June 18th, 2009 — About
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Before I begin, thanks Susan for your 5 tells - they’re hilarious!
Now, when it comes to our favorite literature is it possible to ever read too much of it? What are some of the tells of overindulgence in romance? Let’s take a look!
You Know You Read Too Much Romance When…
- Most of your email is author newsletters telling you about latest releases, contests, and book signings.
- You insist on bringing a chaperone on romantic dates; even though you’re 25 years old.
- You own a digital copy of every print romance book on your favorite’s shelf.
- Your favorite’s shelf is now the entire bookcase and the area in front of it on the floor.
- You have a plot trope, character type, or preference you are too embarrassed to share with other romance readers.
- Your bookshelves are classified first by subgenre, then by author.
- After kissing each other breathless, you accidentally say, “Please Lord Mark take me now to your bedchamber.”
- He says, “I know-I know you can’t spend the night with me because your aunt Lady Marie will start the rumor-mill.”
- Your fictional boyfriend is Mr. Darcy, Mr. Thornton, or another romantic alpha hero.
- You once had to question where the hymen was located, because most romance novels have the hero penetrate it somewhere inside the vagina instead of at the opening.
- You clip the covers off your romances and make a mantitty wallpaper collage.
- The name Vladimir de Laaf, the Duke of Longwood, sounds like a valid name for a man and Lady Saramia, the Widow of Evesham, makes for an equally good heroine name.
- In your mind, being unwed and over twenty is a crime.
- When making love-you find yourself moaning, “Oh yes, all the way to the hilt!”
- You’re actually disappointed he showed up in his Lexus….where’s the black stallion?
- You own or are following every romance blog you encounter or have written blog posts for them.
- If the first thing you can find in your purse is your latest romance read.
- You’ve attended more than five romance conventions just because. Jane Austen and Regency period conventions count, even if they aren’t about books at all, because the subgenres are prominent.
- You can spot a secret baby within a 100 yards.
- If you ever daydreamed about being a heroine in one.
Bonus 21: If you’re like me than you’ve come to the conclusion, there’s never too romance in your life!
Photo Credits: rtbookreviews
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June 2nd, 2009 — Alien, Another Planet/Dimension, Author Interviews, Cheryl Brooks, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Space
Everybody say hi and welcome Cheryl Brooks, author of the Cat Star Chronicles, to Love Romance Passion. Grab a cup of something hot and let’s get down to business. Below is the interview:
Thank you so much Cheryl for sitting down to chat! How did you come up with the idea for the Cat Star Chronicles?
I’d been writing contemporary romances that utilized the boy-next-door theme and had also written a number of stories that were requested by friends, but my original intention when I began writing-about thirty years ago, now!-was to write a science fiction romance. Then I read an erotic sci-fi novel about a woman who had to pose as a slave to a dominant male, and because I’ve never been a fan of dominant alpha males, I thought it would be much more fun if the man was the slave instead of the woman! So I wrote a story about a tough, independent space trader named Jacinth in need of a man she can trust with her life to aid her in the quest to rescue her kidnapped sister. Toward that end she buys an alien slave, whom she dubs Cat, hoping to gain his loyalty by offering him freedom in exchange for his assistance. Part of the appeal of this hero was that, being a slave, he had nothing but his strength, intelligence, and sensual nature to offer a woman. It was my intention that he be the last of his kind, but to continue this as a series, I created a scenario where six Zetithian men were captured at the end of the war that destroyed their world and sold into slavery and each book in the series tells the story of how one of them found love.
Should readers start from the beginning of the series or do you feel that they can jump in any time?
I think any series works best by reading them in order, however, I’ve tried very hard to make each of my books able to stand alone, and, according to several reviews, I’ve succeeded.
What is your favorite book so far in the series? How many in total will there be?
It’s difficult to choose because though all of my heroes are irresistible Zetithians, they all have very different personalities, as do my heroines. I let my imagination run wild in Slave
, but Warrior
was fun because most of the secondary characters were animals with whom the heroine could communicate telepathically-and they all had plenty of pithy comments to make about humans! In Rogue
, my piano-teacher heroine had two stunning Zetithian brothers to choose from and some really fun aliens as the supporting characters. Outcast
, being about a man who has lost all desire for women, is more of a tear-jerker than the others, and it is also the first to be written in third person which gave me a chance to get inside the hero’s head for a change, something that I enjoyed very much. I’ve had a blast writing the last two books, Fugitive
and Hero, too, so I really can’t pick one favorite.
