Affairs of the heart, forbidden fruit and just plain good lovin'
The Dragon and the George by Gordon R Dickson (1976)
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Lowly academic Jim Eckert finds himself in an alternate world in the body of a dragon. His mission, to rescue his fiancée Angie from the Dark Powers and the evil dragon Bryagh. Problem is that there are some 'georges' to deal with (humans so named for previous dragon encounters with St George). Worse still, England itself is in great peril. Dickson's rip-roaring fantasy classic.
The Riftwar Saga is yet another epic fantasy series in the sword & sorcery vein. An apprentice magician has enough appeal to win the heart of a princess, then gets all caught up in the eternally eternal struggle between Order and Chaos. There is nothing too complicated here from Feist, but simplicity is often a good thing. Magician has also been published as a two-part paperback.
The Mists Of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley (1983)
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The Arthurian legend told through the eyes of the women in the mythical king's life. The manipulative Morgaine, Arthur's half-sister and a high priestess of the old religion, is pitted against Queen Gwenhwyfar, who is torn between duty and her love for Lancelot. Wonderful retelling with a truly feminine outlook. Filmed as an eye-catching TV miniseries.
Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin (1983)
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Romantic fantasy set in an imagined New York City of the 20th century. While robbing a mansion master thief Peter Lake meets and falls in love with a fatally ill woman. With the help of his magical horse he is driven to "stop time and bring back the dead". The novel's title is taken from Shakespearean play in which the major character disappears for an inordinately lengthy period of time.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (1992)
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Steamy romance with a fantastical time-travelling twist. While on her second honeymoon Claire Randall touches a magic stone and is sent back in time to 16th century Scotland. She gets dangerously entangled with a hunky 16th century Scottish highlander, which poses no end of ethical dilemmas. Pacey bestseller with a legion of female fans.
The Baker's Boy by J V Jones (1995)
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Nicely written fantasy epic and first in the Book Of Words trilogy. The king is dying and conspirators want to marry off a noblewoman to an evil prince and gain control of the crown. She's not having any part of it and runs off with a kitchen apprentice who, as it turns out, has magical powers. Probably needs them on his salary.
Daughter of the Forest [S1] by Juliet Marillier (1999)
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Superb historical fantasy based on an ancient Celtic myth. Although the book's main attraction to most will be its romantic elements, there are fascinating insights into the plight of paganism in the face of the rise of Christianity. A woman with a troubled childhood sets out to break a spell that has turned her six brothers into swans, in the process falling in love with one of the 'enemy'.
The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold (2001)
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Hugely popular sci-fi author proving she is equally adept in the fantasy sphere. This is a superb medieval sword and sorcery adventure/romance, with a hero so utterly engaging one can't help but be on his side. Cazaril overcomes betrayal to return to the royal household as tutor to a princess threatened by dark forces. He risks all to save the princess and Chalion itself.
