Username:

Password:

Fargot Password? / Help

Tag: romance

0

50 Books for Lovers of 'Fifty Shades of Grey'

Scene from 'The House on Black Lake' trailer.

[amazon_link id="B0167CVNLE" target="_blank" ]Sugar and Spice (The Duty and Destiny Series Book 6)[/amazon_link]

Please Note:  [amazon_link id="0982500203" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The House on Black Lake [/amazon_link]has been adapted to screenplay. Visit Home Page to view cinematic trailer.

The themes of obsessive love, BDSM, alpha males, control and submission, the use of wealth and power to allure, exploit and control, are all explored in [amazon_link id="0982500203" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The House on Black Lake[/amazon_link]. Ramey Sandeley is a man who it has been said that "God gave too much and so he has price to pay".  He has everything that a man or woman could possible want, but he has never known a truly soulful love. When he meets Alexandra their perfect lives are blown apart and they are taken on a journey that compels them to explore the dark side of human behavior and dig deeper into their psyches. He believes the body must be contained (and sometimes beaten) for the soul to to be released. He threatens Alexandra with a whipping when she returns from a liason with a young French Artist Andre Labat and warns her that once the soul has been released from its human bondage there is no turning back.

The [amazon_link id="0982500203" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]House on Black Lake[/amazon_link] mirrors many of the same themes as the [amazon_link id="0345803485" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Fifty Shades of Grey[/amazon_link] trilogy. Yet, the characters are at different points in their lives. Ana and Christian are fortunate to meet when they are both without responsibility and available.  Ramey and Alexander fall in love at first sight.  However, they are both are newlyweds when they first meet, and have children when they reunite (she has divorced and he is still married). Yet, the longing and desire for something deeper, more profound and primal are universal at any age. Their journey is both exciting and torturous, as integrity and faithfulness are at stake as well as the confinements of society.

Other books popular with women who loved "Fifty Shades of Grey follow. The list offers a wide selection that includes recommendations from readers of all ages, and levels of  sophistication and education.

1. [amazon_link id="1936305623" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Gabriel's Inferno[/amazon_link] by Sylvain Reynard

2. [amazon_link id="B008NHMPBE" target="_blank" ]Innocence Tempted (Generational Sins Series)[/amazon_link]

3.[amazon_link id="B004XVM2M6" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]An Ordinary Girl[/amazon_link] by Barbara Elsbord

4. [amazon_link id="0452156610" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Sleeping Beauty Series[/amazon_link] by Anne Rice

5. [amazon_link id="1456527738" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Sempre[/amazon_link] by J.M Darhower

6. [amazon_link id="B007FIIF34" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Insufferable Proximity[/amazon_link] by Z. Stefani

7. [amazon_link id="0425247988" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Wicked Burn[/amazon_link] by Beth Kery

8. [amazon_link id="0425227693" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Sweet Restraint[/amazon_link] by Beth Kery

9.  [amazon_link id="B00FRK2VIM" target="_blank" ]Sweet Surrender (Complete Series)[/amazon_link] by Maya Banks

10.[amazon_link id="B00H31227I" target="_blank" ]Forever Wicked: A Wicked Lovers Novella (1001 Dark Nights)[/amazon_link] by Shaya Black

11. [amazon_link id="B00BC24MBI" target="_blank" ]Naughty Bits Part II: The Training Session[/amazon_link] by Joey W. Hill

12. [amazon_link id="B004R1QOW6" target="_blank" ]An Irresistible Bachelor[/amazon_link] by J. R. Ward

16. [amazon_link id="B00LG69EOU" target="_blank" ]Bound (Forbidden Series - Book 1)[/amazon_link]

18. [amazon_link id="1463437121" target="_blank" ]Surviving Passion (The Shattered World Book 1)[/amazon_link]

21. [amazon_link id="B002ZI4MY0" target="_blank" ]A Tall, Dark Cowboy[/amazon_link] by Mackenzie McKade

22. [amazon_link id="B005F0WRB0" target="_blank" ]Rocky Mountain Heat(Six Pack Ranch Book 1)[/amazon_link] by Sarah McCarty

26 [amazon_link id="B003F76A5E" target="_blank" ]Lost Star[Interstellar Service & Discipline][/amazon_link] by Morgan Hawkes

