Clean Romances discussion

I didn't see a post regarding this but I know as someone who (despite liking the racy stories) enjoys a good romantic book sans smut. I've found that romance books published pre-90s have excellent stories, great characters, and unique settings. Yes, sometimes the story reflects pop culture of whenever the book was published but it's still fun! (Many, for some reason, like Peru lol)

from the 70s-80s

Thanks for sharing!

I devoured Harlequin romances back in the 70s - by authors like Betty Neels, Mary Burchell, Essie Summers, Jean S. McCleod, etc. So clean and enjoyable!

I don't romances that old. They tend not to be in line with my beliefs on women's rights. At least the historical ones are pretty poorly written for the most part. I loathe Barbara Cartland's stuttering young heroines. I hate alpha males and demure young misses. There are some good Candlelight Regency romances that I liked.

Oh my gosh - I can't believe I used to read Barbara Cartland's novels. I was kind of young at the time, but still. Isn't it weird how EVERY SINGLE ONE of her heroines stammered when emotional? And I'll bet every single Cartland hero was a rake redeemed by the pure, true love of our sweet, lovely, innocent heroine. The plotlines of all of her novels are pretty much the same--I can't remember a one of them now. Sort of like Nancy Drew books. :D

I do have some fond memories of some of the Harlequin romances from the 70's. Ah, for the days when you could count on the romances being clean!

I have read many of the older harlequins and found them entertaining. the men are usually alpha male, the women subservient, doting, yes-women. in a quite a few the men handled the women roughly- and that was ok by the heroine. times change. I still like an alpha male but the idea of being man handled makes me steam. and a doe eyed, love struck, submissive character doesn't "speak" to me. I like sass and back bone.

Ljb wrote: "I have read many of the older harlequins and found them entertaining. the men are usually alpha male, the women subservient, doting, yes-women. in a quite a few the men handled the women roughly-..."
I agee. I love a rakish alpha hero but only when the heroine can stand up to him and make him change his behavior. It's probably more realistic Cartland's way but it doesn't appeal to me.

I liked Barbara Cartland's Love in the Clouds. That's a good example of a heroine who can hold her own with the alpha male hero PLUS it's about rare books and manuscripts, my favorite.

I've seen old romances in the library book sale. Any recommendations for good ones, particularly funny stories?