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Today is the final day to win our Valentine’s Week giveaway. For the last week we’ve updated our recommended reads section with one year per day, starting with 2005. Now, we’re up to 2010! We’ve highlighting the greatest books and authors across all the genres to help you make sure that you got a chance to read all the highlights. And we also grew our giant Valentine’s Giveaway, a special prize-pack of books by selected authors from our Recommended Reads lists.
For the last day of our giveaway, we look back on 2010 which was a year of big changes. Several authors made big deals including million plus projects from Janet Evanovich, Debbie Macomber and James Patterson. Meanwhile other fan-favorite authors such as Allison Brennan, Anne Stuart and Meljean Brook started new series. And readers met several new talents who would quickly become beloved voices, including Sarah MacLean, Courtney Milan and Mary Robinette Kowal.
And in the world of romance, there was much to give thanks for. Historical fans got new novels from Liz Carlyle, Elizabeth Boyle and Laura Kinsale. Contemporary readers fell in love with Meg Benjamin’s series and the latest from Jodi Thomas. Paranormal romance saw the release of not one but two fantastic futuristics Enemy Within by Marcella Burnard and Close Contact by Katherine Allred, both had us dreaming of distant galaxies.
See All Of RT's Recommended Reads of 2010 >>
In honor of celebrating our favorite reads, we will be adding six more titles to our giveaway including:
 |  |  | |||
| Sarah MacLean - A Rogue By Any Other Name (ARC) | Cassandra Clare - A Clockwork Prince | Mary Robinette Kowal - Shades of Milk and Honey | |||
Plus these great titles:
Lessons in French by Laura Kinsale
Welcome to Harmony by Jodi Thomas
Unraveled by Courtney Milan
***
Today we take a look back at 2009, which saw many great first time authors enter publishing including historical romance writers Tessa Dare and Jennifer Haymore, YA author Aprilynne Pike and mystery authors Sophie Littlefield and Emily Arsenault. And there was no shortage of new romance series in 2009. Some of our favorites were Gaelen Foley’s historical Inferno Club, Shannon K. Butcher’s paranormal Sentinel Wars and Jaime Rush’s supernatural series, the Offspring.
See All Of RT's Recommended Reads Of 2009 >>
***
On Thursday we looked back at 2008, the year of the first person Urban Fantasy series. Heavyweight author Marjorie M. Liu entered the genre with her Hunters Kiss series featuring protagonist Maxine Kiss. Richelle Mead started her Dark Swan series, introducing readers to Eugenie Markham. And Kim Harrison wowed us with Rachel Morgan in the Hallows series book one, Dead Witch Walking. On the romance front, after a nine-year hiatus to focus on her romantic suspense writing, fan favorite Julie Garwood returned to her historical roots with the RT Reviewers' Choice nominated Shadow Music.
2008 also saw books turning into pop culture hits with the publication of the translated Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, a mystery by Stieg Larsson, which quickly climbed the bestseller lists. And on the big and small screens, vampires ruled. The first movie in the Stephenie Meyer Twilight series came to theaters. And on the small screen, True Blood, the adaptation of Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire series (better known as the Sookie Stackhouse books), became an instant pop phenomenon.
See All Of RT's Recommended Reads Of 2008 >>
***
On Wednesday we focused on 2007, which was a big year for romance readers. Sadly, beloved author Kathleen E. Woodiwiss passed away. However, several new faces joined the genre including Anna Campbell, Victoria Dahl and Monica McCarty. Lisa Kleypas wrote her first contemporary romance and Robyn Carr started her Virgin River series. And on the small screen, Lifetime adapted not one, but four Nora Roberts novels!
On the bookshelves, romance readers found love in short format with Marie Ferrarella’s series romance Doctor in the House. We were treated to a full-throttle adventure in Cherry Adair’s romantic suspense White Heat, enjoyed a genre-defying historical romance in The Hourglass by Barbara Metzger and got to read a story about how a girl in a beaver costume found love in Natural Born Charmer by the unparalleled Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
***
On Tuesday we took a look at 2006, a landmark year in romance. Not only did fan-favorite author Sophie Jordan debut with Once Upon A Wedding Night, which earned her a RT Reviewers' Choice nomination. A few other historical romance debuts of the year include Zoe Archer, Elizabeth Hoyt and Tracy Anne Warren. 2006 also marked a great year for series starters, Amanda Quick began her Arcane Society books with historical romances (a series that would eventually unite the author's books written under her other two pseudonyms, her contemporary Jayne Ann Krentz books and her futuristic Jayne Castle stories). And debuting her Psy/Changeling series with Slave to Sensation, was uber-talented author Nalini Singh.
