Keira: Which do you like more: finishing a book or starting a new one?

Heidenkind: Probably finishing a book, because I like to think about what to read next.

Keira: Which historical romances do you prefer more and why: Classical Novels or Current Regency Based Novels?

Heidenkind: Contemporary novels set in the Regency era tend to be an easier read, so I'd have to go with those.

Keira: Jane Eyre is one of your top favorite novels. What are some other ones you consider too good to miss?

Heidenkind: The Age of Innocence, The Silver Metal Lover, The Ivy Tree, The Queen of Attolia, Archangel, and Captives of the Night, just to name a few.

Keira: Which author occupies the most space on your bookshelf? Why do you love him/her?

Heidenkind: Well, that depends... by "my" bookshelf, do I include my mom's books, too? It's close race between Mary Stewart, Lisa Kleypas, and Christina Dodd.  I love Dodd because she writes the kind of books where you can become totally immersed in the story; Kleypas is great because her romances are very intense, emotional, sexy, and intelligent all at the same time; and I grew up reading Stewart, so her books are my comfort reads.

Keira: What is your favorite and/or least favorite plot, character type, or literary device?

Heidenkind: I really hate it when the h/h instantaneously start lusting after one another.  It tends to lead to my second-least-favorite device, where there heroine refuses to acknowledge she's attracted to hero for no reason other than to drag the book out.

Keira: How do you define love?

Heidenkind: Love is what knits us together despite logic, annoyance, money, reason, intellect, anger, proximity--it just is.  I always think of a quote from The Butcher's Wife: "Love is the leap that cannot be denied."  I'm not sure if that's true, but I think leaping is a big part of it.  Also that quote is very poetic.

Keira: You began Heidenkind’s Hideaway in 2009. What is your favorite aspect of blogging and what are some of your favorite posts that you’ve written?

Heidenkind: I love being able to discuss books with other readers, and the whole book blogging community is just full of wonderful people.  That's probably my favorite aspect of it, although I do really enjoy being able to dissect a book and why it worked for me and why it didn't.

Most of my favorite posts are the ones no one read.  Haha!  There was a post I did last May called An Immortal Soul that analyzed a random comment on the TV show The Mentalist--I really liked that one, because that's pretty much exactly how my mind works on a day-to-day basis.  I think Drood is one of better reviews I've written.  There's also a post called Reading By Type where I talk about how nearly every main character in books is a reader.  I didn't even realize how true that was until after I had written the post--now I can't escape it!

Keira: What tips would you give to readers who want to read more books?

Heidenkind: Ask Meghan from Medieval Bookworm, that would be my tip.   I'm honestly a pretty slow reader.  I suppose I would say turn off the TV, computer, stereo, and just concentrate on the book for a while; and if you're not liking it, stop reading it.  But then I would have to follow my own advice.

Keira: For you which character makes or breaks a romance novel: the hero or the heroine?

Heidenkind: It could go either way--but at least one of them better be interesting, or the story won't be going anywhere.

Keira: As an art historian does the cover of a book sway you toward impulse purchases? What do you like/hate about the current cover trends?

Heidenkind: Hmm, interesting question.  I admit I've bought books just because their covers were beautiful, and YA is definitely where it's at in cover design right now.  I like going to that section of the bookstore just to look at the covers (that might also be why I subscribe to a lot of YA blogs...).  The only trend I don't like is "Twilightizing" the covers of classic novels like Wuthering Heights.  Not because I don't like Twilight, but because: 1. I hate same-y covers; and 2. I think good novels like that deserve more original cover design because they can, and should, stand on their own merits as great novels.  I have also bought books just because they have a painting I like as the cover--like Swan Witch.  I think I bought that book twice, actually.

Keira: Is there anything you’d like to share or talk about that I missed?

Heidenkind: I recently (like last week) changed the name of my blog to Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and Books--I think that reflects the whole feel of the blog better.

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How long have you been reading romance novels? What got you started?

I have been reading romance since I can remember. I remember sneaking off with my mum's copy of Johanna Lindsey's Silver Angel and any other historical I could get my hands on. I had always been a voracious reader so it is difficult to pin point what got me started. I know my first adult fiction was probably Ray Bradbury. I have been reading an odd mix of science fiction, fantasy, romance, and mystery books since I was about ten years old.

What are your favorite romance subgenres?

I will read any type of romance, but my preference would probably be historical romance. That being said, I am also the toughest on historical romance because I am a historian. I believe that what firmly differentiates a well written historical book from fantasy is research and a sensitivity to historical accuracy. I am not saying that a writer cannot play with the facts--what I mean is that using colloquial phrases or having a character eating corn in medieval England will probably irritate me to no end.  If a writer does not hold true to the period that she has has set her book in, then I will be tough on the book.

