romance novels

[schmerica]

Here is the thing about Lord of Scoundrels:

Okay, first, I have a sort of pyramid of romance authors in my head, with them sorted out all the way from "omg brilliant!" to "not actually good at all, but it's a quick read and entertaining enough." Which, okay, the very top slot is pretty much just Laura Kinsale and Jennifer Crusie by themselves, but Loretta Chase is up near the top for me, because her stuff is always both well-written *and* really fun. So I was in a good place going into Lord of scoundrels! And it's not perfect or anything (the last third really drags, I don't love it as much as The Lion's Daughter or Mr. Impossible) but yes: fun! good! joy to read! Everything I want out of a romance, right?

But the thing that really put it over the top for me? Is the part where the heroine shoots the hero. It is unexpected! And awesome! And pretty much the opposite of every passive helpless heroine ever, especially in the context where she's doing this as part of an actual *plan* once the hero has really completely fucked her over and left her seemingly without choices. (And then he marries her anyway! Hee.)

Uh, apparently this is the entry where I babble about romance novels! Man, which reminds me that my dream romance novel is *still* a contemporary set on Antarctica. Scientists or mechanics or pilots! One of them would be a newbie, of course, with everything brand new and bizarre, and the other one would be experienced, someone who returns to the ice every year, can't stay away. And there would be geekiness and pure antarctic LOVE. Yes.

(People falling in love in polar regions is actually a button of mine that predates my due South love. It's just a really happy coincidence!)

Hi, you guys. I am actually really bummed out for no real reason lately. You want to do one of those memes where you tell me nice things? I need love.

Comments

[kassrachel.livejournal.com]

And there would be geekiness and pure antarctic LOVE. Yes.

OMG, seriously, if you ever find this thing? TELL ME.

Because my polar fixation also far predates my love affair with dS (and, for that matter, with SGA) and what you describe sounds awesome. Antarctica FTW!

(Have you read Kim Stanley Robinson's Antarctica? Not a romance novel by a long shot, though there is romance in it, and also a love affair with the ice.)

[pearl-o.livejournal.com]

Hee, promises of Antarctic backstory hijinks were one of the things that got me intrigued with SGA fic back in the first season, but it just wasn't enough to keep me there.

I have not read that, but I shall certainly add it to my list!

[meacoustic.livejournal.com]

The Trudeau Vector (http://www.amazon.com/Trudeau-Vector-Juris-Jurjevics/dp/B000IOEX1U/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-6526882-2057744?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1182969486&sr=1-1) is more medical thriller than romance, but the scientist hooks up with the Arctic station's old hand. I'd give it probably a B as a writing-grade, but I have standards no one ever seems to meet, and I still remember this book months later. (I want books set in freezing weather, too!)

[starfishchick]

I was about to mention this book as well. I think I skimmed the second half, and didn't like the characters all that much, but the setting was awesomely portrayed.

[pearl-o.livejournal.com]

Ooh, awesome, I will definitely add it to my to-read list. Thanks!

[speshope.livejournal.com]

I need to reread Mr. Impossible. I really liked it, which is awesome-- as usually, as you know, Loretta Chase is really hit or miss for me. Lord of Scoundrels sounds like great fun.

Also, if I ever go to Antartica, I will totally write that book, man. Totally. Just for you! (and me) Because you are awesome!

[pearl-o.livejournal.com]

I still don't quite understand how our tastes are so different, but oh well!

(You are awesome TOO. We are awesome TOGETHER!)

[speshope.livejournal.com]

I suspect it has something to do with our romance novel formatory phase.

[geekturnedvamp.livejournal.com]

I seem to be the only person whose favorite Loretta Chase book is Captives of the Night--I wonder what's up with that?--but ITA with you about Kinsale.

[pearl-o.livejournal.com]

I have only read the Carsington books, Lord of Scoundrels, and Lion's Daughter so far -- Captives of the Night is still on my list.

[celli]

*snugs* I love you! And also romance novels. I read two today to distract myself from my life.

[pearl-o.livejournal.com]

*snugs back a LOT*