Romance

Popular romances, especially the series lines, go out of print quickly and in most cases never get another print run. Being able to replace old copies or buy classic titles is a plus for many libraries. (Increasing ebook availability means the future will be very different, but until every romance, past and present, is available electronically and readers have switched to digital ink, hard copy reprints will continue to be part of the literary landscape.)

As useful as it is, however, this current surfeit of reprints can be problematic with regard to identifying titles as such. Fortunately, publishers will often market books as reprints, especially if they are early works of now-famous authors. Also, most writers mention the earlier publication history in an author's note, and at least one, Nora Roberts, has created a logo for her works that are not reprints.

Librarians and savvy readers have long known to check the verso of the title page for dates and publication information. However, if books are revised or rewritten, which is often the case if they are dated or not sexy enough for current tastes, the original copyright date may not be listed. And unless the author or publisher provides provenance, it won't be evident that this is based on an earlier work. Checking author web pages and bibliographies will usually denote earlier titles, and Worldcat (www.worldcat.org) can be useful as well.

Things become more difficult if the book has been retitled without explanation. If you suspect a reprint or revision, you will need to do some sleuthing—looking into book descriptions of likely titles and original reviews (if there are any), checking with other readers and online lists and sites, maybe even borrowing books through interlibrary loan. Is it worth all the effort? Yes; nothing annoys readers more than checking out books they assume are new, only to discover that they have read them before.

Based on legends surrounding the mystical Holy Grail, this quartet sweeps readers across time periods with emotionally compelling, often lyrically written tales of courage, sacrifice, love—and roses. A young woman of ancient lineage is destined to bring peace to 12th-century England when she finds her protector, and together they call forth the chalice in Beverley's "The Raven and the Rose"; a Guardian must use her powers to keep the Grail safe during World War II in Mary Jo Putney's "The White Rose of Scotland"; a debutante is charged with keeping the Grail out of Napoleon's grasp in Karen Harbaugh's charming "The English Rose: Miss Templar and the Holy Grail"; and an American grad student studying in England becomes involved in a strange fey tale involving the Grail in Barbara Samuel's "Eternal Rose." VERDICT This beautifully crafted anthology by some of the genre's best is graced with flawless writing, touches of humor, and magical, creative plots.

Vowing retribution on the seer whom she considers responsible for her family's slaughter, Moira finally finds her quarry in Connor, counselor to Diarmid, Lord of the Isles. But when her plan fails and she is captured, Moira discovers a mesmerizing man tormented by his visionary gift and his unknown past—and she is torn between vengeance and love. Jealousy and political intrigue inspire much of the action in this faery-tinged, explicitly sexy story, the first in a trilogy featuring similarly gifted brothers and set amid the wild splendor of medieval Scotland. VERDICT Violent, brutal, and hotly passionate, this compelling, magical romance combines ancient myth with medieval reality and beautifully sets the stage for the books to come. Brisbin (The Conqueror's Lady), who lives in southern New Jersey, is a seasoned historical writer; this is her first Brava title.

Children of parents who died in a notorious murder-suicide, the five Sharpe siblings have been behaving outrageously for years. Their grandmother threatens to cut them out of her will unless they settle down and marry within the year, so the eldest, Oliver, Marquess of Stoneville, hatches the perfect plan. Unfortunately, he brings home an American heiress in search of her missing fiancé as his "betrothed" instead of the doxy he'd intended. Reprising a charming reprobate from her "School for Heiresses" series as her hero, Jeffries has launched a another sparkling series with winning potential. VERDICT Lively repartee, fast action, luscious sensuality, and an abundance of humor make the first installment of the "Hellions of Halstead Hall" essential for libraries. Jeffries (Wed Him Before You Bed Him) lives in North Carolina.

Suffering recurring blackouts, Jack Winters fears he is falling victim to the centuries-old Winters curse and will turn into an unstable monster if he doesn't locate the legendary Burning Lamp. Jack seeks help from smart, skeptical PI Chloe Harper, whose rare dreamlight talent is necessary to work the lamp's magic. But others, some with far more sinister agendas, are also in search of the lamp, and as the puzzle pieces slowly fall into place, the danger to Jack and Chloe ratchets up. Part of the ongoing "Arcane Society" titles, this is the first in "The Dreamlight Trilogy," which will include not only a book under Krentz's historical pseudonym, Amanda Quick, but will add a new dimension with a volume by Krentz's futuristic alter ego, Jayne Castle, as well. VERDICT Sparkling with sharp wit, clever, complex plotting, intelligent humor, and electric sensuality, this lively story drops just enough hints to tease readers; classic Krentz (Running Hot).