What author do you have the most books written by?
Oh jeez. I admit that I have oodles of books. Sharon Shinn, Tanya Huff, Sara Douglass, and Tanya Huff have their own bookcase for the most part. I never really had to buy many romance novels because our library was always well stocked or I would snag whatever my mum had. But if I had to count them at the moment I would have to say Sherrilyn Kenyon. But those books are on three different shelves (lack of organization on my part) Jim Butcher would probably be close tie in terms of number.

I tend to sample various authors for romance. I also tend to prefer "vintage" Harlequins. My grandmother used to buy me sacks full of early Harlequins.

Which do you like more: finishing a book or starting a new one?

Hmm I do not particularly prefer either. I like being absorbed in a book. A good book leaves you wanting more and there is a palpable sense of loss when you finish a really good book. When you start a book there is the excitement of entering into the unknown.

What do you look for in a heroine?
It is easier for me to say what I don't like. I cannot stand whiny heroines. If a heroine grows up through the book, then that is fine. But if she is whiny and bratty--yuck. In series, I hate it when heroines are constantly being referred to as tiny and doll-like. This usually causes me to snort with derision.

What makes up your idea of the perfect hero?
I don't really have a perfect hero. I like them to run the gamut. Wait. I may like the bad boys. Hmm maybe bad boys and warrior types. I have been on a Viking kick lately. I have been getting tired of the Regency and other early modern Historical Romances. I have not yet found a really kick ass Viking tale. Admittedly, I have not been looking that hard.

What is your favorite part of a romance novel?

I like the discovery bits. When the hero and heroine are learning about each other. The first awkward steps towards true wuv.

What is your secret guilty plot or character type that you love beyond reason?

Sigh. I admit that I like the poor heroine to be kidnapped, stolen, sold off. I think my mum had too many books by Deveraux and Rosemary Rogers with plots like that. Ooo harems and concubines. Hmm Viking tale with stolen female plunder? heh. I grew up with a taste for forced seduction and still like it.

For fun share two truths and one false fact about yourself.

• I am planning the greatest shapeshifter beaver romance that will ever be written.
• I am easily bribed with cheese and wine.
• I run a Twilight fan club.

Whew! Normally I pose the hard questions. I try to post an interview with an author or artist every weekend.

Find Dhympna at Culinary Carnival!

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We have a mystery reader with us today, hi there! Welcome to Love Romance Passion. Whoosh! Zoom! Uh! I’m sorry; our reader is flying around the room. Let’s just begin without her, for now. This reader throws potion bottles when entering contests, and flies around on a besom while blogging. Some authors refer to her as WW.

She drinks way too much coffee, and wonders why Folgers hasn’t officially named her the largest consumer in the world. The library is her second home, her haven if you will. This woman considers herself an (EOR) Equal Opportunity Reader. Nothing “offends” her. In fact, certain subject matter which cause hypertensive meds to work triple-time in certain individuals, simply have no effect on her sensibilities.

Our reader has a bookshelf which contains classics, young adults, historicals, regency, eroticas, paranormals, time travels, romantic suspense, and a few others crushed beneath the above aforementioned. Her categories are hidden strategically in key areas of her SUV.

This blogger/reader/reviewer may remind you of Batman’s character Two-Face. When flipping a coin to tales, she decides to read paranormal romance. Here are just a few of her favorite paranormal romance authors: Michele Hauf, Emma Holly, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Lynsay Sands, Gena Showalter, and Donna Lea Simpson.

If fate decrees the coin should land on heads, this mystery reader will read romantic suspense. Some of her favorite romantic suspense authors are: Nina Bruhns, P.C.Cast, Delores Fossen, Susan Kearney, Sheryl Lynn, Leigh Riker, and Darlene Scalera.

This lady loves Nancy Drew PC games, James Bond movies, and Mystery Dinner shows.

Keira hears the radio blaring from our reader’s flying besom. Here’s an announcement from Ms. Unknown.

Hi, LRP readers! For my fellow sleuths out there, look for these upcoming 2010 releases. They’re sure to satisfy your romantic suspense sweet tooths, and give you a romance to boot. Criminal Deception by Marilyn Pappano, Dead Again and Dead Double by Tracy Cooper-Posey, and Black Magic by Cherry Adair.

