The fact that I am a great fan of romance gave several friends quite a shock. As a mother of a three-year old and a dutiful wife, I, of all the people, have a constant love for Romance---which, I should say, is almost unacceptable. As soon as they know about this hobby of mine, I realized I had completely blown the image of cool, composed efficiency I’ve painfully projected through all these years. In their mind, I have already lowered myself to a teenager’s level, those who still cherish secret rosy dreams about knight in shinning armor.

    The question is not “why” but “Why not?”

    When I picked up one of those steamy books, I had a firm guarantee that there would be a happily-ever-after. That though the world outside those covers could be filled with uncertainties, frustration and disappointments, between those covers, the world is a splendid place to escape. We all need a break sometimes. Besides, I can always comfort myself that I am not wasting my time but learning English instead. Honest, if you focus more on the words the writers used, the sentences they phrased, I am sure that you would be rewarded much more than a pink, rosy story.

     AAR (All about Romance) is a famous website dedicated for Romance lovers. I didn’t know this site until today but I found its annual top 100 romance poll list very useful. With its help, I finally know what is the next book I should try. Here I’d like to share some of my opinions about this list, the books, the writers and so on.

Loretta Chase and Lord of Scoundrels

It’s the third time that this book came on the top, but I never got the chance to read it through---only once or twice slipping through the pages, but always another one more gripping popped out. From what I read, the story fell into the old bad boy-good girl pattern, interesting, but not enough to hold attentions. But there should be a reason why this book is so popular, I would, one day in the future, give it another try.

Loretta’s another book: Miss Wonderful also came on the list. It’s another story about a reformed rake. Of course, in a book a rake always has a chance to be reformed, or to be rescued, however in reality, a rake is a rake, great for eyes but never a marrying type, not even a keeping type. So Girls, watch out!

Julia Quinn and her Bridgerton Family Series

If you are a beginner of Romance, I strongly recommend Julia Quinn and her books, especially the Bridgerton Family Series. Two of them came on the list: The Duke and I and the Viscount who loved me, but Romancing Mr. Bridgerton is my favorite. Most of her heroines are intelligent but unattractive in public eyes. For this or that reason, they have been left on the shelf and become “leftover ladies”(shengnu). The story is about how they find their true love in the end. Julia Quinn reminds me a lot about Jane Austen. Her books are easy to read and can always make me laugh.  

Linda Howard her six books

Linda Howard is one of my favorite, and I almost read all of her books. I’m glad to know that six of them come on the top 100. Linda is very good at psychological description. The words she used are very impressive. Her books might not have too much of a plot, but the characters are fantastic. Perhaps one exception: Cry No More. A recurrent motif, a few strands, woven together in a masterly pattern, the effect, I should say, is amazing.

Connie Brockway and All through the Night

I am very familiar with Connie Brockway. She got three books on the list, not bad. But the reason why I mentioned her is all because All through the Night. As I said when I opened a Romance, I am sure that there would be a happily-for-ever ending. So far, the only exception is All through the Night. At least it is not a traditional happy one. The story is definitely worth reading.

Although no works from Iris Johnson and Karrie Moning appear on the list, but they are still my favorite. There is no poll, i guess, no matter how authoritative and weighed it might be, can cover it all.