On the shelves in the romance section, it was a veritable “who’s who” of authors. Readers got new novels from Bertrice Small, Mary Balogh, Lisa Kleypas, Johanna Lindsey, Sue Civil-Brown, Lynn Kurland and more!
See All of RT’s Recommended Reads for 2006 >>
***
On Monday, we traveled back to 2005, an auspicious year which saw the first in several phenomenal series including Lauren Willig’s Pink Carnation novels, J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood books and the first in Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight saga. 2005 also marked the beginning of Samhain Publishing and Ellora’s Cave launched Cerridwen Press.
It was a very good year for romance with must-read titles Much Ado About You by Eloisa James, The Smoke Thief by Shana Abe, Out of Control by Shannon McKenna, The Fixer Upper by Judith Arnold and many more.
See All of RT’s Recommended Reads for 2005 >>
***
Other books in the prize pack:
No Longer A Gentleman by Mary Jo Putney
Angel's Flight by Nalini Singh
Rescue Me by Rachel Gibson
Slow Ride by Erin McCarthy
A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare
My Ruthless Prince by Gaelen Foley
Aftertime by Sophie Littlefield
Secrets of an Accidental Duchess by Jennifer Haymore
Cinnamon Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke
The Proposal by Mary Balogh
Fair Game by Patricia Briggs
Lawe's Justice by Lora Leigh
The Duke Is Mine by Eloisa James
Kitty’s Greatest Hits by Carrie Vaughn
How the Marquess Was Won by Julie Anne Long
Treasure Me by Robyn DeHart
Wicked In Your Arms by Sophie Jordan
Shaded Vision by Yasmine Galenorn
Lothaire by Kresley Cole
Devious by Lisa Jackson
Scandalous Desires by Elizabeth Hoyt
Immortal Rider by Larissa Ione
Blood Law by Karin Tabke
It’s Always Been You by Victoria Dahl
Riptide by Cherry Adair
My Wicked Little Lies by Victoria Alexander
Seven Years To Sin by Sylvia Day
Adam by Jacquelyn Frank
The Hollows Insider by Kim Harrison
The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen
Slow Ride by Erin McCarthy
A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare
My Ruthless Prince by Gaelen Foley
Aftertime by Sophie Littlefield
Secrets of an Accidental Duchess by Jennifer Haymore
Cinnamon Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke
Which book or author you would like to see on our list of Recommended Reads? Let us know in the comments below and automatically be entered to win our Valentine’s Giveaway. The entire list of books in the giant romance giveaway can be yours, or you may win a Samhain gift card! Just leave us a comment or email your comment here with the subject line “Valentine’s Giveaway!” The winner will be announced on February 21st.
BLOG UPDATE 2/14/2012:
And the first round of $10 Samhain gift card winners are: Sania, lanny83, Wehaf and Gayle Jackson.
BLOG UPDATE 2/15/2012:
Winners for Tuesday's Samhain gift card giveaway are: Shan McKinney, Macardle, ChrisS and Angela Conder
BLOG UPDATE 2/16/2012:
Winners for Wednesday's Samhain gift card giveaway are: ann klausing, Trudy Spraker, Sheila Eyre and Susie Branum
BLOG UPDATE 2/17/2012:
Winners for Thursday's Samhain gift card giveaway are: Amanda Hendrick, AnnabelleH, Heather A, Valia
BLOG UPDATE 2/20/2012:
Winners for Friday's Samhain gift card giveaway are: Tina Christopher, Hilary W., Jennifer Wilson, Kelly Mann
BLOG UPDATE 2/21/2012:
And the winner of our giant bin of fabulous books is Sharon Stogner! Congrats Sharon, please check your e-mail.
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Valentine’s Giveaway!
Submitted by Gale Hess (not verified) on February 22, 2012 - 10:06pm.
Jodi Thomas and Christine Feehan. I would like to see Linda Lael Miller.
Valentine's Give Away
Submitted by Jean Merriott (not verified) on February 21, 2012 - 11:47pm.
I love the westerns by Jodi Thomas & the historicals by Mary Balogh, Mary Jo Putney, Julie Anne Long. & Eloisa James. You have an impressive group of talented authors!
I would pick Meredith Duran
Submitted by MaureenCE (not verified) on February 21, 2012 - 4:56pm.
I would pick Meredith Duran as an author I would like to see on a recommended list.
Jodi Thomas is a local
Submitted by DC (not verified) on February 21, 2012 - 4:51pm.
Jodi Thomas is a local favorite.
Valentine's Giveaway
Submitted by Heather A (not verified) on February 21, 2012 - 2:48pm.
My final recommendation would be Ilona Andrews "Edge" series. Edge and and it's inhabitants, caught between our (the Broken) and a magical (the Weird) world, are fascinating and great reading.
