There are many recognizable features of romance novels, but one that stands out are books with Fabio Lanzoni on the cover, which adds a lot of charm and desire in the form of erotica to the genre.
These types of novels are defined as ones that were published throughout the 1990s. This leaves us with 466 covers that his likeness is on, so there are a lot of novels to choose from, including some that he wrote himself.
In recognition of this presence, we have provided thirteen novels that capture the genre well with a story that you can become lost in.
1. Tiger’s Eye- Karen Robards
This Fabio romance describes the aristocratic lady Isabelle, who sets eyes on the handsome Alec Tyron, who has her at gunpoint and initially scares her. Part of the London underworld that seeks to abduct Isabelle, with many stops and twists to come.
If you like narratives of two people who are wary of each other to start with and are forced together through circumstance and build from the strength and tender man who brings out the best in Isabella in what is described as a regency romance.
2. Pirate- Fabio And Eugenia Riley
This novel that Fabio contributes to himself involves the Italian privateer Marco who saves orphaned 12-year-old Christina Abbott from Spanish pirates. After some time, when she reaches 18, Marco cannot deny his growing love for the young woman.
This novel is a good choice if you like cheesy romances and want a simple story that captures some imagination with a bit of unintentional humor. Some books in these series require a particular taste to be fully appreciated.
3. Man Of My Dreams- Johanna Lindsey
Probably one of the genre’s most popular authors to use the Fabio romance, this novel focuses on Megan Penworthy, who has set her sights on Ambrose St. James, a man she has just met and has every intention of marrying.
While rejecting other suitors, one of them, Devlin Jefferys, vows to seduce Megan and foil the marriage that seems to be set in stone. This novel has a sure touch with many plot shifts and turns filled with humor and intensity.
4. Lovestorm- Judith E. French
This novel starts with Lady Elizabeth Sommersett, who becomes shipwrecked on her way to an arranged marriage. Here she is reduced by a strong warrior who sparks her passion even though her potential husband has already made a claim for her.
The typical helpless female character is given a shake-up as even though Lady Elizabeth is afraid of everything, she still puts others before herself. There’s a good chance you won’t want to put the book down to ensure the characters are okay.
5. Bride Of The Wind- Shannon Drake
In a historical romance fiction with pirates and some regency mixed in, we find Lady Rose Woodbine goes into an unwanted marriage, which causes the potential suitor, Lord Pierce DeForte, to be banished from England, where he lives the life of a pirate.
Now known as dragonslayer, he captures a ship that is carrying Rose, and in a twist of fate, she becomes his prisoner. The adventure and betrayal give you an account that will likely transport you to the time period full of details.
6. The Prince Of Midnight- Laura Kinsale
This story is based on one theme, which is revenge. Lady Leigh Strachan’s family are murdered which makes the village she resides in a hell on earth. She plans to kill her father’s murderer and seeks out the prince of midnight, but not all is what it seems.
The highwayman is presented as no hero and appears weak, but he is drawn to Lady Leigh, who has a determined spirit and a piercing gaze. Even with this, he vows to return to England with her as he cannot resist the challenge, where the ultimate sacrifice is at the center.
7. A Moment In Time- Bertrice Small
This story goes outside of the regency and aristocracy of England to 11th-century Wales, which is a land steeped in ancient Celtic lore and tradition, with a deep-rooted passion that goes beyond time and ultimately shapes their fates.
You have an unconventional young woman character, Wynne of Gwernach, who vows never to marry or be owned by anyone and is innocent and pure of heart. An encounter with Madoc of Powys and this change of desire and passion leads to a captivating story.
8. Highland Rogue- Arnette Lamb
After leaving America for Scotland, Juliet White finds herself at the castle of Lachlan Mackenzie, where she is taken in as a governess for the four daughters, one of which may be the daughter of her dead sister, who Juliet is in search of.
After some time, each girl begins to find a place in Juliet’s heart, and after some time, she begins to have a deep passion for Lachlan. This story of wild yearning and a mix of highland history makes for a mystery that is full of thrills and big reveals.
9. Sunlight- Amanda Ashley
The protagonist, Lainey, is drawn to a spooky old house with an alien romance that is a considerable departure from the romantic fiction troupe and solidifies this story as one that stands out in this niche sub-genre.
As you learn more about Micah, an alien from Xanthia, who is of interest to those who want to capture and study him, they must work together to keep him safe. An inoffensive story without any explicit scenes allows the novel to build on other elements.
10. Eden- Cordia Byers
A historical western romance that threatens the livelihood of part-Cherokee Jessica as her parents are murdered, and after ten years, she returns to fulfill her father’s dream of owning a successful ranch, with her personal goal of reclaiming her proud heritage.
With a lawman and her out-law brother making his way to the ranch, this romance is full of obstacles and personal demons. There are also dark sides and reveals that make this story unpredictable, so you end up with a story that you’ll remember for a while to come.
11. Apache Fire- Judith Steel
Based on the oppression from America towards the Apache people, the struggle is realized when Medowlark Russell devises a plan to catch her father’s killer. There is an Apache culture that is rich and is described in great detail throughout the novel.
A yearning here presents an overwhelming look at the complexities surrounding the native American cultural identity and the feelings of lust. Expect a lot of adventure and inner conflicts, with one of the critical strengths coming from character creation.
12. Captive Rose- Miriam Minger
A historical romance centered on Guy de Warenne and Leia, we find that they have a deeper connection that goes beyond an initial encounter as Guy is a savage barbarian, showing unexpected tenderness that draws the two characters closer together.
With this, you get depictions of Syria and England of the past, which adds immersion. You also have arranged marriages and going against the order of things which can throw readers off the scent and send the story down many possibilities.
13. Dark Whispers- Marylyle Rogers
We finish with a medieval romance about as passionate as you can find in the romance category. You have Rhodare and Alyce, who work together through this pairing to fight those spreading deceit and dark whispers.
Not only this, but we get a depiction of 13th-century Britain with a plot containing dark forces threatening to destroy the man who threatens to capture Alyce’s heart. Expect many conflicts from different sides and a romance that is put under a lot of pressure.
How Are These Novels Picked Out?
This selection looks at a wide range of themes and settings, so the reader can take a trip to the regency of England, all the way to Texas in the wilderness and vast landscapes, which may be places where you least expect a romance to take place.
Note that the covers may differ slightly due to some of these being re-releases, as you could find the original, except they may be harder to come by. They have had Fabio on the cover, and some have him as a contributor to the story.
We’ve also tried to include novels that have a twist on some of the main staples of the genre such as the helpless heroine, as it is apparent that modern readers may not be comfortable with some of the more questionable devices used in novels like these.
In Summary
As images of Fabio can draw deep passion and desires, so do the stories he is on the cover of or has contributed to. Even though some of these stories may feel dated by today’s standards, there is an allure that is everlasting to many readers.