Cherry Adair deserves special mention, you should really see this author’s website. It is the “best” website ever for suspense fans. I really feel like an agent when I visit. http://tflac.com/

Keira, I love visiting your blog site! There’s so much to see and read. Sorry I missed most of my own reader highlight, but you don’t have any parking for witch brooms. I did want to mention, that I consider myself to be a paranormal suspense witch…er, queen, sorry.

Any guesses, as to who our mystery person is? Scroll down to find out.

Lower.

No, sorry, just a little lower.

Answer: Susan S., a.k.a. Witchy Woman, and our very own Paranormal/Suspense Queen!

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Preferences. Everyone has them. There are things you like, love, hate, loathe, and are unconvinced in general one way or another about. When it comes to our romance books, we all have preferences. Here’s mine:

Ons –

• Blind, wounded, emotionally embittered, scarred and damaged heroes. Need I go on?
• MOC (Marriage of Convenience) and MOB (Mail Order Brides) stories. Gimme, gimme, gimme. Forced marriages and shot-gun weddings work well too.
• Westerns, American Historicals (anything before WWII), Highlander, and Regency. I need to marry an earl or seduce a duke, I tell ya. Oh wait! Add paranormal – vampires. I’m thinking ghosts too, but I couldn’t name one. Why isn’t there a ghost romance, along lines of Just Like Heaven and of course Ghost?
• Jaded rich hero with poor pretty/plain slightly off her rocker (not TSTL, but off in her own world) heroine.
• Dark haired heroes: brown, black, yum. Add blue/green eyes and whew dang! Powerful thighs, tight abs/stomachs, and buns of steel. Bounce those quarters.
• Heroes and heroines hating each other to begin with – woot, a fav!
• Beauty and the Beast. Fairytales in general really.
• Sexy banter. It’s a must.
• Alpha males who fall hard and fight it all the way.
• Big age differences. Think Years by LaVyrle Spencer with the heroine age 18 and the hero age 36.
• Dominant alpha heroes with secret soft sides. Tenderness, compassion, manners – check. Wrap him up and ship him to my door please!
• Heroines with poor eyesight; heroines who are clumsy; heroines who are slightly loopy (because I honestly think I'm a little nuts .)
• That angsty moment that drives the wedge between hero and heroine.

Offs –

• Affairs, cheating. This is a romance not reality tv.
• Estranged, Former lovers. No thanks.
• Undercover heroes, detectives. Very meh for me. Too much suspense not enough loving.
• Best friends; super old acquaintances. It’s called the friend zone for a reason. As for the other, for instance, I am highly dubious of the hero being the heroine’s brother’s best friend. Either she thinks of him as an older brother figure and he’s pervy or she’s like his kid sister and the girl is hopeless.
• Family Trilogies/Series, especially if known. I can read one, but after that no more. It drives me insane, because the new story will have a lead that is not worth the time to flesh out from a previous story.
• Damaged heroines. Ick. No thanks.
• Blond heroes. Sorry blondies, you’re just not my type.
• Leads with kids older than three years old– very few exceptions. Children, romance does not make more lovely, they’re just more quirky and annoying.
• Older women, younger men.
• Rape, near rape. Refer to damaged heroines. NO THANKS! Quit it authors, stop it, no seriously, stop. The end. It’s over.
• Too much dang drama using any of my turn offs…

Ifs –

• Amnesia.
• Time Travel.
• Secret pregnancy/baby.
• Captive / Stranded plots.
• Big Misunderstandings.
• Demon heroes.
• The unexpected virginity surprise.

What are your Ons, Offs, and Ifs? It’s time to spill!

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What happens when you get four fabulous women under one roof? One totally stupendous time! If you don’t believe me check out the photos!

(Left to right: Susan, Keira, Isabel, Sasha.)

I was so fortunate to have an opportunity to go down to Miami to see an old friend and meet new friends last weekend. On Saturday, Sasha and I met up with Susan and Isabel at Barnes and Nobles. How perfect was that? Very fortuitous start!

The first thing we all did after hugs and greetings was to talk about books and blogging! Everybody was salivating for Susan’s latest read Possession before the end. Isabel and I talked about our desire for a really superb werewolf book that would put them on equal footing with vampires.

Our party moseyed on over to a local Asian restaurant to gorge ourselves on several variations of delicious chicken. This is when I finally noticed Susan’s amazing haircut! I knew she looked different but I couldn’t place it. (Hey Susan – you inspired me to get one too!) We took lots of photos completely resigned to being labeled tourists because of it. I’m sure we blinded several patrons and workers present with the flash of three cameras, but it was worth it!

(Left to right: Susan, Keira, Isabel, Sasha.)

