*VOTE BY FEB 28* for April 2022 - Around The World

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

For the month of APRIL 2022, we will be reading HRs that feature AROUND THE WORLD.

VOTING IS NOW OPEN!

Please vote using this form to vote: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FA.... This requires that you put your Goodreads name.

Please note that choices with an asterisk do not have the traditional HEA/HFN ending typically found in romance genre books.

You can vote for up to three full-length books. Here's how the points work:

> First (or only) choice = 3 points
> Second choice = 2 points
> Third choice = 1 point

To see which books are nominated or if you prefer to vote in-thread, check out the Nomination Thread.

You can view the current vote tally here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/....

Please vote by FEB 28. At the end of the voting period. the top two or three vote-getters will be the BOTMs. If we need to break a tie, we will use number of first place votes, or if that doesn't work, number of second place votes as a tie-breaker. If we need another tie-breaker, we will discuss in thread and add to rules in future.

To see definitions for the month theme, check out message 7 in the Theme Thread.

Rules of Nominations :(view spoiler)[

1. Not more than 2 novel nominations per member.
2. Not more than 1 novella nomination per member. We will track novella nominations separately.
3. No book we have read as a group read in the last 2 yrs. (Please check the group's Bookshelf)
4. No author we have read in the last one year.


>> Nominations end on February 14th. <<


Authors ineligible for April 2022:

Tessa Dare - March 2022
Erica Ridley - March 2022
Kat Martin - March 2022
Alyssa Cole - March 2022
Jennifer Ashley - February 2022
Evie Dunmore - February 2022
Maya Banks - February 2022
Karen Hawkins - February 2022
Virginia Heath - January 2022
Lisa Kleypas - January 2022
Julie Garwood - January 2022
Carolyn Lee - January 2022
Anna Bradley - December 2021
Eve Pendle - December 2021
Laura Lee Guhrke - December 2021
Nicola Davidson - December 2021
Grace Burrows - November 2021
Grace Callaway - November 2021
Harper St. George - November 2021
Bethany Sefchick - November 2021
Courtney McCaskill - October 2021
Suzanne Enoch - October 2021
K.J. Charles - October 2021
Eliza Braden - September 2021
Julia London - September 2021
Sarah MacLean - September 2021
Mia Vincy - August 2021
Meredith Duran - August 2021
Mary Balogh - August 2021
Georgette Heyer - July 2021
Judith McNaught - July 2021
Lorraine Heath - July 2021
Caroline Linden - June 2021
Madeline Hunter - June 2021
Julia Quinn - June 2021
Kerrigan Byrne - May 2021
Christi Caldwell - May 2021
Judith Ivory - May 2021
Samantha Holt - May 2021
Courtney Milan - April 2021
Rose Lerner - April 2021
Charlotte Bronte - April 2021
Shana Galen - April 2021 (hide spoiler)]

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

THEME DEFINITION

> Around the World: Books set in locations other than the United States of America or Great Britain.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Please note the slightly earlier cutoff date for this month, because February.

[Leena]

I'd like to nominate Yayati by V. Khandekar. this one's going to be really different from the regular historical. its based on an old Indian Mythological love triangle Yayati with Devyani and Sharmishtha.

[Lady Nilambari]

Leena wrote: "I'd like to nominate Yayati by V. Khandekar. this one's going to be really different from the regular historical. its based on an old Indian Mythological love triangle Yayati with Devyani and Sharm..."

Wow! Brilliant nomination. It's been an age since I read Yayati.

[Preeti]

Leena wrote: "I'd like to nominate Yayati by V. Khandekar. this one's going to be really different from the regular historical. its based on an old Indian Mythological love triangle Yayati with Devyani and Sharm..."
I don't even know about this one, I have read Yayati play by Girish Karnad. Thanks, I hope I get to read this.

[Leena]

Mandu by Malathi Ramchandran is fantastic.
In search of Heer is one I've read as yet but would.love to read as a group.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

These sound interesting! However, I need to ask on Yayati - does it have an HEA? The synopsis makes it sound like a tragedy somewhat.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Clarified the definition from America to United States of America, because books set in Central America and South America should definitely be considered here! Canada, as well.

Sorry for being imprecise with that.

[Leena]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "These sound interesting! However, I need to ask on Yayati - does it have an HEA? The synopsis makes it sound like a tragedy somewhat."

Does it have to be an hea? Then even Mandu will not qualify

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Typically romance genre books have an HEA or at least a Happy For Now (HFN), though those are rare in historical romance due to the nature of them being historically set. However, a common definition is that they have a “emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending” so some wiggle room. I didn’t see Yayati tagged as a romance, but Mandu is, which is why I asked.