28. [amazon_link id="B004XVM2M6" target="_blank" ]An Ordinary Girl[/amazon_link] by Barbara Elsborg

30. [amazon_link id="B00XK6SGG6" target="_blank"]Liberating Lacey[/amazon_link] by Ann Calhoun

31. [amazon_link id="1523244836" target="_blank" ]BDSM Positions: The Beginner's Guide to BDSM[/amazon_link]

32. [amazon_link id="B01AHDSD26" target="_blank" ]Bound, Spanked and Loved: Fourteen Kinky Valentine's Day Stories[/amazon_link]

33. [amazon_link id="B002B9MH40" target="_blank" ]The Wicked West[/amazon_link]  by Victoria Dahl

34. [amazon_link id="0425247163" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Principal's Office[/amazon_link] by Jasmine Haynes

35. [amazon_link id="1439197059" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Taker[/amazon_link] by Alma Katsu

36. [amazon_link id="1466401885" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Beautiful Disaster [/amazon_link] by Jaime Mcguire

37. [amazon_link id="1609280806" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Rock Me[/amazon_link] by Cherrie Lynn

38. [amazon_link id="1475034911" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Breaking Sin[/amazon_link] by Teresa Mummert

39. [amazon_link id="1451533969" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Love Unscripted[/amazon_link] by Tina Reber

40. [amazon_link id="147500544X" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Honor Student[/amazon_link] by Teresa Mummert

41. [amazon_link id="0965240967" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Story of O[/amazon_link] by Pauline Reage

43. [amazon_link id="0425263916" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Reflected in You[/amazon_link] by Sylvia Day

44. [amazon_link id="1611183766" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Master of Shadowland Series [/amazon_link] by Cherise Sinclair

45. [amazon_link id="0425245659" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Sweet Series [/amazon_link] by Maya Banks

46. [amazon_link id="1936305941" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Poughkeepsie[/amazon_link] by Debra Anastasia

47. [amazon_link id="B006LFVZ8E" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Existance Trilogy [/amazon_link] by Abbi Glines

48. [amazon_link id="0425263908" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Bared to You[/amazon_link] by Sylvia Day

49. [amazon_link id="1463651058" target="_blank" ]Untouchable[/amazon_link] by Lindsay Delagair

50. [amazon_link id="B006XZ2FC2" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]From Rags [/amazon_link] by Suzanne Wright

Author Anastasia Blackwell grew up in the Pacific Northwest and is familiar with the world of Christian Grey.  In a series of interviews set in Jacksonville, Oregon she discusses the controversial novel.

 

0

Best Betrayers: Top 25 Worst Acts of Betrayal in Romance Novels

Please Note:  The House on Black Lake has been adapted to screenplay. Go to Home Page to see trailer (with acts of betrayal) and haunting new music video "Dangerous Shadows" inspired by novel.

An act of betrayal by a lover or mate is generally accompanied by severe emotional distress by the betrayee. Cheating is the most common form, but the act can take many forms, including emotional betrayal. Few women (or men) can forgive and forget such a transgression, as trust is severed with the act. However, when one is deeply in love the decision to walk away can may extremely difficult. Generally, there must be a long period of groveling and the belief that the transgressor has truly learned a valued lesson and can be trusted to maintain integrity in the future. This process is a torturous one for both individuals.

Although living through such an experience is pure hell, it can be therapeudic to vicariously live through the experience of a character in a novel. In fact, much can be learned of human behavior through this process. In the House on Black Lake Alexandra is betrayed at every twist and turn on her journey. Both men and women betray her throughout the story. However, each character is forced to confront the ramifications of their selfishness, while Alexandra's character is strengthened as she learns to become more self reliant, intuitive, and emotionally grounded. Ultimately, when it appears she has been betrayed by them all and most cruelly by Ramey Sandeley, the object of her obsession, her dormant strengths are awakened. Metamorphosis is possible following an act of betrayal. And that is its greatest gift.

My new novel, The Chamber of Curiosities features a host of betrayers in an ancient carnival.

The top romance novels featuring acts of betayal are listed below. The list is in no particular order.