The only thing I regret was that our get together couldn’t go on forever. Before we parted we exchanged presents. I greatly increased Susan and Isabel’s TBR (to be read) pile with well over a dozen plus books and from them I got a new book with a really cute bookmark and some fantastically delicious bath time goodies. (I tell you I was so bummed I couldn’t try them out immediately, but I have now and oh yumm… bliss!)

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Isabel G. is Susan's sister and the subject of this reader highlight. Isabel is incredibly active on Love Romance Passion, always commenting with fun witty responses. The conversation on this blog wouldn't be the same without her and now I have the pleasure of introducing her to everyone. Say hello to Isabel!

Keira: What is your secret guilty plot or character trope that you love beyond reason?

Isabel G: I am guilty of reading books about werewolves or vampires falling in love with a human. Arrest me now for my guilty pleasure!

Keira: Haha, if I did, you'd have to arrest me too because I like those plots also! Where were you when you got your first kiss?

Isabel G: This might get me in hot water with my husband! LOL I was sixteen years old and a friend from high school came over to watch a movie at my parent’s house. My mother was in another room so he must have thought it was the perfect opportunity. I turned to face him one second to ask a question and he grabbed my face with both hands and leaned in to give me one of the most passionate kisses of my life. We are no longer friends but it was a memorable kiss!

Keira: That's so sweet. What do you look for in a heroine? Do you like her to be similar to you, or do you want someone completely different?

Isabel G: I like a heroine to have some similarities and some differences to my own characteristics. It is inspiring to read about a heroine who can support herself, is not afraid to voice her opinion, and is not afraid to flirt. However, every now and then I also like to read about female characters that are shy and the male takes the lead.

Keira: The perfect heroine might then be the oxymoron of a shy-flirtatious female. What makes up your idea of the perfect hero?

Isabel G: What an important question indeed! After all this is why we read romance, no? The hero, in my opinion, should be secure and exude confidence. He should be able to laugh at things and yet be serious enough to take charge in the bedroom.

Keira: Ooo lala! What is your favorite romance novel right now?

Isabel G: I just finished reading Lori Foster’s Hard to Handle and it was amazing!

Keira: Guest review? Hehe. What romance novel are you reading now?

Isabel G: Midnight Desire which my sister bought for me as a birthday gift.

Keira: Which book do you plan to read next?

Isabel G: It’s part of Harlequin Blaze by Kate Hoffmann. The title of the book is The Mighty Quinns: Brody.

Keira: How big is your TBR pile?

Isabel G: There are currently 14 books sitting on my nightstand! It is difficult to find time to read after starting college but I try to make time every night to grab a book, take a bath and disconnect with everything else.

Keira: Good plan! Bring one in your purse for downtime between when you arrive at class and before the instructor starts teaching. That's how I got a lot of reading done. How do you define love?

Isabel G: Love makes you do things you would have been afraid to do otherwise. I lived in Florida with my parents and my friend of five years was in the military at that time. He returned to the states and was going to be stationed in Kentucky. I turned to my parents and said I want to go visit him. It was a big deal because before that moment I was terrified of traveling anywhere alone! A few days later I was on a plane to visit him and while I was there he asked me to marry him.

Keira: Wow! That's so amazingly sweet! Okay, last question, Isabel. What is your favorite feature at Love Romance Passion?

Isabel G: My favorite feature is that we are allowed to write comments, duh! Another thing is that it is updated regularly and there is always something good to read. There is also variety as far as what is posted. You can expect everything from humor, contests, to being engaged in a debate of the minds.

Keira: Thanks so much Isabel for sharing with us! Be fabulous!

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I wanted to highlight Isabel Roman because she's always around commenting and emailing me with insightful observations. If you haven't read my review of her erotic romance novel The Dark Desires of the Druids 1: Murder and Magick you should check it out.

Keira: What is your secret guilty plot or character trope that you love beyond reason?

Isabel R: Not the thumb screws! Not that rack! Not the water! I confess! Several, if you insist on threatening me with tongue pliers or whatever it is you call them. And quit with the evil laugh!

In no particular order:

• Alpha men
• Kick-ass Heroines
• Falling gracefully to the floor as the couple kisses
• Hot mate marking—you know, werewolves/vampires marking their mates
• The wall flower at the ball with a secret

Keira: Hehe. Yes give me hot vampire/werewolf mating! Where were you when you got your first kiss?

Isabel R: My first kiss was when I was 11 under a slide I had in my backyard. He was a neighbor kid, also 11, and we'd been friends since we were in kindergarten. He moved away when he was 13 and I never saw him again.