Although denied her proper come-out because her elder sister needed another season, Lady Eugenia Abbott plans to enjoy herself to the fullest when she goes to Brighton with her aunt. But more than frivolity awaits Genie at the seaside, and before long she is caught up in a mystery full of twists and deceptions. VERDICT Murder, greed, and hidden identities are skillfully interwoven with witty banter in this vivacious tale that finally sees Genie happy—and wed to the correct man. California-based Marks (His Lordship's Chaperone) writes some of the few traditional Regencies currently on the market.

Cleo Spencer desperately needs to marry in order to gain control of her inheritance and avoid her lecherous uncle's evil plots. Sir Alexander Jones needs money to light up the crime-ridden streets of the St. Giles rookery and find his missing brother. When chance throws them together, they agree to wed, never imagining they are putting their lives—and their hearts—in danger. Meticulously researched, this intriguing romance combines simmering sexual tension and subtle humor with a growing puzzle and offers a stark contrast between the world of the elite and the fetid stews of the underclass. VERDICT Moore gives readers a grim glimpse of some of the realities of the period often ignored by the genre. Focusing on the three sons of a legendary London courtesan, "Sons of Sin," with its ongoing mystery, promises to be a stunning trilogy. Moore (Sexy Lexy) lives in Mill Valley, CA.

Reclusive horror novelist Jamis Quinn is at his wits' end since gorgeous social worker Natalie Steeger inherited her grandmother's house next door and turned it into a summer camp for at-risk kids. Mirabelle Island has long been his refuge from a still-haunting tragedy, and the last thing he needs is a group of needy kids or a sexy do-gooder trying to change his life. VERDICT A disillusioned grouch meets a determined charmer in a warm, engrossing tale enhanced by captivating kids and a blend of upbeat, fast-paced writing and poignant reality. Brenna's latest Mirabelle Island romance is a winner. Brenna (First Comes Twins) lives in Plymouth, MN.

Caught in a South Dakota blizzard when his aging truck gives out, bull rider Zach Beaudry barely manages to make it to the Drexler ranch in time for Ann and her sister, Sally, to thaw him out. But Zach is no stranger to Ann. Their one-night stand years earlier (which he can't remember) has left her wary and skittish, creating problems for Zach, who has decided Ann is the "angel" for him. VERDICT Although second in a series that readers will want to explore, this funny, spicy story is a touching holiday confection; overflowing with family and an abundance of likable characters, it more than stands on its own. Eagle (In Care of Sam Beaudry) is noted for her sensitive, realistic portrayal of Native American characters and issues; she lives in the Minneapolis area.

With the Salo family wedding curse banished and boredom setting in, Nana Vancy decides to test her Hungarian "matchmaking gift" on the new office manager at the family construction company. Pairing lovely Eve Allen with the sexy freelance writer who lives next door would be perfect, except that Eve wants nothing to do with men at the moment, especially one who crushed her belief in Santa Claus in kindergarten and then stood her up in high school. But TC Potter is out to change her mind, and, with Nana's help, he just might do it. VERDICT Jacobs's latest hilarious foray into the crazy lives of the Salos is a candy-cane-sweet holiday read that will leave readers smiling and wondering about Nana Vancy's next targets. Jacobs (Unexpected Gifts) lives in Erie, PA.

Continuing the holiday-with-a-vampire tradition in a suspenseful and sometimes violent but always romantic style, this latest anthology includes three life-changing tales from three of the genre's favorites. A beautiful vampire bartender is attracted to a police officer and must make a chilling decision in Jones's "Sundown." A grieving young woman discovers secrets about her family and finds love with an unexpected guardian in Lisa Childs's "Nothing Says Christmas like a Vampire." Misunderstandings, family issues, and prejudice threaten to keep a vampire and a werewolf apart in Bonnie Vanak's fierce and funny "Unwrapped." VERDICT An atypical trio that bring holiday sparkle to the genre's darker side.

A skeptical literature professor with love-avoidance issues is swept back to Camelot and into the mystical world of King Arthur. This lively time-travel tale is a reprint of one of award winner Alexander's earliest works (Love Spell, 1998).

An intrepid young woman goes to a remote Scottish castle to investigate her friend's mysterious death and finds danger, deception, and love in this reprint of a classic Victorian Gothic romance (Jove, 1991) enhanced with new black-and-white illustrations. Drake is a pseudonym for Heather Graham. (The review copy did not indicate that this was previously published; the final version will likely correct that.)

When a baby turns up in her traveling coach as she journeys to Bath, Clare Fairchild sets out to find the mother, little realizing that both love and pitfalls await. This traditional Regency (Signet: NAL, 1992) will be welcomed by fans of the subgenre. A number of Hendrickson's earlier titles are being reprinted; she lives in Reno, NV.

In the Ecuadorian cloud forest on the hunt for her missing business partner, a wealthy, headstrong woman and the sexy guide her powerful father insists she hire find passionate adventure. This lushly descriptive sizzler was a Silhouette Desire classic (1988) and one of a number of Lowell's earlier works reprinted by Severn House in hardcover. Lowell also writes under her own name, Ann Maxwell.