1. Dream Man by Linda Howard

2. Perfect Sin by Kat Martin

3. Lady Gallant by Suzanne robinson

4. Risk Everything by Sophia Johnson

5. Coyote's Mate by Lora Leigh

6. Almost Forever by Linda Howard

7. The Missing by Shiloh Walker

8. Cry No More by Linda Howard

9. Pulled by Danielle Bannister

10. Angel Creek by Linda Howard

11. Loving Evangeline by Linda Howard

12. My True and Tender Love by Jill Gregory

12. Seducing Simon by Maya Banks

13. That Scandalous Night by Christina Dodd

14. Total Surrender by Cheryl Holt

15. Paradise by Judith McNaught

16. Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught

17. Belong to Me Shayla black

18. Heart of the Outback by Lynn Wilding

19. Take this Regret by Amy Lichthench

20. Gold Ring of Betrayal by Michelle Reid

21. Blue Moon by MacKenzie McKade

22. Bitten  by Kelly Armstrong

23. His Bonnie Bride  by Hannah Howell

24. Last Chance  by Christy Reece

25. Tempt Me Tonight by Toni Blake

0

Halloween 2011: Treat Yourself to Dark/Sexy New Music Video "Dangerous Shadows"

Get into spirit of Halloween by viewing new music video "Dangerous Shadows". The video stylistically recreates harrowing scene from "The House on Black Lake" by Anastasia Blackwell. The moody piece was filmed at author Sam Keen's ranch in Sonoma by renowned cinematographer Frazer Bradshaw. Evocative music was scored by Russian composer/filmmaker Andrew Oudot. Corset by Timeless Trends.

To view video go to Home Page or click on link below:

http://youtu.be/tIWOoAT7DhQ

 

 

 

 

0

20 Best Bad Boys in Romance Novels

Scene from "The House on Black Lake" trailer

Please Note:  The House on Black Lake has been adapted to screenplay. Go to Home Page to view cinematic trailer.

[amazon_link id="0982500203" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The House on Black Lake[/amazon_link] has three bad boys who push the boundaries of "good girl" Alexandra Brighton. Preternaturally good looking Ramey Sandeley was  born to wealth and power, rides a horse like a native, shoots wild game like a professional, and seduces every creature that crosses his path. He has never heard the word "No". Georgie La Pointe, Ramey's cousin, is a tanned and  muscle bound Canadian rock star who has never dated the same woman more than once and grooms his hair in the eyes of his admirers. Andra Labat is a seductive French Canadian artist who woos conservative Alexandra Brighton to his bed within hours of meeting her, and remains charming and seductive as he lures her into a web of deadly intensions.

Most women have loved a bad boy at least once in their lives. My personal favorite bad boy boyfriend was a 6'7" New Zealander with wavy dark hair to his shoulders. The perfect man to date after a messy divorce.  He was utterly primitive, an outlaw, and untamable. One day I plan to hunt him back down and write a non fiction account of our reunion. But until then... here is my list.

I have chosen the top twenty best bad boys in romance novels based in input from fans and forums (thanks to Amazon community).

