Entries from April 2009 ↓
April 30th, 2009 — Between the Sheets, Covers, Fabio Search
Busy, busy, busy! No rest for Mr. Romance. Charles Paz is already off working on photo shoots and got a wicked sunburn for his efforts. Don't worry Charles, I know right were the aloe is and I can help rub it in... I mean... uh... ahem... right. Where was I? Oh yes, between some crazy antics at the shoot and aloe rubbing Charles and I sat down to go into detail on his win at Romantic Times 2009.
How does it feel to not only win Mr. Romance, but to also be Readers’ Choice?
I was shocked and surprised. Winning Mr. Romance is truly an honor and a privilege. I'm very excited to be a part of all of this. A year ago I wouldn't have thought I could be anything; now I have this. Winning this competition is cool because I get a cover contract, and getting to come back next year to be a part of the ceremony is an extra cherry on top.
Winning the Readers' Choice, in my opinion, is just as sweet as the cover model win. I'm glad that I made a great impression with the people who attended the convention because, let's face it, this week was all about them. It's about them having a great time and enjoying themselves. For me to be a part of their experience and getting to contribute to them having an awesome time is something I can't explain. I'm just very honored to have met such wonderful people at this event and want to let them know that this means a lot to me.
What was your favorite part about the competition and the convention?
My favorite part of the competition was winning, duh! HAHAHAHA! Seriously though, I enjoyed giving the crowd a show and making sure they enjoyed themselves. Hearing the crowd react to things I did during the competition was very cool and reassured me that they were being entertained, which was the main point of the competition.
As far as the convention goes, I'd have to say that seeing a group of people so passionate about something all gathered in an area is always an awesome thing. I'm very new to this world of Book Lovers. Seeing and experiencing what they love was something I will not forget. Probably one of the coolest things was seeing the readers meet the authors that they love and getting their books signed. The smiles on these ladies faces were priceless.
What were some of the things you did behind the scenes at RT?
Most of the time behind the scenes was spent rehearsing for our show. If we weren't at an event, we rehearsed. I didn't get much downtime, but I did manage a few gym sessions while I was there. It was almost like a trip in Vegas, where the only time you are in your room is to take a shower and a power nap. LOL. I spent a lot of time as well chatting with people by the pool and around the convention. I didn't stay in my room, I made sure I was out and about.
Funniest thing a person said to you while in Orlando:
Funniest thing someone said to me? Well, if it was said, I guarantee it was said by fellow contestant Franco D'Angelo. The entire time he had all of us guys cracking up. We were like two sides of the same coin. My stomach hurt from laughing so much.
One of the things that was kinda funny, that actually made me blush a lot, were the women there that would tell me, "I'm too old for you, but my daughter is not. You should meet her." It was said more than just a few times and it was very flattering.
How do you think winning this competition will affect your image?
I hope that this will boost my image and help me get seen. I'm on Model Mayhem. That was what I have been doing before this event. You can actually see my work by going to that site and searching my number #591117. It's just a sample of what I have done. I'm looking forward to doing the book cover for Dorchester Publishing and hope that the this can help me land other covers and possibly acting as well. I'd love to take this win as far as I can and hope that you all will see me again.
One piece of advice you’d give future Mr. Romance candidates:
The best advice I can give to the other guys is this... The competition is cool and fun, but remember the real reason why you are there: the people. Somebody told me this is their Christmas, their one chance to get away and have a vacation to have a good time and relax. Make sure you remember that when you are speaking to them. You will get noticed by publishers and authors, and you will get business cards for future projects, but make sure everyone there is having a great time. I can safely say that me and the other guys did a great job doing that. Every time I looked around, I saw them engaged in conversation with people and they all looked like they were happy. That's what matters most!
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I would love to thank everyone I met this week. You all helped make it one of the best times of my life. The contestants, the readers, the organizers, all of you guys are very much appreciated and words can not express how thankful I am for all of this. I hope everyone got home safely and that I am looking forward to seeing you all next year! =-)
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April 30th, 2009 — Between the Sheets, Covers, Fabio Search, Poll
C’mon, sit down, relax and grab a cuppa Joe. Well no, a cuppa Eric actually. Eric Truglia sat down with me recently to discuss what went down at the Romantic Times Convention in Orlando where he was a contestant in the Mr. Romance contest. Giving us a unique look on the experience Eric shares why he competed along with exclusive behind-the-scenes gossip!
