What other authors you've read compare to Nora?

[Jonetta]

I've often seen discussions where readers use Nora Roberts as the standard for romance novels. Are there any you've read that compare favorably to her? What are some of the qualities of her stories that you look for in other authors?

[Talya]

My thoughts instantly went to Robyn Carr on this one Jonetta :-)
I think she's one of the few remaining romance authors who writes pure romance, like Nora. I consider pure romance more along the lines of a story about boy meets girl in a small town/community. They then build a mutual bond while maintaining their individuality and goals. It has a back to basics feel, in my opinion. So many nowadays are veering into big cities, erotica, angst, co-dependency, and of course alternative activities like S&M. Not that I don't love that stuff, I just don't want pure romance to be a dying genre. Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now :-)

[Anita]

I don't read much pure romance because of the stuff Talya cited but I love Julie James. I think she comes real close to NR.

[Jonetta]

Talya, I'm a big Robyn Carr fan, too. She does stick to the basics and creates really good romances, which I think is a standard for Nora, too.

[Jonetta]

Anita, I love Julie James and agree she's close to Nora. I actually think she designs better heroines.

I think where Nora really stands out is with her heroes. She really does seem to know the male psyche and was one of the first (if not the first) romance writers who created likable, strong males who weren't overbearing alphas. I love her men. I'm mean, c'mon...Roarke, Cam, Aiden? Who does this!!

[lorii (Loriidae)]

Jonetta said:"I think where Nora really stands out is with her heroes.

I agree completely one of my other male leads that I re-read occasionally are the Mckade Brothers The Return of Rafe MacKade is the first. Even though they are Mills & Boon / Harlequin genre and thus quite light-weight they are still great heroes.

[Talya]

I agree Jonetta, something that really sets Nora apart is that when she writes men, their voices do not sound like a woman writing what she thinks men think. As a woman who grew up with 4 little brothers, a dad, step-dad, two granddads, 4 male cousins and 4 uncles, I can say she is very accurate with the male perspective.

[Jonetta]

They certainly left an imprint, Talya.

[Jonetta]

Loriidae wrote: "Jonetta said:"I think where Nora really stands out is with her heroes.

I agree completely one of my other male leads that I re-read occasionally are the Mckade Brothers [book:The Return of Rafe M..."

I really enjoyed that series, especially Devon.

[Jonetta]

Another thing she does well is integrating children into a story. Her single parents are realistic, not super Moms with everything under control. Again, probably from her own experiences.

[Kris (My Novelesque Life)]

I like NR's romantic suspense and so I think of Karen Robards, Andrea Kane, Karen Rose and Lisa Gardner.

[Talya]

Jonetta wrote: "Another thing she does well is integrating children into a story. Her single parents are realistic, not super Moms with everything under control. Again, probably from her own experiences."

I agree! I love how she incorporates children.

[Janeiowa]

I've really connected with Ms Roberts Chesapeake Bay aka Quinn Brothers quartet, her McKade Brothers , and Northern Lights. [I'm not into paranormals/vampires or historicals, so those don't interest me. I think that's to be expected when one produces as many titles as Ms Roberts does.]

Other authors that are auto buys for me and authors I think rate right up there with Ms Roberts' best works are Jessica Scott, Marilyn Pappano, and Robyn Carr.

[Jonetta]

Oh, so agree with you about Jessica! Not familiar with Pappano.

[Samantha]

I also like Joanne Ross , Jamie McGuire , there Both pretty good :)

[Jonetta]

Samantha wrote: "I also like Joanne Ross , Jamie McGuire , there Both pretty good :)"

I'm reading my first Ross book right now and I totally agree. Writing is very similar.

[Samantha]

Should read the blue bayou series very good !

[Jonetta]

Samantha wrote: "Should read the blue bayou series very good !"

By whom?

[Samantha]

Joanne Ross :)

[Margaret]

reading "Apple Turnover Murder" by Joanne Fluke

this is "Hannah Swensen series" book 13

very funny mystery about Hannah who owns a cookie shop

[Lesley Book Lover]

I love Nora Roberts, the fact that her books also have a crime included, not just the romance. Karen Rose has more crime to her books than the romance, but like Nora, I just love her writting, they both keep me gripped to their books.

[Jonetta]

I'm a huge fan of Karen Rose, too.

[Dalene]

I used to read a lot of Danielle Steel. I need to go back and re-read one of her books to see if I still like them.

[Melissa]

Im a big Debbie Macomber fan. She writes romance stories.
And, I really enjoy Robyn Carrs books also! =)

[[deleted user]]

That compares (as in match) Nora's power there's none.
But plenty of awesome writers out there.
Nora did spoil me to other writers, I believe.
I read and enjoy other novels by other writers but I keep coming "home" to Nora. For her new releases or to revisit the oldies. Even if there's one that I don't like (it happens) I keep trusting next time I will. With other writers I tend to give up much more easily on them...