Best Romance Novelists

Best romance novelists are writers who draw readers in with a beautiful love story and keep them interested with compelling details. Romance novels have come a long way in recent years. No longer are romance fans limited to mere "bodice-rippers": Now, romance writers are churning out elaborate tales that incorporate elements of historical fiction and even science fiction. Whether it's contemporary romance, paranormal romance or historical romance novels, I've tried to compile a comprehensive list of the best romance novelists around. That's a tough task, and I'm pretty certain I've missed more than a few. Romance novel fans, if you don't see your personal favorite author on this list, please add them! Also, be sure to vote for your favorite romantic novel writers.

I've included several contemporary romance novelists on this list, but I also tried to list some of the classic romance writers as well. Good example? Jane Austen. No list of the best romance novelists would be complete without adding Jane Austen! Another example? Margaret Mitchell, author of the epic romance novel 'Gone With the Wind.' Some of the authors I've included on this list are winners of the RITA Award, given by the Romance Writers of America (RWA). Among them: Nora Roberts, LaVyrle Spencer and Diana Gabaldon. Roberts is one of the best-selling romance writers of all-time. Gabaldon's epic 'Outlander' series is without question my favorite historical romance series ever.

If you're a huge reader, you might also be interested in these lists of the best historical novelists, fantasy authors, crime authors and young adult authors. Also, check out the list for 2011's best novels and best non-fiction books.