One thing you think the ladies should know about you:
Eric: I love to make people smile and laugh. I enjoy bringing happiness to others.
Why did you decide to compete in Mr. Romance?
Eric: I was always self conscience about myself. I lost a lot of weight and my confidence in myself started to rise, and that's why I started up modeling plus the reassurance given to me by my loving girlfriend. I really enjoyed it and wanted to see how far I could go. I've noticed that if I start toeing at something I end up getting too nervous and let fear take control of my actions. So instead of toeing at the edge of the river I dove head first into it.
What was your favorite part about the competition and the convention?
Eric: My favorite part about the competition was that it reminded me of my high school theatre days. Rehearsing everyday and being behind the stage brought back great memories. The fact that all of the competitors, to me at least, bonded together like the way the crew and the actors did at my school made the feeling more surreal.
My favorite part of the convention would honestly have to be that I finally met and get my picture taken with the author who first got me into reading: Pears Anthony. I honestly had to force myself to stop from babbling to him. He is one of my biggest heroes. I never thought in my entire life I would meet him let alone shake his hand.
What were some of the things you did behind the scenes at RT?
Eric: Behind the scenes I helped out whenever I could as to take some of the load off of the hands of the staff, who by the way are some of the greatest group of people to be around and I was honored to work with them and my fellow competitors.
Funniest thing a person said to you while in Orlando:
Eric: Scuba! Inside joke with the guys.
One piece of advice you'd give future Mr. Romance candidates:
Eric: To future candidates I just say be yourself. Don't try and be something you're not. People can see through that.
You can find Eric on Facebook and Model Mayhem.
PS... When I saw this picture of Eric, my mind did a little fizzle...
Why? Because he totally looked like the new members of the New Moon crew, you know the ones, those in that sexy werewolf pack running around in La Push these days.
Now if Eric were cast as Jacob Black, I would be over the moon, pun intended, because Eric is hot! What say you?
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April 28th, 2009 — About, Author Interviews
I sent out a query on Twitter to romance authors and readers if they'd be interested in answering two quick questions. These two questions are ones that I personally love to ask romance authors when I interview them because the answers are always different and unique even though both deal with emotion and passion. It's inspiring really to see how they can be defined. Below are the questions and their responses; how would you answer them?
How do you define love?
Leigh Ellwood: I see love as the feeling in your heart, somewhere between softening and swelling, you experience when you are near your partner. No matter how they look, what they are wearing, or how long you've been together - you still get that tingle when you kiss and that itching desire to grab 'em!
Carolyn Jewel: A deep and abiding respect and admiration (since I can't use the word "love"). Two people who are aware of each other's flaws and find it makes little to no difference.
Rai-mon Nemar: Love is - Thinking to yourself "if you just act on your dreams you'll rule the world", and yet you're actions are consistently made with someone else's well being in mind.
Love is - When you feel as though your personal and professional pursuits wouldn't have had as much meaning without that someone who's traveled the journey with you. They might even be worthless.
Love is - Not an emotion! It is a choice you make daily to stay the course and live your life with someone and know you'll be better for it.
What makes a great bedroom scene?
Leigh Ellwood: I like a slow build-up, a painfully teasing undress and kisses that explore the skin like a roadmap. I like dialogue, too. Sex doesn't have to be a mute activity. Where there is communication, it only ramps up the sex appeal.
Carolyn Jewel: There must be something at risk, something changed between them afterward. If your characters aren't risking anything emotionally through their intimacy, then it's just boring. Every bedroom scene has to change the relationship between the characters. This can include making things seem even worse, by the way. Intimacy does not always equal happy ever after, especially early on in a relationship. It's not only about who's touching who where. The best bedroom scenes never, ever lose focus on the emotion, even when one of the characters thinks there isn't any.
Rai-mon Nemar: I'd say it's like it real life. It's all about the foreplay and more importantly the anticipation. Then "learning" how the person reacts to the certain things you do. Kissed this (nothing), touched that (nothing) bit her fat (she sucked her teeth for almost a minute like bacon sizzling) hopefully you know what I mean.
To read other responses to these questions, check out Love Romance Passion's additional author interviews.
If you are the owner of a review blog or are a romance author and are interested in participating in this survey please send your responses (and links) to Keira: reviewromancenovel at yahoo dot com.