1. [amazon_link id="0553385712" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Lucky's Lady [/amazon_link] by Tami Hoag - Lucky Loucet is a diamond in the rough Cajun.
2. [amazon_link id="B005ACL6CE" target="_blank" ]One Summer[/amazon_link] by Karen Robards - Johnny accused of murder as student, gets involved with teacher when on parole.
3.  [amazon_link id="0425232700" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Coming Undone[/amazon_link] by Lauren Dane - Brody is tattoo artist drives motorcycle.
4. [amazon_link id="0739462989" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Crazy series[/amazon_link] by Tara Jantzen -Creed Rivera is surfer/pick pocket turned SDF agent.
5. [amazon_link id="0312942303" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Born of Night [/amazon_link] by Sherrilyn Kenyon - Nykyrion is human/alien assassin.
6. [amazon_link id="0451233166" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Black Dagger Brotherhood[/amazon_link] by J.R. Ward - Wrath is vampire warrior.
7. [amazon_link id="0758203195" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Behind Closed Doors[/amazon_link] by Shannon McKenna - Seth Mackey is sexy detective.
8. [amazon_link id="0778325008" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Ice series [/amazon_link] by Anne Stuart - Serafin is a mercenary, assassin, and the most dangerous man in the world.
9. [amazon_link id="0425209644" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Breeds series[/amazon_link] by Lora Leigh - Callen is a genetic experiment - half man/half lion.
10. [amazon_link id="0312992424" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Night Play [/amazon_link] by Sherrilyn Kenyon - Vane is a werewolf with magical powers.
11. [amazon_link id="B001VEQ6K2" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Demonica series[/amazon_link] by Larissa Ione - Wraith is a Seminous demon with a death wish.
12. [amazon_link id="0425243915" target="_blank" ]Archangel's Blade(A Guild Hunter Novel)[/amazon_link] by Nalini Singh - Raphael is intense archangel.
13. [amazon_link id="1551665743" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Mackenzie's Mountain[/amazon_link] by Linda Howard - Wolf is powerful, mysterious, sensuous, flawed vet.
14. [amazon_link id="B00FAHS2LW" target="_blank" ]My Immortal Highlander(McNachton Vampires Book 3)[/amazon_link] by Karen Marie Moning - Adam Black is immortal, arrogant, and  an intensely sensual seducer.
14. [amazon_link id="006056251X" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Devil in Winter[/amazon_link] by Lisa Kleypas - 30 seconds alone with Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent, will ruin any girl's reputation.
15.  [amazon_link id="B018EWU2UI" target="_blank" ]Heart of Fire[/amazon_link] by Linda Howard.
16. [amazon_link id="B00TDZTDPG" target="_blank" ]Midnight Secrets(Men of Midnight Book 3)[/amazon_link] by Lisa Marie Rice - John Huntington is sexy ex Navy Seal
17. [amazon_link id="0061783161" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Night Huntress Series[/amazon_link] by Jeannine Frost - Bones is sexy ancient vampire with agenda.
18. [amazon_link id="B000W94G36" target="_blank" ]Midnight Awakening: A Midnight Breed Novel(The Midnight Breed Series Book 3)[/amazon_link] by Lara Adrian - Lucan is detective/leader of elite vampire warriors.
19. [amazon_link id="0380801213" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Truly, Madly Yours[/amazon_link] by Rachel Gibson - Nick is a motorcycle riding love 'em and leave 'em kind of guy - second chance love with bb.
20. [amazon_link id="0061032093" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Breathing Room[/amazon_link] by Susan Elizabeth Philips - Ren is movie star/playboy.
In a series of interviews author Anastasia Blackwell talks about bad boys. Here is an excerpt:

0

Top 50 Romance Novels With Cheating Heroes

        It is a little known fact that many woman love to read about cheating heroes. The House on Black Lake is filled with betrayal by both men and women. Ramey Sandeley is married when he first meets Alexandra Brighton, but that does not deter him, as he has cheated his entire adult life.
     My second novel, The Chamber of Curiosities, set in an ancient carnival, features a hero, Darne Veskka,  who is forced forced to cheat on his beloved to survive. A host of characters in the novel betray  partners to gain power and control over their lives.
     Of course, there is a price to be paid for cheating and that requires the hero to fall hard, be punished for his transgressions, leading to the secretly enjoyed grovel scenes, to ultimate redemption. However, as in real life, this does not always happen. So there is no resolution for the betrayed.
       I have listed the top fifty romance novels that feature cheating heroes.
     Please Note: The list is not in not in order of popularity. Tastes of readers are can be vastly different.
l.  Perfect Marriage, by Laurie Bright
2. The Fourth Child: 9 Months Later by CJ Carmichael
3. The Ultimate Betrayal by Michelle Reid
4. Redemption Karen Kingsbury
5. A Morning Like This, by Deborah Bedford. 
6. Some Enchanted Season by Marilynn Pappano
7. A Reason to Believe by Kathleen Eagle
8. Bold Angel by Kat MartinRuth Sandeley catches glimpse of her husband, Ramey Sandeley, confronting her friend (h) Alexandra Brighton afte
9. Perfect Sin by Kat Martin
10. Love and Other Natural Disasters by Holly Shumas
11. The Chamber of Curiosities, by Anastasia Blacksell
12. Mirror Bound by Nissa Gordon
13. Bygones by LaVyrle Spencer
14. Slice of Heaven by Sherry Woods
15. First Time by Joy Fielding
16. Innocent Wife by Melanie Milburne
17.  Baby of Shame by Malanie Milburne
18. A Father's Promise by Helen R. Myers.
19. The Dream by Kat Martin
20. Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas
21. Lightning by Danielle Steele
22. The Adultery Club by Tess Simmons
23. The Substitute Wife by Dallas Chulze
24. Lover Eternal by J.R. Ward 
25. Mercy by Jodi Picoult
26. The Perfect Sinner by Penny Jordon
27. Catching Caden by Samantha Kristy
28. Something Borrowed by Emily Griffin
29. Saving Grace by Pamela Hutchens
30. On Mystic Lake by Kristin Hannah
31. More Than Friends by Barbara Delinsky
32. Just Breathe by Susan Wigg
33. Seducing Sullivan by Julie Elizabeth Leto
34. Tempt Me Tonight by  Toni Blake
35. The Taming by Jude Devereau
36. Fall From Grace by Kristi Gold
39. The Velvet Promise by Jude Deveraux
40. Home Song by LaVyrle Spencer
41.  The Return of Body McBride by Jennifer Ryan
42. The Chamber of Curiosities by Anastasia Blacksell
44. Loving Lies by Lora Leigh
45. Deception by Jenny Penn
46. His Lady Mistress by Elizabeth Rolls
48. Only In My Dreams: A Halle Pumas novel by Dana Marie Bell.
49. Kiss and Don't Tell by Meghan Quinn
50. The Ultimate Betrayal by Michelle Reid.
I was recently interviewed about my thoughts about cheaters. Here are my comments:

