Musing Mondays – Romancin’

Another Musing Monday, this weeks question is in honor of the holiday.

If you read romance novels, answer this question:
Who are your favorite “romance” authors? Why?

If you do NOT read romance novels, answer this question instead:
Do you read love-themed books in honor of Valentine’s Day? Or, Valentine’s Day books, specifically? If so, give us some examples! If not, why not?

Okay, for someone who doesn’t really observe Valentine’s Day (I mean, really, If you need a commercial, multi-million (if not billion) dollar social construct to remember to do something special for your significant other you may want to reconsider your relationship..) beyond the creation of a fresh Anti-Valentine’s Day playlist each year, I read a lot of romance. Ever since I read that first romance novel lst year I’ve been exploring the genre stuffing myself full of cliche happily ever afters. And you know what… I wouldn’t have it any other way.

In the short time I’ve been reading from the genre I’ve discovered a lot of authors I do and don’t like for several different reasons. Some of my favorites, but by no means an exhaustive list:

Nora Roberts, my introduction to romance. Goodness, but I love her books.
Nicholas Sparks, he can say whatever he wants – he writes romance! – romance that makes my cry, like a baby.
Victoria Dahl, I read her contemporaries – which I love! – last year, and I’ve actually read two of her historical’s this month, fantastic!
Jill Shalvis, her books always have me chuckling – in a good way.
Sherrilyn Kenyon, Kenyon is fantastic! I can’t wait to get all caught up with her… which is going to take time, but I’m going to enjoy it.
Gena Showalter, I’ve only read the first three books of her Lords of the Underworld series, but I was hooked with the first one and she’s definitely a favorite in the paranormal romance category.
Lorelei James, the thing I love about LJ is that she’s just so damn uninhibited. She does not hold back!
Jeaniene Frost, the author of the Night Huntress and Night Huntress World series. When I pick her books up I read them in one sitting. How can you not love her Cat & Bones stories?
Charlaine Harris, I admit that I’ve only read the Sookie Stackhouse novels, I have not read any of her other series’, but this was my first paranormal and really, I love them.
Linda Lael Miller, her western romances, while not as… explicit as LJs, are fantastic! Or so I think.
Carly Phillips, her Chandler brothers books have only encouraged me to seek out more of her work.
Shiloh Walker, I read Walker’s Rafferty brothers books Fragile and Broken last year and LOVED them. I couldn’t put them down. In fact, I’m pretty sure I changed my work schedule so I could finish the books in one sitting.

So, those are the authors who have made an imprint in my mind. Have you read any of them, and what do you think? Have any authors to recommend?