Valentines Giveaway
Submitted by JanFred (not verified) on February 21, 2012 - 2:04am.
A lot of good ones on this list. Unless I over looked them, I would like to add Vicki Pettersson's Zodiac Series and Adrian Phoenix The Maker's Song Series.
Good luck everyone
***Valentine’s Giveaway!***
Submitted by Yvonne Toth (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 11:16pm.
What an AWESOME CONTEST! I would love to see something from LYNSAY SANDS "Argeneau series " or anything from Christine Feehan.
Wow that's a contest!
Submitted by Penney Wilfort (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 10:15pm.
Wow that's a contest! congratulations to the winner!
Penney
Valentine’s Giveaway!”
Submitted by Kara (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 9:03pm.
I'm a huge fan of Kim Harrison, Laurell K Hamilton, Cassandra Clare, MaryJanice Davison and Patricia Briggs! All amazing authors!
Valentine's Day book giveaway
Submitted by debbie h (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 8:13pm.
Great books in giveaway!!!!
valentine's Giveaway
Submitted by Melissa F (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 7:38pm.
What a wonderful list of books!
I would have to add the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning, The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher, Anita Blake by Laurell Hamilton, and the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.
Valentine's Giveaway
Submitted by Anne M. (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 7:14pm.
I would absolutely recommend Karen Tabke's new Bloodlaw series and, of course, Karen Marie Moning. These were both keep-me-up-too-late authors.
Valentine's Giveaway
Submitted by Heather A (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 6:01pm.
I'm getting some great new to me authors to read from this contest. Thank you. Today I would like to recommend Karen Marie Moning's Faefever series. I gobbled all 5 books up and was not disappointed.
“Valentine’s Giveaway!”
Submitted by Melissa Madani (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 5:56pm.
Although, I think the list has some amazing authors I would love to see Christine Warren, Annette Blair, Julie James and Maya Banks added to the list in the future.
Valentine's giveaway
Submitted by Leigh Rathbone (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 5:36pm.
Wow, what a brilliant competition with an amazing amount of authors. Some I read and others I think I will have to try.
Valentine's Day Giveaway
Submitted by mvn (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 5:13pm.
Maggie Stiefvater, Melina Marchetta, Laini Taylor, and Juliet Marillier!
Valentine's Giveaway!
Submitted by Rachel Elizabeth (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 5:06pm.
C.L. Wilson, Larissa Ione, Rachel Vincent, and Gena Showalter are some amazing authors!
Recommended Reads...
Submitted by Limecello (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 5:01pm.
So many great books have already been listed - I don't know if it's been mentioned elsewhere but I don't think here... I absolutely adored Jeweled and Jaded by Anya Bast. Both books are of course well written, but I especially loved the world building she did. Very impressive!
Colleen Gleason :)
Submitted by jbon (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 4:39pm.
Colleen Gleason :)
Valentine's Giveaway!
Submitted by Jenni Ebba (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 4:23pm.
Just to name a few (or a lot); Kim Harrison, Christine Feehan, Nalini Singh, Karen Marie Moning, Lynsay Sands, Gena Showalter, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Kristen Painter, J.R. Ward, Meljean Brook, Marjorie M. Liu, Karen Chance.... Is that too many? LOL. I love to read me a good romance.
Valentine's Giveaway
Submitted by SARAH P (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 3:24pm.
Kaki Warner
Recommended Reads
Submitted by Laurie C (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 2:56pm.
Someone else already mentioned Gail Carriger, but I recommend her Parasol Protectorate series too. Thanks for the giveaway!
Valentine's Week Giveaway
Submitted by Mary M. (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 2:40pm.
I saw so many of my favorites on your lists, but I did not see the Tairen Soul series by C.L.Wilson, which started with Lord of the Fading Lands in 2007 and continued for a total of 5 books in the series, published again in 2010. A great world-building/fantasy/shape-shifting epic romance series.
Valentines Giveaway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Submitted by Kim Cornwell (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 1:56pm.
My favorite Kat Martin, Diana Palmer, or Vickie Lewis Thompson. I love them all. I would love to win some new ones that I haven't read.
Valentine's Giveaway!
Submitted by Danielle West (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 1:50pm.
Thank you for the giveaway! No Maya Banks? :)
Valentine's Giveaway - More authors
Submitted by Maria Stefanopoulos (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 1:48pm.
Laura Wright, Kat Martin, Deirdre Martin, Karen M Moning, Carol Snow
Valentine Giveaway
Submitted by Brigitte B. (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 1:37pm.
Anything by Lynsay Sands or Kelley Armstrong
Valentine's Giveaway!
Submitted by Michelle D (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 1:31pm.