0

The Phantom of The Opera - Best Gothic Story of All Time

The following clip from the movie "The Phantom of the Opera" proves that there is no gothic story that better incorporates the beauty of the gothic romance. Gerard Butler has never been sexier, and the visuals draw us into the wonderful underworld where everything is possible, and nothing deemed unsavory or untasted.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHAauiJwwmU&feature=related

0

Top Fifty Favorite Romance Novel Themes

THE HOUSE ON BLACK LAKE HAS BEEN ADAPTED TO SCREENPLAY. GO TO HOME PAGE TO VIEW PROVOCATIVE CINEMATIC TRAILER

In my travels promoting my novel, I have asked women what themes they most desire to read about in books.  Asterisks are placed next to topics touched upon in The House on Black Lake,  The list is in no particular order, latest topic first.

l. A broken heart.

2. Man uses woman for revenge, kidnapped, seduced, etc.

3. Good sex scenes, either explicit or implicit.

4. Heroine nearly dies, hero is terrified, realizes how much he loves her. Even better, is when hero is directly, or indirectly responsible for putting heroine in jeopardy.

5. Second chance ex-spouses.

6. Cheating hero.* This one is very popular. But, some want him to realize he loves his wife and family and wants them back.

7. Less than perfect heroes/heroines – scarred or disabled.

8. Rugged cowboy-types.

9. Hero helps deliver his baby.

10. Heroine saves or rescues hero from harm.

11. Bad Boys.

12. Pent up sexual frustration – repression.

13. Great grovel scenes – where rugged hero breaks down.* This is very popular!

14. Hero disappears and reappears years later.

15. Steamy AND emotional scenes between lovers.”

16. Romance – candlelit dinners, walks in the park. Etc.

17. Obsessed or deeply in lust.

18. Villain in love with heroine.

19. Dominant, alpha males.

20. Romance and thriller.

21. Widowed hero grieving over first wife.

22. Vampire and paranormal love.

23. Vikings!.

24. Smutty historical romance.

25. H/H in historical garb.

26. Men with long (preferably dark) flowing hair*.

27. Alpha female who isn’t borderline abusive*

28. Hero bribes heroine to be with him.

29. Heroine playing hard to get.*

30. Drunken sex.*

31. Bad boy falls for nice girl.*

32 Virginal or repressed heroine who falls apart at the touch of the RIGHT man.*

33. Forced mate scenario in paranormal.

34. Jealous bad boy.*

35. Ménage romance.*

36.Incest.*

37. Two men competing for woman.*

38. Forced sex where h/h have strong connection.*

39. Sheik books and big hunky H’s and the feisty heroine.

40. Bad boy who bosses H around until they fall in love.*

41. Spanking/forced sex scenes.*

42. Love triangles.*

43. Bisexual love.*

44. Older women/younger men.*

45. Rugged/outdoorsy men.*

46. Heroine enjoys sex.*

47. Haunted places/ghosts.*

48. Tattoos, piercings, branding, etc.*

49. Beauty and the beast themes.*

50. Time travel – men in kilts, on island, or anywhere ancient.*

0

Rebecca - A Classic Gothic Romance

“Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again. . .” is the most quoted opening line from Daphne du Maurier classic gothic romance, “Rebecca”.  The novel, which was written during her husband’s tenure in Alexandria, Egypt and published in 1938 in the UK, is one of the most well known examples of gothic romance.