Photo Credits: 1
Originally posted 2008-12-30 05:01:50. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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April 28th, 2009 — Between the Sheets, Covers, Fabio Search, Poll
Ladies (& Gents), I would like to introduce you to Mr. Stefan Pinto, the first-runner up at the Romance Times' Mr. Romance contest. Scoring a romance novel contract and some extra publicity, Pinto says he's a "full-time geek, sometimes model." Who doesn't love a sexy brain? Heck, brawn and brains, I know he has, as Mr. Pinto is so kindly helping a friend of mine code and slice her website up in Adobe-land. I tell you, the more I know about him, the more delectable he becomes. From sheiks to doctors, rogues to bosses, billionaires to bronco-riding cowboys, he's sure to make us swoon. Pinto took some time away from his busy schedule to give me some exclusive, first-hand information going behind the scenes of the competition, as well as, a unique perspective on the world of romance novels.
Why did you decide to compete in Mr. Romance?
Stefan: A friend who runs a PR firm in NY, receives RT magazine and suggested I enter. It never occurred to me that I will be a contestant let alone even place in the top five!
How do you feel about winning 2nd place at Mr. Romance?
Stefan: Ecstatic! It is a dream come true for me. I know that sounds cliche, but you must understand; I was once overweight. Growing up, I suppose you could say I was a "nerd" (I still am, actually). Yea, I had zits, wore glasses and had buck teeth.
What happens now?
Stefan: Ha ha. I don't know. I've been in touch with Circle of Seven productions and they have been very forthcoming with their responses. I am looking forward to working with them.
What was your favorite part about the competition and the convention?
Stefan: Bonds. I connected with some of the contestants as well as with some of the authors. Everyone was open to meeting and this was what is most important to me. I really enjoyed the people I met and know that we will remain in touch.
What were some of the things you did behind the scenes at RT?
Stefan: As we spent most of our time with each other, we developed some strong bonds. There is always that initial sense of trepidation when meeting new people that you will be competing with, but ultimately, if you are willing, you can develop some wonderful relationships. We spent a lot of time making fun of one another, in jest of course, sharing our experiences and giving advice.
Funniest thing a person said to you while in Orlando:
Stefan: What is your intellectual capacity? I answered, and we ended up having a nice chat. I wonder if she voted for me?
One piece of advice you'd give future Mr. Romance candidates:
Stefan: Bring snacks! It is a grueling competition mostly because of the back-to-back events and you do not want to run low on fuel. I go crazy when I am hungry.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Stefan: This event changed my life. It was truly an opportunity and I am blessed to have shared it with such enthusiastic and considerate people. Everyone was just amazingly wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Aww... isn't he terrific? You can find Stefan on Twitter, Pinto Factory, Facebook, and Model Mayhem. Be sure to drop in and say hi, he's very friendly and amiable.
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April 27th, 2009 — 4.5 Stars, Book Review, Counts, Marquis, Viscounts, Divorced, Foster/Orphan, G-I, Great Britain, Handicap, Heiress, Native American, Queen or Princess, Regency, Scarred Hero, United States of America, Virgin Heroine, Warrior, Widow or Widower
I took great pleasure in reading this novel. It wasn’t a typical romance though it held many of the typical pieces you would find in a romance. Atypical you ask? Yes! The heroine for instance was raised by the Dakota, or Native American Indians. She had to return to England to pursue the rest of her destiny and avenge her dead mother. The banter was particularly snappy between the leads. The sex too was pretty phenomenal on the scale of none to steamy. I read this in about a day and half; I would put it down and couldn’t wait to get back to it as soon as possible.
The cover on this novel is hysterical, at least my version which is pretty old. My sister-in-law picked it up thinking a boob was sticking out, flagrant nipples and all, but realized upon closer inspection that it was simply a circular diamond pin stuck to the front of the dress. To me the models look like they are wrapped up in a sleeping bag decorated in some ancient Regency pattern. For being raised by the Dakotas in America, she’s certainly pale, no sign of a tan at all – on the cover or in the book. I wonder why that is? Could it be because society would have been shocked down to their slippers and boots?
Christina Bennett is the crème de la crème. The moment her dainty foot hit the first ballroom, London society gasped and capitulated at her feet. She finds it silly and they call her Princess, even though her father has lost his kingdom, even though she’s never met her father in person. With pale white hair and the deepest sky blue eyes, Christina is a lioness. Her arrival to London was predicted by a shaman’s dream and her destiny was to seek out justice for the crimes against her and her mother.