Keira: What do you look for in a heroine? Do you like her to be similar to you, or do you want someone completely different?

Isabel R: I like both. I like someone who can make up her mind without being wishy-washy. Oh, but…gee, I don’t know…well, hmm. On the other hand, weighing pros and cons is important, too. Over all, I think I like my heroines to be strong and know what they want, but the weaknesses, that’s important.

Maybe not weaknesses, but their inner selves. Are they responsible for family members, old or young? Did they lose family and closed themselves off? Do they stop to help turtles cross the road on a major highway? Donate time and money to worthy causes? Cry at the end of The Way We Were? Want to save the world? Change the world? Get through the next day, minute, hour in one piece and hope tomorrow is better/ Stop and stare whenever a young Marlon Brando is on, or Brendan Frasier, or Orlando Bloom? (back off, he’s mine. *G*)

Keira: Holds hands up in the air... backs away slowly. What makes up your idea of the perfect hero?

Isabel R: Can make me laugh without being an idiot jokester. Can give space when needed and stay close no matter how often the heroine pushes him away. He is there when you need him.

Keira: What is your favorite romance novel right now?

Isabel R: I try not to read romance novels when I'm working on a story. But right now, Victoria Alexander’s A Little Bit Wicked. I just read it, and it’s completely character driven (which I can’t write) and very good. Man, she’s funny! I heard her speak once at a New Jersey Romance Writer’s Conference and she’s just as funny in person. Funnier, since in her historicals, she doesn’t have to worry about contemporary language.

Keira: What romance novel are you reading now?

Isabel R: I don't read when I'm writing and at the moment I am writing all the time. But I just bought and downloaded Blood & Sex Volume 1, Volume II, and III by Angela Cameron. Vampires Mafia style. I’m intrigued! I just don’t know when I’ll have the chance to read them, lol.

Keira: Which book do you plan to read next?

Isabel R: I like books with action and romance when I do read for pleasure. I’d love to have a moment to read John le Carre’s back list, he’s a good writer, but his ideas are utterly fascinating. Or The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larrson who’s debut was excellent. Hmm,  I’m behind in my David Baldacci, but on the romance side, the rest of Abigail Reynolds’s P&P stories, Linda Howard’s Burn (haven’t read her in a while). There are so many new ones, OH! Diana Gabaldon’s newest out in September I can’t remember the title. I’ve been a fan since Outlander in what, 1991 or so. I prefer the first 3 in the series, but have to continue reading.

Keira: How big is your TBR pile?

Isabel R: Huge. Seriously, don’t even ask. I’m a “Ooh, this looks good” reader and will buy it, or buy it for the library, and then time slips away and “Ooh, this looks good”. On the other hand, I have reference books I go through all the time and am always looking for new ones. Also, historical non-fiction is of interest.

Keira: Don't worry, you're not the only one with a big TBR pile! How do you define love?

Isabel R: Steadfast and forgiving. Accepting of all life’s quirks even if it drive you bonkers and you want to strangle the other person. Not a push over but not stubborn for stubborn sake.

Keira: What’s your favorite feature at Love Romance Passion? What do you wish was here or that there was more of on the blog?

Isabel R: Love Romance Passion is a great site! I wouldn't change a thing! I like the author interviews and the reviews of romantic movies. I’d like more book reviews of recent books, only because (see above) I’m always looking for new reads!

Keira: Thanks Isabel for sharing about yourself. I hope your day is a great one and that you continue to contribute as much as you do to Love Romance Passion!

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I got an email on Friday from Susan thanking me for my TBR pile series and telling me about her own bookshelf cleanup project. I'm so excited to share with everyone, Susan's success. Using a tip from 7 Organizational Tips to Help Reduce Your To Be Read Pile she took her unmanageable bookshelf and got it under control! That big grin on her face says, "Look at my shelves, they are so totally organized and awesome!" Those are my words not hers.

These are her words:

Hi Keira,

Thanks so much for your spreadsheet idea--it took me 3 agonizing days to do it & re-organize my bookshelf and I'm glad I did. I figured out all my TBR books, realized 1 of my books were gone (I had lent it to my sister) , gave away a bag full to the library of books that just didn't hold my interest any longer & got receipt for tax purposes, relocated some e.g. gave my Harry Potter's to my son. I also noted the signed copies so in the future I don't inadvertently get rid of them or lend those out. Now I actually have some room for my new books.

Thanks & TGIF

Take a closer look at those shelves:

Aren't they awesome? I'm so happy and excited for Susan! She's going to get so much reading done!

I hope her success gets you motivated!

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