“While working as the companion to a rich American woman vacationing on the French Riviera she becomes acquainted with a wealthy Englishman, Maximilian (Maxim) de Winter. After a fortnight of courtship, she agrees to marry him, and after the marriage accompanies him to his mansion, the beautiful West Country estate Manderley.

Only upon their arrival at Manderley does the new bride realize how difficult it will be to lay to rest the memory of her husband's first wife, Rebecca. Rebecca is understood to have drowned in a sailing accident off the coast next to the mansion a year before, but her memory has a strong hold on the estate and all of its inhabitants and visitors, especially the domineering housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, one of literature's most infamous female villains.

Mrs. Danvers, who was profoundly devoted to Rebecca, tries to undermine the second Mrs. de Winter, suggesting to her that she will never attain the urbanity and charm that Rebecca possessed. Whenever the new Mrs. de Winter attempts to make changes at Manderley, Mrs. Danvers describes how Rebecca ran Manderley when she was alive. Each time Mrs. Danvers does this, she implies that the new Mrs. de Winter lacks the experience and knowledge necessary for running an important estate such as Manderley. The second Mrs. de Winter is cowed by Mrs. Danvers' imposing manner and complies with the housekeeper's suggestions.

Lacking self-confidence and overwhelmed by her new life, the protagonist commits one faux pas after another, until she is convinced that Maxim regrets his impetuous decision to marry her and is still deeply in love with the seemingly perfect Rebecca. The climax occurs at Manderley's annual costume ball. Mrs. Danvers manipulates the protagonist into wearing a replica of the dress shown in a portrait of one of the former inhabitants of the estate—the same costume worn by Rebecca to much acclaim the previous year, shortly before her death.

In the early morning hours after the ball, the storm that had been building over the estate leads to a shipwreck. A diver investigating the condition of the wrecked ship's hull discovers the remains of Rebecca's boat. It is just prior to this shipwreck that Mrs. Danvers reveals her contempt for and dislike of the second Mrs. de Winter. Taking the second Mrs. de Winter on a tour of Rebecca's bedroom, her wardrobe and luxurious possessions, which Mrs. Danvers has kept intact as a shrine to Rebecca, she encourages the second Mrs. de Winter to commit suicide by jumping out of an upstairs window, but is thwarted at the last moment by the disturbance created by the shipwreck.

The revelations from the shipwreck lead Maxim to confess the truth to the second Mrs. de Winter; how his marriage to Rebecca was nothing but a sham; how from the very first days of their marriage, the husband and wife loathed each other. Rebecca, Maxim reveals, was a cruel and selfish woman who manipulated everyone around her into believing her to be the perfect wife and a paragon of virtue. She repeatedly taunted Maxim with sordid tales of her numerous love affairs and suggested that she was pregnant with another man's child, which she would raise under the pretence that it was Maxim's and he would be powerless to stop her. Maxim, truly hating her, shot Rebecca and disposed of her body on her boat, which he then sank at sea. The narrator is relieved to hear that Maxim had never loved Rebecca, but really loves his new wife.

Rebecca's boat is raised and it is discovered that holes had been deliberately drilled in the bottom and the sea-cocks were opened, which would have caused it to sink. There is an inquest and despite it not being clear who drilled the holes, a verdict of suicide is brought. However, Rebecca's first cousin (and also her lover) Jack Favell appears on the scene claiming to have proof that Rebecca could not have intended suicide. Favell attempts to blackmail Maxim because he believes that Maxim killed Rebecca and then sank the boat.

Rebecca, it is revealed, had an appointment with a Doctor Baker shortly before her death, presumably to confirm her pregnancy. When the doctor is found he reveals Rebecca had been suffering from cancer and would have died within a few months; furthermore, due to the malformation of her uterus, she could never have been pregnant. The implication is that knowing she was going to die, Rebecca lied to Maxim that she had been impregnated by another man because she wanted Maxim to kill her. Maxim feels a great sense of foreboding and insists on driving through the night to return to Manderley. However, before he comes in sight of the house, it is clear from a glow on the horizon and wind-borne ashes that it is ablaze.