Is it any wonder when she’s introduced to the Marquess of Lyonwood that she was shaken from her stupor? The man looked fierce and vulnerable at the same time. He held himself like a warrior and bore a warrior’s scar down his cheek. To Christina, he looked positively virile and masculine, a far cry of the fops and dandies she’d met again and again from ballroom to ballroom. He was like a lion too, lithe and predatory. When he pursues her, part of Christina wants to give in and part of her fears doing so because she could learn to love him… worse he could learn to love her and her stay with the English was only ever meant to be temporary.
With tempting kisses and secret trysts, Christina’s head swims with the heady sensations of newly experienced passion. She begs him to marry her in one unguarded moment and the scoundrel declines. Lyonwood sees her proposal as a sign of her scheming ways, not realizing that Christina’s eager passion is unrehearsed. He plans to seduce her not knowing that she’s virginal until it’s too late…
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Originally posted 2008-12-28 19:30:35. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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April 27th, 2009 — 4 Stars, ARC, Artist, Comedy of Manners, Contemporary, Executive, M-O, United States of America
Anne’s found another job three thousand miles away from her current one and she couldn’t be happier. Life for her has stalled, and she’s eager for it to start again. On the day she goes into work to tell Mitch that she resigns, no quits, that he plans to fire one of his communications team members. Mitch decides to make a game of the experience and won’t tell them who he’s going to fire, instead he’ll make them work to keep their jobs. The loser voted off the island as it were could easily turn out to be the winner in this farce, because the loser will be sent home with six weeks of severance pay for every year worked. For Anne that’s two years worth of salary. Immediately her plans change, she won’t tell Mitch she’s quitting, she’ll get him to fire her!
Fire Me is the direct opposite of The Devil Wears Prada
. Instead of vying for approval from the boss that can’t be pleased, our heroine is trying to attract his attention and disapproval. The book takes place in a single day and I devoured it in the same time frame. For hijinxs and crazy shenanigans that’ll leave you chuckling to the bewilderment of those around you, I highly suggest this book.
Along her trip to the land of pink slips, Anne finally notices Ken. She struggles to keep her secret and gets both irritated at sweet Ken’s helpfulness to sooth over all her over the top schemes and falling just a little bit in love with the white knight routine. Ken is the new graphic design manager for the communications team. He’s only been working for six months and finds Mitch to be a charlatan and takes great pleasure in mentally dissecting the man. He also has a thing for Anne, whose face he’s been trying to capture in the moment right before her smile takes off and lights her up.
It’s hard to work romance into a single day but Libby manages to do it. There are stolen kisses in the elevator, a lunch date, and some lovely emotional concern for the other by both parties. Ken thinks Anne is taking the news and pressure badly, not realizing what she’s up too and Anne works to keep Ken’s name away from Mitch’s axe. While the heroine and hero are not officially together at the end of this story the possibility is there. They meet up the next morning after the ridiculous day before and the promise is wonderfully uplifting.
Rating: 4 Stars
Buy: Fire Me
PS - this would make a great movie!
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April 25th, 2009 — Covers, Fabio Search, News
Contestant's Choice: Franco D'Angelo
3rd Place: Jeremy Rivenburg
Interview with Jeremy.
2nd Place: Stefan Pinto
1st Place and Reader's Choice: Charles Paz
Interview with Charles.
CONGRATULATIONS GUYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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April 25th, 2009 — 4.5 Stars, Book Review, D-F, Gardening, Great Britain, Regency, Scarred Hero, Soldier, Virgin Heroine
What makes a perfect hero? Is it his dashing good looks, his heroic deeds, or his charm? Third in the series Lessons in Love by Suzanne Enoch, England’s Perfect Hero, delves into the challenge of defining a hero.
Lucinda and her two best friends, Georgiana and Evelyn, create three separate lists on how to be a gentleman of high caliber. Each one is highly personal and defines what each girl feels about herself and what she looks for in a mate. On Lucinda’s list there are four items she wishes to teach a certain dashing gentleman, also known as Lord Geoffrey Newcombe, about being a gentleman.
Only her lessons are getting the attention of a different man; another soldier and nobleman whose past is a mystery and whose character is mysterious. Robert Carroway, brother to Dare, Georgiana’s husband. All she knows about Robert is this: he was at Waterloo, he came home from war injured, his experiences in war have made him withdrawn and edgy, and her father doesn’t like him.
