Kind of along the lines of the "how do I choose what to read next" topics, I think I want to try out some new material. So tell me, girls, what is your one absolute favorite of all time romance novel, and why?

Mine is A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Devereaux - I remember it being the first time-travel romance I'd read, and it was absolutely the most heartbreaking, most incredibly romantic story I'd ever read. I have lots more faves, especially since I like the steamy scenes, but this one kept my heart.

Well, it's not at all steamy, but Angelica by Sharon Shinn. It just melts my heart. This is the book for people who like noble yet vulnerable heroes and strong heroines.  For some excellent steam, The Shadow and the Star by Laura Kinsale.

OK My absolute favorite, read every year is Ransom by Julie Garwood. 

But I also re-read the entire Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon each year too.

Wow, that's really a toughie! I think if I had to grab just a handful of books to flee the wrecking ball I'd absolutely have to save LORD OF SCOUNDRELS by Loretta Chase - I reread it every May (Dain's birthday is in May) and I've read it a dozen times; I think it's just about perfect and. I also reread Howard's DUNCAN'S BRIDE ervery year, as well as Heyer's FREDERICA and ARABELLA.. I love DP because I like the MOC/MOB stories and the H/H were so completely opposite, she stood up to him. I love the Heyers because I think they're two of her best although I do like a few others of hers that I reread periodically - the humor in ARABELLA is priceless, and I like the way Alverstoke crumbles in FREDERICA.

I think I may have that Shinn book, Willa, but am not sure. I love that kind of hero.

Sherry, I'm totally awed that you reread all the Outlanders every year. I read the first book (loved it) but the thought of reading the rest of those huge books cowed me. That book - and SHOGUN - are the two biggest books I've ever read.

A lot of people I know didn't like KISA because of the ending, but I think they just didn't "get it". I have the book in HC and will never part with it though I haven't reread it in a very long time. As you say, soooooo many books, so little time, that I wonder why I reread but there are times when that comfort read is needed, you know exactly what to expect.

Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn.  I love the fact that the h/h have known each other a very long time, that the heroine isn't drop dead gorgeous and her family isn't dripping money.  I love the fact that the hero doesn't know why he feel for her or when, but that he knows he loves her.

K

Jeez, I have so many:P  My very favorite books; the ones I will never part with, are my Marsha Canham books, all of them, but especially the Robin Hood series, Pale Moon Rider & Across a Moonlit Sea.  And then Meredith Duran's Duke of Shadows, Delicious By Sherry Thomas, The Bridal Season & Bridal Favors by Connie Brockway,  Flowers From The Storm by Laura Kinsale, and Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase. 

Oops... and editing again, because I left out my Judith Ivory books - definitely Untie My Heart and The indiscretion:P

I guess my all time favorite is Same Time, Next Year by Debbie Macomber.  To pin it down to one book is quite hard as there are several other books by her, Linda Howard, and Janet Dailey that I'd not part with. 

Wildest Hearts by Jayne Ann Krentz seems to be my most re-read though I have others I re-read often.

I loved Wildest Hearts!  I have quite a few older JAK's books on my keeper shelf that I read from time to time.  Another one I like is A Coral Kiss - that's an oldie but goodie . I pull that one out and read it probably every 6 months or so.

My absolute favorite book would have to be Oulander by Diana Gabaldon. 

Ooh, thank you everybody for sharing! I have already ordered the Sharon Shinn book Willa named, and this list will keep me going for quite some time I can see. I especially love JAK in all her incarnations, but I don't think I've read Wildest Hearts yet as I'm more of a historical and scifi subgenre junkie than contemporary.

I do hope to see more contributions to this thread, I love hearing from other people not only what they like but why.

"Years" by LaVyrle Spencer and "Beyond All Reason"  by Judith Duncan

That is also my favorite book of all times along with every other Jude Deveraux book.  I am trying to collect them all and just lack a couple of the ones that she has short stories with other authors. . . ahh  we all need a Knight in Shining Armor.

Susie

There are many historicals I love.  Just about anything by Loretta Chase (especially Lord of Scoundrels and Mr.  Impossible is on my can't miss list). I also really loved Devil in Winter and Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas, One Perfect Rose by Mary Jo Putney and the first four books of Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series.

My one perfect romance, as far as just a sweet emotionally perfect fairy tale, though is probably Morning Glory by Lavyrle Spencer.  Will Parker is about as a perfect a Prince Charming as there is.