It is evident at the beginning of the novel that Maxim and the second Mrs. de Winter now live in some foreign exile. The events recounted in the book are in essence a flashback of the narrator's life at Manderley.”

The novel did not receive critical acclaim when it was published, although the novel was very popular. It continues to this day to be a pristine example of the gothic romance genre which include supernatural forces, a woman trapped, repressed sexuality, powerfully erotic undertones, and a charismatic male with unclear intentions. Most notable in “Rebecca” is the figure of Mrs. Danvers, a female antagonist obsessed with the diseased Rebecca, who incorporates a homoerotic thread that seeks to break the bond of male and female. The book was translated into a stage play by du Maurier and subsequently adapted to film and television. The story is a classic tale that in its essence explores the unequal power of a man and woman.

Plot summary from Wikipedia

0

The Best Romance Novels

The Following is a list compiled by the Manchester Library, and so offers an English opinion (and they are masters of the genre) of the best written written romance novels in genre of contemporary gothic suspense,  romantic suspense, modern romantic thriller, historical romance, modern romantic suspense.

I will soon be compiling a list with an American perspective of what consititutes the best romance novels of all time.

Not listed in order of preference:

1. [amazon_link id="0312339666" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Sailing to Capri[/amazon_link]  An English tycoon dies mysteriously and leaves a note naming six people he suspects might have wanted him dead, by Elizabeth Adler.

2. [amazon_link id="1560540966" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Scarlet Thread[/amazon_link] A British nurse and an American soldier meet, fall in love, and secretly marry during the Second World War. Years after the events of war separate them, a chance meeting brings the couple together to consider their lost love, by Evelyn Anthony.

3. [amazon_link id="B002QVRCE8" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Tregaron's Daughter[/amazon_link] A young woman from a small English village finds romance and mystery when she embarks on a voyage to Venice, by Madeleine Brent.

4. [amazon_link id="B000GH2YPG" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Rebecca[/amazon_link]  Classic Gothic tale of love and deception, by Daphne du Maurier

5. [amazon_link id="B002QPB3JY" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Darkwater[/amazon_link] Gothic romance with deep mystery and danger by Dorothy Eden

6. [amazon_link id="B000I762C0" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Property of a Gentleman[/amazon_link]  Set in England's Lake District, this novel revolves around the world of art and antiques, by Catherine Gaskin

7. [amazon_link id="0449240975" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Savannah Purchase[/amazon_link]  Savannah in the early 19th century is the setting for this novel of romance and intrigue, by Jane Aiken Hodge.

8. [amazon_link id="0385242999" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Silk Vendetta[/amazon_link] Historical romantic suspense set in 19th century England, by Victoria Holt

9. [amazon_link id="B000MN0CSA" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Shrouded Walls and the Dark Shore[/amazon_link]  Two spellbinding tales of romance, danger and death , by Susan Howatch

10.  [amazon_link id="0786235047" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]I Came to the Highlands[/amazon_link]  During the 1700s, with a heavy heart, a young woman leaves America and her true love to accompany her ill and destitute father to his family's castle in the Scottish Highlands. Unwelcome at the castle after her father's death, she is certain her life is in danger, by Velda Johnston

11. [amazon_link id="0816144036" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The House on the Left Bank[/amazon_link] In this late 19th century historical novel set in Paris, a young American woman faces many dangers as she seeks to solve a horrifying crime...a classic combination of Gothic romance and suspense. 

12. [amazon_link id="B000JI1QQK" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Shattered Silk[/amazon_link] The world of vintage couture is the setting for this suspenseful tale of romance and intrigue, by Barbara Michaels

13. [amazon_link id="006074748X" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Airs Above the Ground[/amazon_link]. . .[amazon_link id="0345468988" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Stormy Petrol[/amazon_link] Mystery, danger and love await the reader of novels written by this classic romantic suspense author Mary Stewart

14. [amazon_link id="0449005119" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Turquoise Mask[/amazon_link] In this novel by a master of romantic suspense, a woman returns to New Mexico to uncover secrets surrounding her mother's death, by Phyllis Whitney

15. [amazon_link id="0312081561" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]China Silk[/amazon_link] Despite warnings, a young girl accepts a marriage proposal from a British government official stationed in colonial Hong Kong in the 1920s, by Anne Worboys

CONTEMPORARY ROMANTIC SUSPENSE 

16. [amazon_link id="1416537775" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Hello Darkness[/amazon_link]. . . [amazon_link id="0743466764" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]White Hot[/amazon_link]. . .[amazon_link id="1416593527" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Chill Factor[/amazon_link] . . . [amazon_link id="1416523324" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Ricochet[/amazon_link]Popular author Sandra Brown delights fans with her fast-paced romantic thrillers.