[Leena]

yayati is a mythological story whit a debauched king. but, its not an hea. so, I'll give that a pass.
can we keep Mandu?? its beautiful.

[Leena]

I'd like to nominate In Search of Heer by Manjul Bajwa - it's a retell of our very own Romeo Juliet - Heer Ranjha. it's a tragedy

[Lady Nilambari]

Do we have an English retelling of Bajirao Mastani?

[Lady Nilambari]

Leena wrote: "yayati is a mythological story whit a debauched king. but, its not an hea. so, I'll give that a pass.
can we keep Mandu?? its beautiful."

Debauched king! Hehe, I am laughing here!!!!

[Lady Nilambari]

I nominate

- Rau: The Great Love Story of Bajirao Mastani

- Devdas

*Even I haven't read these books, I've watched the movies though :P

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Ok, I am ok if we have nominations that are not strictly romance. I am thinking of putting an asterisk and a note in the thread that they do not meet the definition of a genre romance or something like that. And perhaps include a content warning if selected under spoiler. They all sound like something I would be interested in reading at some point.

[Lady Nilambari]

Lady Nilambari wrote: "I nominate

- Rau: The Great Love Story of Bajirao Mastani

- Devdas

*Even I haven't read these books, I've watched the movies though :P"

Both are tragic romances.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Lady Nilambari wrote: "Lady Nilambari wrote: "I nominate

- Rau: The Great Love Story of Bajirao Mastani

- Devdas

*Even I haven't read these books, I've watched the movies though :P"

Bot..."

Thanks for the clarification!

This is going to be an interesting selection process. I am enjoying getting some awareness of these stories already.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

I nominate The Book of True Desires by Betina Krahn. It takes place in Mexico and the Caribbean.

It is book 2 and book 1 is out of print, but thankfully this one is available.

[Jan]

I nominate two books by Candice Proctor. I have enjoyed all of her HRs and they deserve to be more widely read. She's a very good writer.

September Moon 1860s Australia. An English woman is stranded in Adelaide, Australia and takes a job as a governess on a remote outback station (farm).


Beyond Sunrise 1880s, islands of the South Pacific. A fun romance-adventure in the style of Romancing The Stone/ Indiana Jones.

[Jan]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I nominate The Book of True Desires by Betina Krahn. It takes place in Mexico and the Caribbean.

It is book 2 and book 1 is out of print, but thankfully this one is av..."

I'm intrigued by this book Joanna, But unfortunately it doesn't appear to be available on kindle in Australia :(

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Jan wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I nominate The Book of True Desires by Betina Krahn. It takes place in Mexico and the Caribbean.

It is book 2 and book 1 is out of print, ..."

Oh darn. I found both books 1 & 2 as used paperbacks for a good price. I went ahead and went that route because I had book 1 in paperback.

I will think on another nomination that has better access.

[Sam I]

I'd like to nominate tThe Spaniard's Innocent Maiden

I hear amazing things about this author, and this is avail on hoopla.

[Leena]

Lady Nilambari wrote: "Leena wrote: "yayati is a mythological story whit a debauched king. but, its not an hea. so, I'll give that a pass.
can we keep Mandu?? its beautiful."

Debauched king! Hehe, I am laughing here!!!!"
Yayati was an ass. I coukd never forgive him for cheating on Sharmishtha. Devyani wasnt any less. But, I've not read khandekar bk. Thus is Amar Chitra Kathas and our various mythological sources.

[Maureen]

I would like to nominate these two HRs
One is French and the other is Canadian but the time period is the 1930’s during the depression in Alberta, Canada just an hour away from where I live. The author lives in Calgary Alberta. ? Is anything from the 1930’s acceptable?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9...
Lila Di Pasqua A Midnight Dance (Fiery Tale #1)

Brides of Banff Springs by Victoria Chatham (Canadian Historical Brides)

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Maureen wrote: "I would like to nominate these two HRs
One is French and the other is Canadian but the time period is the 1930’s during the depression in Alberta, Canada just an hour away from where I live. The a..."

Yea I would consider 1930’s acceptable. Those sound interesting!

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Sam (AMNReader) wrote: "I'd like to nominate tThe Spaniard's Innocent Maiden

I hear amazing things about this author, and this is avail on hoopla."

This sounds good too! I have this on my TBR but have forgotten how it got there.

[Lady Nilambari]

Maureen wrote: "I would like to nominate these two HRs
One is French and the other is Canadian but the time period is the 1930’s during the depression in Alberta, Canada just an hour away from where I live. The a..."

Ooooh, Lila DiPasqua books are amazing! great nomination Maureen :D

[Mamacita aka MawMaw]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Ok, I am ok if we have nominations that are not strictly romance. I am thinking of putting an asterisk and a note in the thread that they do not meet the definition of a genre romance or something ..."