Robert Carroway for his part has lived in a personal hell for three years. The darkness threatens to claim him, chew him up and spit him out. If only it would kill him so he didn’t have to live in silent agony about what had been done to him. The only ray of pure sunlight in his whole existence is Lucinda whose cheery disposition and sweet nature draw him like a moth to the flame. If helping her snare the husband of her dreams could also pull him from the darkness he would do it, or so he told himself. What he really wanted was to be the husband of her dreams.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Originally posted 2008-08-27 05:01:49. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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April 23rd, 2009 — Between the Sheets, Covers, Fabio Search, Poll
I just got off the phone with Jeremy Rivenburg, one of the gorgeous models going for Mr. Romance on Saturday. He sounds as wonderful on the phone as he looks; soft-spoken, polite. His voice is sinful and I got to talk to him for just over thirty minutes. On top of that he's a genuinely nice guy who's a little bashful and very modest. Below is the transcript of the interview:
1. Why do you think you're the best candidate for Mr. Romance?
Jeremy: You know I don't know if I'm the best. The reason why I am here is because someone chose me. I didn't sign up for this on my own. I was asked to do this. I was sponsored [Between Your Sheets]. Annette Batista, who I shot a romance novel trailer with said that I would be good as a cover model and that I would do well at it. I would give it my best.
2. What type of romance cover do you see yourself doing?
Jeremy: I can pull off different looks. As I said before I did a book trailer. My character was named Sam; I was a vampire in the process of turning. Supernatural stuff, which is interesting. Several of my model shots, I've been told, would be great on a book cover. I hear I could pull off really well being as a vampire.
(I can see him as one of those devilishly handsome but withdrawn and brooding heroes, not necessarily a vampire, but one of those scarred and wounded heroes from historicals.)
3. One thing you think the ladies should know about you:
Jeremy: Hmm.... I guess that I'm shy. I'm a pretty shy guy. I'm not the kind of guy who... I guess that's not good here [Romantic Times Convention]. I'm forcing myself to be confident, more outgoing, and talkative. Some of the ladies here know that and they come over and say hi to me, ask me how things are going. It's helped to open me up a little bit... One lady last night told me that that's what she liked about me.
4. In 3-5 adjectives, how would you describe yourself?
Jeremy: Shy, sarcastic-I joke around a lot or whatever you want to call that, hmm... this is more difficult than I would have thought. Nice guy, I'm not a bad boy.
He is certainly nice and down to earth! It was such a pleasure to chat with him.
You can find him on Facebook and on Model Mayhem.
So what do you think ladies, is Jeremy Rivenburg the next Mr. Romance?
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April 23rd, 2009 — 2 Stars, Blind, Book Review, D-F, Dukes and Earls, Great Britain, Heiress, Historical Romance, Kidnapping, Knight, Mistaken Identity, Virgin Heroine
The Heiress by Jude Deveraux started off exceptionally well in my opinion but tapered off into mediocrity and stayed there after the jumpstart. It’s too bad that it did that as my initial impressions of the novel were four out of five stars. The editing felt choppy in the middle and was completely disconnected towards the end. There was a distinct lack of transitions between scenes and as I read I felt like I was missing the good parts, the parts that tied everything together.
It was hard to feel for the characters after the initial start as well. There was no chemistry between the two of them in the end and that’s what killed the book. I kept reading though hoping it would turn around and be the amazing story it started off as. No such luck.
Axia has forever been stigmatized by her fortune. When people first meet her, they dismiss her, but that soon changes when they hear about how she is the Maidenhall Heiress. Their entire demeanor would do a one eighty. Men previously uninterested would turn fawning gazes her way and declare their undying love and devotion. For once Axia would love to be wanted, needed, and desired for who she was rather than how much money she represents.
James, call him Jamie, Montgomery is a dirt-poor Elizabethan knight. He inherited his brother’s earldom after his death to a fever. Unfortunately for James, his brother had gambled away everything leaving the family with nothing and no way to support themselves. James had responsibilities to the tenets whose land had once been Montgomery before his brother’s debts, his withdrawn mother, blind twin sister, and tomboy younger sister. So when Maidenhall offered to pay him to escort his daughter Axia to her betrothed, James said yes.
But then his sisters found out and hatched a plan to use Jame’s beauty to save them from destitution. He would woo the Maidenhall Heiress while she was under his charge and convince her to marry him instead of the man she was betrothed too. However Axia outsmarts James and convinces her beautiful cousin to play the part of heiress to allow Axia freedom on the journey. The tale is a topsy-turvy ride through layers of deception, intrigue, and desperation.