17. [amazon_link id="0778323536" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]A Grave Mistake[/amazon_link]A novel of mystery, deceit and desire set in contemporary New Orleans, by Stella Cameron 

18. [amazon_link id="B004HMYA12" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Cove[/amazon_link]. . . [amazon_link id="B004HMRBEA" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Maze[/amazon_link]. . . [amazon_link id="B004HMWP2S" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Target[/amazon_link] Historical romance author Catherine Coulter delivers suspense and romance in her first three FBI thrillers.

19. [amazon_link id="0060727284" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Illusions[/amazon_link] The breathtaking mountains of Aspen, Colorado, form the backdrop for this romantic thriller by Janet Dailey

20. [amazon_link id="B0012V66BS" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Slow Burn, Murder List, Killjoy[/amazon_link]
An author known for her historical romances pleases her fans with novels of contemporary romantic suspense - Julie Garwood.

21. [amazon_link id="1414310552" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Danger in the Shadows[/amazon_link]In this novel with Christian fiction overtones, a woman in an FBI witness protection program faces danger when she finds herself falling in love.
 

22. [amazon_link id="B0039Q3FD6" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Prior Bad Acts[/amazon_link] Readers will find spine-chilling suspense and seductive romance in Tami Hoag's thrillers set in Minnesota. 

23. [amazon_link id="0553383841" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Haunting Rachel[/amazon_link] Gothic overtones mark this modern romantic thriller, by Kay Hooper

24. [amazon_link id="0743537521" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Open Season[/amazon_link]A small-town librarian, looking for a lover and trying to reinvent her boring life, faces danger when she becomes the target of a killer, by Linda Howard.

25. [amazon_link id="0515131741" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Lost and Found[/amazon_link]The world of art and antiques is the setting for Jayne Ann Krentz's novel of mystery and romance.

26. [amazon_link id="0060829834" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Wrong Hostage[/amazon_link]. . . [amazon_link id="0060504196" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Always Time to Die[/amazon_link] Elizabeth Lowell is an award-winning master of contemporary romantic suspense, and this duo is sure to please her many fans.

27.  [amazon_link id="0821763415" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]In The Dark[/amazon_link] A young woman is named sole beneficiary in her estranged aunt's will and then is suspected of murder when her aunt suddenly disappears. Can she trust the handsome investigator to whom she is is helplessly drawn?, by Meagan McKinney.

28. [amazon_link id="0446602485" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Night Train to Memphis[/amazon_link] More mystery than romance, this fifth installment in Elizabeth Peters' popular series features art professor, Vicky Bliss.

29. [amazon_link id="0440225043" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Midnight Hour[/amazon_link] . . . [amazon_link id="0671786601" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]To Trust a Stranger[/amazon_link] Fast-paced suspense with emphasis on romance, by Karen Robards

30. [amazon_link id="0982500203" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The House on Black Lake[/amazon_link] An obsession with a charismatic man leads an American woman on a seductive and harrowing journey through the Montreal underground.

31. [amazon_link id="0515133973" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Midnight Bayou[/amazon_link]  A winning combination of romance and mystery in New Orleans, by Nora Roberts

32. [amazon_link id="0553264613" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Hot Ice[/amazon_link] Exotic Madagascar setting...hot passion... highly-charged suspense, by Nora Roberts. 

33. [amazon_link id="0778321541" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]Expose[/amazon_link]. . . [amazon_link id="155166836X" target="_blank" container="" container_class="" ]The Last Lover[/amazon_link] TV journalist Sally Harrington is featured in this contemporary romantic suspense series
by Connecticut author, Laura Van Wormer.

Courtesy of Manchester Public Library

0

Gothic Romance Definitions

I am honoured to be included in a short list of the most reknowned gothic romance writers. Please go to link to learn more about gothic genre, authors, music, architecture at:  https://sites.google.com/site/gothicromantic9/modern-books-and-writers

A.B.

Pages:12345