My novel "My Landlady the Lobotomist" would fit into that category. Plus it plays with the conventions of the great works of German romantic literature! I'd vote for my own novel on this one. My Landlady the Lobotomist. Curtis's would be the only other one on the list that even looks literary. And I don't think romance precludes literary merit.

Don't read/like romance novels; voted strictly on the basis of what my patrons seem to like -- likewise on where they appeared on your list!

I'm sure your book would be better suited to a superlative in another category. Romance these days (in American lit) usually connotes chicklit. How about most inventive reformation of romance in defiance of the banality of romance in American fiction?

I haven't read a romance novel in years. Having said that, my favorite romance/history book of all time was and still is "Gone With The Wind". IMO,it is a must read of anyone who likes romance novels, and it takes place during a very interesting time period of American history - the Civil War.

There are some books I think that aren't on the list and should be but it's a pretty good range I'd say.

Haven't read any of the books, sorry. Nahid Rachlin

I'm sort of out of the loop on romance books. Maybe I should try to read one of those, so I'll have something to say. Sorry. Ask me about biographies or historical fiction. Sci-fi as well.

Lolita is a strange inclusion for this list--a serious anti-romance novel, a novel of "abnormal" sensual obsession and intrigue, once considered so shocking that it was banned. This is why I chose it.

For the Roses is a really good book but its historical romance not contemporary.

dears,




Very nice books are my best friends and my soul as well. yours, khan.waiting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!peace to all.""

"best EVER contemporary"? That seems like a big contradiction.

Lolita? I don't think Nabokov would agree.

I didn't read contemporary until I stumbled on Susan Elizabeth Phillip's books. She's currently my idol. There's just a lot of "Bestselling Authors" who can't write. By some god-forsaken reason, their editors let them publish it and the American public actually buys this. How embarrassing!

Wow 12 Jennifer Crusie's. All time favorite!!!

My series of contemporary romances is called The Reyes Family Romances, dealing with the romances of the various members of a large Hispanic family. "Never Too Old For The Game Of Love", "Recipe For Love", and "Love By Design" are available now. My personal favorite, "Analysis of Love" will be published in February. I write about strong female characters who are not looking for love, but who can't resist a good-looking man who makes their toes curl. Sparks fly, and good sex leads to real romance. That's what I look for in contemporary romance.

The Ocean Between, would fit into this list. With strong characters and a story that lingers in your heart long after you finished the last page, it's a suggested read.

I think Kingdom of Dreams is a historical.

Hi!!! We careful that are a few books in this list that are historical instead of contemporary. I don't know how the process to erase a book from a list is so i'm letting you know! :)

Paul wrote: "I haven't read a romance novel in years. Having said that, my favorite romance/history book of all time was and still is "Gone With The Wind". IMO,it is a must read of anyone who like..."

Oh, I agree and didn't see it on this list, where is it? Most of the stuff here is drivel IMO.

Angele wrote: "Lolita is a strange inclusion for this list--a serious anti-romance novel, a novel of "abnormal" sensual obsession and intrigue, once considered so shocking that it was banned. This is why I chose..."

You make me want to read it. I only saw the movie when I was 13.

"Gone With The Wind". IMO,it is a must read of anyone who like..."

Oh, I agree and didn't see it on this list, where is it? Most of the stuff here is drivel IMO.

Gone With the Wind is not contemporary; it is set during the American Civil War.