Rating: 2 Stars
Originally posted 2008-08-25 05:41:11. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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April 22nd, 2009 — Between the Sheets, Covers, Fabio Search, Poll
Ladies, I'd like to introduce you to Charles Paz, one of the candidates for Mr. Romance this year at the Romantic Times Convention. If you're at the convention don't be shy, say hello. I wrote Charles yesterday afternoon and he was such a sweetie to text me his responses right away. Isn't he wonderful? You can find him on Facebook and ModelMayhem!
1. Why do you think you’re the best candidate for Mr. Romance?
Charles: I feel I'm the best candidate because I portray a character that readers can relate themselves to. Someone who looks like they are a hero. Someone that takes care of a woman and treats them right. Basically, it's what I am in real life. Respectable, humble and protective.
2. What type of romance cover do you see yourself doing?
Charles: I see myself doing anything. From cowboys to knights in shiny armor. I'd love to do covers that would have me being the hero and saving the woman, but with my versatility, I'd be honored to be on the cover of any style.
3. One thing you think the ladies should know about you:
Charles: The ladies should know that I'm a very caring and sincere guy. I put others first and always make sure that people are ok. Some of my friends say that I care too much, but I blame my mom because she raised this boy right :~)
4. In 3-5 adjectives, how would you describe yourself?
Charles: And a couple words to describe me are loyal, caring, strong, passionate and determined.
So what do you think? Is Charles Paz the next Mr. Romance?
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April 22nd, 2009 — Arabia/Middle East, Defining the Genre, Kings, Princes, Sheiks, Chiefs, Sheik/Desert
There are many fictional desert kingdoms in Sheik romance. In these desert romances the handsome and enigmatic sheik or prince finds love with the white woman for her sass and zeal of life. She is usually American or English. Powerful and very masculine he domineers her despite her Western background.
Did you know the term bodice-ripper comes from Sheik romance?
The very first Sheik romance/s contained a rape scene. In an article published in 2006 by the Chicago Tribune, staff writer Patrick T. Reardon, writes, “this pattern of kidnap-rape-love, rooted in a pre-1980s cultural belief that unmarried women shouldn't go looking for sex, involved ‘forcing pleasure on women.’ For their own good, apparently.” Of course in these rape fantasies the heroine never truly suffers or afterwards is traumatized. The experience is a passionate one on both ends and eventually ends in love.
Interesting Fact: The Biblical Dinah was raped – or not – and when Shechem asked for her hand in marriage, he was told only if he and all his compatriots were circumcised. While they were recovering, Dinah’s brothers, Simeon and Levi, killed them all. To take a woman, then ask for her hand, was one way to ensure you could marry her, especially if the two of you were interested in each other, and the match might not otherwise be received. (Gen: 30-34).
The Sheik:
In desert romances, the male lead is darkly exotic with dark eyes, handsome features, and tawny sun-kissed bronze skin. He’s been educated at Harvard or Oxford and has learned to tolerate or prefer Western culture, ingenuity, and technology. Almost always, he is forward thinking and Westernized to some degree.
Possible Plots:
Some themes in Sheik romance include marriages of convenience, kidnapping, and rescues, similar to Highlander romance.
The Lure Behind the Desert/Harem Fantasy:
Sheik romance like Paranormal romance has risen in the last few years. In an age where chivalrous princes are nearly nonexistent, Sheik romance offers a modern prince to romance readers. He's a little bit wild, more than a little dangerous, but very much in love with his heroine. Combine this irresistible masculine force with the exotic and (most times fantastical and fictional) lands of Africa, the Middle East, and the East and it's magic in the making.
Difference between a Sheik and a Sultan:
Abstractly, the word sultan means strength and authority. A sultan is like a king. Some basic research shows that lands under or previously held under sultan rule could be found anywhere in the East or Middle East.
Lands held by a sheikdom are usually solely Arabic. A sheik in Arabic means "elder" and refers to the elder in a tribe or lord of a tribe. Also it can be in reference to Islamic study and is a title earned upon completion of studies. But in desert romances the title is used as the official title of the Bedouin tribe leader and for nobility.
*You can also spell Sheik with an ‘h’ as in Sheikh romance or sheikhdom.
