemple.com Joanna Johnson Regency Christmas Parties, anthology November 29
	Bronwyn Scott Miss Claiborne's Illicit Attraction Daring Rogue series November 29

	Cara Maxwell https://www.caramaxwellromance.com/ The Duchess Who Dared, ebook Hesitant Husbands series November 28
	Carol Arens A Family for the Reclusive Baron Rivenhall Weddings series November 29
	Cassandra Dean https://www.cassandradean.com/ Vexing Lady Violet Lost Lords series November 20

	Catherine Tinley http://www.catherinetinley.com A Laird in London December 27
	Charlie Lane https://www.charlielaneauthor.com/ Daring Done Right, ebook Debutante Dares series November 24
	Christi Caldwell http://christicaldwell.com/ Devil by Daylight, ebook Heart of a Duke series November 29

	Michelle Deerwester-Dalrymple https://mddalrympleauthor.wixsite.com/home Christmas in the Glen, ebook, novella Glen Highland series November 28
	Christy Carlyle https://christycarlyle.com/ Lady Meets Earl Love on Holiday series November 29
	Elizabeth Rolls* http://www.elizabethrolls.com Lord Martin's Scandalous Bluestocking December 27

	Ella Quinn http://www.ellaquinnauthor.com The Marriage List December 27
	Eloisa James* https://www.eloisajames.com/ The Reluctant Countess Would-Be Wallflowers series November 29
	Emily E K Murdoch https://emilyekmurdoch.com/ Five Gold Rings, ebook Twelve Days of Christmas series November 25

	Kate Bateman http://www.kcbateman.com A Wicked Game Ruthless Rivals December 27
	Kathryn Le Veque https://kathrynleveque.com/ WolfeAx De Wolfe Pack Generations series November 26
	Lara Temple https://www.laratemple.com The Wrong Way to Catch a Rake December 27

	Laura Martin A Match to Fool Society Matchmade Marriages December 27
	Lissa Morgan https://lissamorgan.com/ An Alliance with His Enemy Princess December 27
	Lotte James The Gentleman of Holly Street November 29

	Lucy Ashford Challenging the Brooding Earl November 24
	Miriam Minger https://www.miriamminger.com/ My Highland Champion** Warriors of the Highlands series November 29
	Nicole Locke http://www.NicoleLocke.com The Highlander's Bridal Bid Lovers and Highlanders series November 29

	Sadie Bosque https://sadiebosque.com Taming His Wicked Duchess, ebook Shadows series November 29
	Samara Parish https://samaraparish.com How to Win a Wallflower December 13
	Sarah M Eden https://www.sarahmeden.com/ The Best Intentions Huntresses series November 21

	Sarah Rodi One Night with Her Viking Warrior December 27
	Sophie Barnes https://www.sophiebarnes.com/sb/ Mr. Clarke's Deepest Desire Enterprising Scoundrels series November 22
	Susanna Craig http://www.susannacraig.com Nice Earls Do, ebook, prequel, novella December 27

Historical Fiction

	Alex Gough http://www.romanfiction.com Emperor's Fate Imperial Assassin series November 24
	Christopher C. Tubbs Empire Dorset Boy series December 9
	Deborah Swift http://www.deborahswift.com The Fortune Keeper Tofana series November 26
	Gina Buonaguro https://ginabu.com/ The Virgins of Venice December 13
	Mariah Fredericks https://www.mariahfredericksbooks.com The Lindbergh Nanny November 15
	Mathew Hartfy http://www.matthewharffy.com Forest of Foes Bernicia Chronicles series December 8

Wednesday

Holy Popcorn Balls!!! Upcoming Historical Romance Books!!!

October 26

Things are starting to look up!

Historical Romance

	Alyssa Clarke No Good Dare Goes Unpunished, ebook Wager and Wallflowers October 24
	Amelie Howard http://www.amaliehoward.com The Duke in Question Daring Dukes November 8
	Bronwyn Scott* http://bronwynswriting.blogspot.com/ Marguerite Kaye http://www.margueritekaye.com Under the Mistletoe October 25
	Caroline Lee A Plaid Case of Loving Ye Bad in Plaid October 20
	Cheryl Bolen http://www.cherylbolen.com/ The Wallflower's Christmas Wish, ebook, short Brides of Bath October 18
	Christi Caldwell https://www.christicaldwell.com/ The Duke Alone, ebook October 18
	Christine Merrill* http://www.christine-merrill.com How to Survive a Scandal Society’s Most Scandalous October 25
	Collette Cameron http://collettecameron.com Never a Proper Lady, ebook Daughters of Desire October 19
	Darcy Burke http://www.darcyburke.com Impeccable, ebook The Phoenix Club October 18
	Diane Gaston* http://www.dianegaston.com Secretly Bound to the Marquess October 25
	Emma V. Leech http://www.emmavleech.com/ Wildly Daring, ebook Daring Daughters October 21
	Felicity Niven https://www.felicityniven.com A Perilous Flirtation, ebook Lovelocks of London October 20
	Jade Lee http://www.jadeleeauthor.com Almost a Scot, ebook Always a Scot October 27
	Jessie Clever http://jessieclever.com/ The Earl She Ruined, ebook Atwood Sisters October 20
	Karla Kratovil https://www.karlakratovil.com Christmas at Belhaven Hall, ebook The Maidens of Marbury October 27
	Lauri Robinson http://www.laurirobinson.blogspot.com The Captain's Christmas Homecoming October 25
	Maggie Sims Penelope’s Passion, ebook School of Enlightenment October 19
	Melissa Oliver https://www.melissaoliverauthor.com/ A Stolen Knight's Kiss** Protectors of the Crown October 25
	Merry Farmer http://merryfarmer.net The Forty-Day Governess, ebook Regency in Color October 18
	Minerva Spencer http://minervaspencer.com/ The Boxing Baroness The Wild Women of Whitechapel October 25
	Sandra Sookoo http://www.sandrasookoo.com Courting Lady Yeardly Willful Winterbournes October 20
	Sarah Mallory http://www.sarahmallory.com The Duke's Family for Christmas October 25
	Theresa Romain http://theresaromain.com The Baron’s Marriage Gamble, ebook Holiday Pleasures October 18

Historical Fiction

	Griff Hosker http://www.griffhosker.com/ The Fettered King Border Knight October 21
	Janice Pariat http://www.janicepariat.com Everything the Light Touches October 25
	Wilbur Smith http://www.wilbursmithbooks.com/ Titans of War Ancient Egyptian October 18
	Peter Jaksa Dacia In Rebellion Rome - Dacia Wars October 25
	Peter Watt http://www.peterwatt.com Call of Empire Colonial October 25
	Philippa Gregory http://www.philippagregory.com Dawnlands The Fairmile November 8
	S. J. A. Turney http://www.simonturney.com/ Domitian Damned Emperors October 20