But this is the Historical ROMANCE
Book Club. Isn't that the same thing as trying to nominate something not Historical??

[Mamacita aka MawMaw]

What about ancient Rome? I'm not sure what all that would entail as the Roman Empire was Huge!

[Sam I]

Mamacita aka MawMaw wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Ok, I am ok if we have nominations that are not strictly romance. I am thinking of putting an asterisk and a note in the thread that they do not meet the definition of ..."

Joanna and I discussed this wrt to Jane Eyre too--it doesn't really fit romance genre for some; we do have 3 books as a possibility (we did this for JE--this will be the year anniversary of expanding # of books per month to allow for a bit of leeway in nomination!) Ultimately, I think we would rather allow the opportunity to have books be chosen if there's enough interest since we still have other book choices to follow romance conventions w/.

Does that make sense.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Mamacita aka MawMaw wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Ok, I am ok if we have nominations that are not strictly romance. I am thinking of putting an asterisk and a note in the thread that they do not meet the definition of ..."

These tales all have romances central to the story from what I can tell. It’s not all that different from discussions we had regarding Jane Eyre. If there is a strong interest in reading one of these with more tragic endings, then I expect good discussions, but I am making sure to note to not expect an HEA.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Mamacita aka MawMaw wrote: "What about ancient Rome? I'm not sure what all that would entail as the Roman Empire was Huge!"

Ancient Rome should be good. I would expect most to take place in the Roman area, but even if they get into the British Isles, it’s not really something that would resemble most other HRs.

[Mamacita aka MawMaw]

OK then I nominate...

1. Captive Bride byJohanna Lindsey
Egypt

2. Mark of the Gladiator by Heidi Belleau
Ancient Rome

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Sam (AMNReader) wrote: "Mamacita aka MawMaw wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Ok, I am ok if we have nominations that are not strictly romance. I am thinking of putting an asterisk and a note in the thread that they do..."

Yea one year! I like having the extra options. Usually there’s more variety and something I am interested in.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

I think I will make my second nom:

As You Desire by Connie Brockway. I believe it takes place in Egypt and it has been on my TBR for awhile.

[Susan]

I would like to nominate Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase

I believe this also takes place in Egypt.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Susan wrote: "I would like to nominate Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase

I believe this also takes place in Egypt."

Yep!

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I nominate The Book of True Desires by Betina Krahn. It takes place in Mexico and the Caribbean.

It is book 2 and book 1 is out of print, but thankfully this one is av..."

Since this one isn’t available everywhere, I will replace this nom with My Fair Concubine by Jeannie Lin. It takes place in China. I haven’t read this one but enjoyed the first two books in the series, and this was the one that came highly recommended to me.

[Sam I]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I nominate The Book of True Desires by Betina Krahn. It takes place in Mexico and the Caribbean.

It is book 2 and book 1 is out of print, ..."

Love Jeannie Lin but have yet to start this series.

[T.]

Sam (AMNReader) wrote: "I'd like to nominate tThe Spaniard's Innocent Maiden

I hear amazing things about this author, and this is avail on hoopla."

I’m completely on board with this one. Great nom, Sam.

[Oleander]

I nominate The Falcon & the Dove by Bonnie Vanak

[Mamacita aka MawMaw]

T. wrote: "Sam (AMNReader) wrote: "I'd like to nominate tThe Spaniard's Innocent Maiden

I hear amazing things about this author, and this is avail on hoopla."

I’m completely on board with th..."

Me too. That one look good

[Mamacita aka MawMaw]

Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "Joanna Loves Reading wrote: "I nominate The Book of True Desires by Betina Krahn. It takes place in Mexico and the Caribbean.

It is book 2 and book 1 is out of print, ..."

I almost nominated book #2

[&#x1f41d; Shaz &#x1f41d;]

I have read the Spaniard innocent maid. I found it a bit boring and skipped pages. Don’t know if I was in the right frame of mind, at the time though.
Like the sound of the Falcon and the Dove.
Need to look and see if I can find a book to nominate

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

I don't think we have any novellas yet if anyone has any.

[&#x1f41d; Shaz &#x1f41d;]

I nominate Heather c Myers To Pillage a Pirate set in Tortuga.

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

For the novella, I nominate:

The Promise of a Kiss by K.C. Bateman - set in Egypt also

[Joanna Loves Reading, Bluestocking of HR novels]

So, the newsletter was just delivered to my mailbox a few hours ago. That is at least half a day after the time I sent it. I think it is closer to a day. In light of that, I will accept nominations until Feb 14.

Thanks!