Originally posted 2008-07-30 05:26:23. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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April 22nd, 2009 — 2.5 Stars, A-C, Book Review, Contemporary, Enemies, Erotica, Mistress or Courtesan, Paranormal, Police, Politician, Survival, United States of America, Vampire
Victoria (Tori) reminds me of Anita Blake
. Here's why:
- She's known for always wearing a gun.
- Not to mention she's a police officer with connections to the vampire scene (not widely know to humans to exist).
- She visits vampire clubs.
- Tori brings her gun into the bathroom with her when she showers.
- Tori even resists Michael like Anita resisted Jean-Claude at first.
Michael reminds me of Twilight
vampires, because interestingly enough Tori smells to him as Bella does to Edward. He labels the smell of her to something akin to mimosas. Michael can also feel her feelings, like Jasper of Twilight, and project feelings onto her.
Vampire lore:
- All have mind reading capabilities.
- All are involved to some extent in the D/S scene.
- All possess a type of thrall called: affascinare.
- All have the ability to project feelings/sensations called: trucchi.
- All obey or follow the vampire code/law of Alleanza.
- Humans can bond with vampires as equals and as slaves.
- They can be warm/hot and have heartbeats.
- They breathe.
- They sleep?
The bad guys are particularly scary. They make the book very dark indeed. Think vampire Mafia with terribly nasty taste in sexual preferences (torture/slave).
Sex: D/S, voyeurism, good kinky fun
Overall it was a pretty enjoyable read but there were some problems in the story telling. For instance terms are not defined. As the first in the series they should have been. That's not to say that quite a few can be derived from connotation but the nuances are lost. Additionally, while some of the Italian terminology is similar in format to the English translation, not all of them are.
A few inconsistencies and redundancies scattered the pages, ones that should have been picked up by an editor. They stuck out like a sore thumb in an otherwise seamless story. There is some great dialogue scattered throughout the book. One of my favorites was:
"I wish I believed you."
"So do I."
If you can get past the small annoyances it wasn't half a bad read. The bad guy gets caught, the good guys triumph, the couple gets together, and you close the book happy.
Rating: 2.5 Stars
Buy: Blood & Sex, Volume 1: Michael
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April 19th, 2009 — 4.5 Stars, Children, Comedy of Manners, Contemporary, Cursed Lead, Movie Reviews, Sports, United States of America
April 17th, 2009 — 3 Stars, Book Review, Cursed Lead, Dukes and Earls, G-I, Great Britain, Guardian/Ward, Heiress, Regency, Rogues and Rakehells, Virgin Heroine
A Duke to Die For is an amusing romp across land, air, and ballrooms. It combines one randy and obscenely jealous duke, the best kind, and one beautiful, forthright but tragically cursed miss. Match made in heaven – or at least on paper.
It was nice to see an heiress story where the money is not needed at all by the hero. It’s just like a really, really big bonus… and who wouldn’t want that? Very refreshing and many props to Grey for writing it that way.
It all begins when the beautiful and intelligent Miss Henrietta Tweed shows up out of nowhere on the Duke of Blakewell’s doorstep claiming that she is his ward. Blake is flabbergasted and can’t believe that he is now a guardian for anyone let alone a young female of marriageable age. So what does he do? He decides to put her through a London Season in order to marry her off, which while not working perfectly with Henrietta’s plans at least ensures he won’t be affected by the curse that follows her like a plague.
Spoilers follow be wary:
Blake’s opinion on the curse as being complete poppycock is true. I expected the mystery behind the curse would be more than plain dumb luck coupled with a bunch of circumstantial happenings. I kept waiting for a person to be responsible for everything in an attempt to get the Henrietta’s huge inheritance. After all it made sense to me on that level. It would also explain everything and allow Blake to ride to the rescue.
However the non-curse self-fulling curse makes for an interesting twist as it were also. But how does an intelligent girl fall for it? Well, I suppose it isn’t completely unlikely for her to completely hoodwinked if you think about the time period where there are still many elements of lingering superstition. Henrietta was also seven, an impressionable age, when she was first told about the curse by an irrational old ninny who looked like a witch. By the time evidence stacks up, doubt is already firmly entrenched. In time, following the deaths of all of her guardians save Blake, she’s utterly convinced that the witch woman was right and that she is indeed very cursed. It’s a good thing Blake has a plan to show her that she’s not or they’d never be able to establish a happily ever after.
Rating: 3 Stars
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