Hi all-

This is my first post here. I loved the "sex words that make you go EWWW" thread.

I've been looking for contemporary romance novels set mostly or somewhat in the outdoors. Historical romance doesn't always work for me because I have a hard time reconciling the sometimes very modern characters in the period settings. Cabin fever explains the outdoors theme (farming, ranches, hiking, whatever.) ;)

I also like romances that are pretty light and are funny. If it was good enough (or with enough drama)  to end up on an Oprah list somehow, I probably would not  spend my weekend improving myself by reading it. ;)

I like and have read most of Vicki Lewis Thompson's work if that gives you an indication of a style.  I've found a couple books with promise that I've already requested: Sharing Spaces by Nadia Nichols and Just Dare Me by Stephanie Bond.

Do you have any other recommendations?  Have I narrowed down the list of books too far? I'm open to any good book that mostly fits.  Any thoughts, recommendations, or authors are totally appreciated.

A lot (if not all) of the Cherry Adair TFLAC books take place outdoors.  I believe the first one is in a cabin, one is actually the iditarod.  I enjoyed her books because I do like the outdoor aspect as well.

Linda Howard has several books that involve outdoors as well.  Her most recent involves a plane crash and survival, Up Close and Dangerous.  I know she has several more, but I cannot recall their names right now. 

A good chunk of No Regrets by Shannon Butcher takes place at a hunting cabin. 

Blue Flame by Jill Shalvis takes place at a mountain retreat/Dude ranch. 

Neither of them is light or funny. They're romantic thrillers and very good.

The Trouble With Paradise also by Jill Shalvis has a comedic aspect and is about a group of people who get temporarily stranded on an island after a Yachting accident.

My favorite contemporary author is Rachel Gibson.  Can't help with the outdoor theme, but See Jane Score and True Confessions are great books.

Thanks all for the suggestions!!  They are much appreciated.  I'll be tracking those authors/books down.  Thanks again!

Susan Elizabeth Phillips This Heart of Mine. It is not entirely outdoors but has a lot of outdoor scenes since the main characters are running a B&B/campground.

One of Linda Howard's Mackenzies, I think Game of Chance, fits this, I think. Also, Lisa Plumley's Reconsidering Riley, I remember being cute. The hero is a real outdoorsy type and the heroine is a city gal.

Most of Amy J. Fetzers recent romantic-suspense novels are set outside or mostly outside.

Sherri