Oh wow - the chance to win books by authors I've not yet had the chance to read - such an amazing opportunity.
Here's hoping you pick ME! :-)
Valentine's Giveaway
Submitted by Anne Waxlax (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 1:26pm.
Love Nalini Singh, Gail Carringer, Eileen Wilkes & Kim Harrison
Anything by:
Submitted by AnneM-SC (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 1:24pm.
Suzanne Brockmann
Virginia Kantra
Catherine Mann
There are LOTS more but the list is SO long it might make your head explode! :-D
I can't think of any other
Submitted by Marthapao (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 1:21pm.
I can't think of any other authors! You guys have done an amazing job with all the recs!!
I'm a bookaholic bring them
Submitted by alisha woods (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 1:14pm.
I'm a bookaholic bring them all on. maybe I will discover a new author
Eileen Wilks, Laurell K.
Submitted by joyce holmes (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 1:08pm.
Eileen Wilks, Laurell K. Hamilton, Cheyenne McCray
Valentine's Giveaway!
Submitted by sarajguy on February 20, 2012 - 1:09pm.
Recommendations: Midnight Breed series (Lara Adrian) and Black Dagger Brotherhood and Fallen Angel (JR Ward) series!
Awesome Reads ~~
Submitted by Melissa B (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 1:06pm.
Immortal Rider by Larissa Ione, anything by Lisa Kleypas, Jennifer Haymore, Johanna Lindsey, Elizabeth Hoyt ~ and oh, Lyndsay Sands! LOL, I could list and list, so these are just a few I'd love to see spotlighted!
Anything by Gail Carriger!
Submitted by Vivien (not verified) on February 20, 2012 - 11:40am.
Anything by Gail Carriger!
Kaki Warner, Connie Brockway,
Submitted by loseydoris on February 20, 2012 - 8:49am.
Kaki Warner, Connie Brockway, Theresa Romain
Valentines give away
Submitted by Sharon Stogner (not verified) on February 19, 2012 - 9:22pm.
Kim Harrison, Charlaine Harris and JR Ward are my favorites.
Kim Harrison, Charlaine
Submitted by Sharon Stogner (not verified) on February 19, 2012 - 9:18pm.
Kim Harrison, Charlaine Harris, JR Ward some of my all time favorites :) thanks!
Valentine Giveaway
Submitted by Kelly Mann (not verified) on February 19, 2012 - 6:39pm.
I would like to see Carolyn Brown and Katie Lane
Valentine's Giveaway
Submitted by Jennifer Wilson (not verified) on February 19, 2012 - 5:58pm.
Umm....there are som many authors that are out there. How about...
Stephanie Tyler
Larissa Ione
Jaye Wells
Karina Cooper
Valentine's Giveaway
Submitted by plewis923 (not verified) on February 19, 2012 - 5:38pm.
Sarah Strohmeyer, Emily Giffin,
Valentine's Giveaway
Submitted by plewis923 (not verified) on February 19, 2012 - 5:38pm.
Sarah Strohmeyer, Emily Giffin,
I'd like to see Julie James,
Submitted by Pam Crawford (not verified) on February 19, 2012 - 4:50pm.
I'd like to see Julie James, Kristan Higgins & Katie Lane
Valentine's Giveaway
Submitted by Karen319 (not verified) on February 19, 2012 - 4:25pm.
Brenda Jacksons Westmorland series
Valentine giveaway
Submitted by rockvillelibrary on February 19, 2012 - 4:15pm.
I would add Compulsively Mr. Darcy by Nina Benneton and Victoria Connelly's Dreaming of Mr.Darcy and A Weekend with Mr. Darcy. Sophie Kinsella's new one- I've got Your Number is very enjoyable as well.
Sharon (rockvillelibrary)
I'd add Jaci burton, Maya
Submitted by Hilary W. (not verified) on February 19, 2012 - 3:36pm.
I'd add Jaci burton, Maya banks, Lora LEigh, Shiloh Walker and Lori Foster!!
Maria V Snyder is one I've
Submitted by Martha M. (not verified) on February 19, 2012 - 3:17pm.
Maria V Snyder is one I've always wanted to read but have never gotten around to it!
Valentine Giveaway
Submitted by Tina Christopher (not verified) on February 19, 2012 - 3:17pm.
Wow, what an amazing list:). I would love to see Christine Warren on the list. Her Others series is amazing as well as Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels series.
Thanks for the opportunity.
Tina
Valentines Give Away
Submitted by MomRachel (not verified) on February 19, 2012 - 3:12pm.
My favorite is the Dark Sword series by Donna Grant. Right now I'm reading Shadow Highlander. It is a wonderful series about highland men with demons inside them and their Druid lovers.
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