As it now stands, there will be six in the series, and possibly a seventh.
How did Sourcebooks first hear of your book?
I first heard of Sourcebooks when the Romance Writer’s Report listed them as a newly approved publisher. They were accepting both paranormal and erotic romances, so I submitted the manuscript for my erotic sci-fi novel, and promptly forgot about it until the editor called saying she wanted to read the rest of it. She loved it, but it was too short, so I added a few new scenes and the manuscript was then accepted.
What do you think is the biggest appeal of fantasy / sci-fi romance?
For me, the appeal is that it places few limits on my imagination, and I think that probably holds true for the readers, as well, because there are endless opportunities for surprises.
I know you’re a nurse; how does that work when it comes to writing on schedule? What is your writing routine?
I work three twelve-hour night shifts a week, which varies from week to week, so there is no schedule! I’m just like anyone else: I have free time, but what I do with it is write, rather than watch television. After Slave came out, I was encouraged to try to write four books a year-and this year, there are three-but found that I simply couldn’t do it and remain sane. As long as the nursing job is the one paying the bills, the books will have to be limited to two a year.
Most of my writing is done in the evening, with blogging and emails, etc, done during the day.
What was the hardest part of writing your series?
Remembering the small details about different alien species from book to book and just where in the galaxy each planet is located. I probably need to keep a notebook of characters and species and draw a map, but I haven’t done it yet, so I have to keep copies of my books close by!
In your own words, what is love?
A deep, emotional, enduring attachment that makes you consider that person’s wishes ahead of your own.
What is your favorite aspect of writing?
The creative outlet it provides. I’d go crazy without it!
What makes a great written bedroom scene?
One that makes you tingle all over and want to read it again and again! The specific components can vary, but if it doesn’t involve the heart and soul, it’s just sex.
How do you decide character names? Who’s your favorite male and female lead so far?
My male characters have all had a connection to the “cat” theme. There was Cat in Slave, Leo in Warrior, and Tychar in Rogue, which is an alteration of the word tiger. Outcast has Lynx, and Fugitive has Manx, which are both types of cats. Trag (Hero) is short for Tragonathon, which is a combination of a friend’s name and the words tiger and dragon.
My heroine’s names are sometimes suggested by their occupation or their personality, or it can just be a name I happen to like. For the more alien names, I experiment. Sometimes I’ll take a traditional human name and change the vowels. Other times I strike random letters on the keyboard and then go back and play around with it until it sounds right. I may change the spelling several times while I’m writing before I’m happy with it.
My favorite hero will always be Cat (Slave), because he was the one who started it all, and Bonnie (Outcast) is my favorite heroine because she had the patience and kindness to turn Lynx’s life around, which I’m not sure I could have done.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I love hearing from readers!
My email address is: cheryl.brooks52@yahoo.com
Website: cherylbrooksonline.com
I also blog on Casablanca Authors, Wickedly Romantic, and Cheryl Brooks Erotic Blogspot.
Buy: Outcast (The Cat Star Chronicles, Book 4)
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May 10th, 2009 — 3.5 Stars, 4 Stars, ARC, Alien, England, Erotica, Kidnapping, Kings, Princes, Sheiks, Chiefs, Knight, Magic Users, Paranormal, Politician, Queen or Princess, Rowena Cherry, Space, Stowaway, Warrior
Today I am reviewing Knight’s Fork by Rowena Cherry. This is my first ARC (advance review copy; official book release is September 30, 2008) and I eagerly read the whole novel in two days! Knight’s Fork is just one novel in the futuristic set series about the Great Djinn race. Knight’s Fork contains all the right stuff from a stowaway princess to a knight’s quest and the threat of death licking at their heels. This book and series would be great for any lover of alien paranormal romance or paranormal romance in general.
Watch out for the ‘Dj’ names! There’s quite a few to remember and follow! The romance novel is filled to overflowing with political intrigue and the key players are trying to play everybody else all at the same time to get their way. The main characters have to watch out for who their enemies are and who their allies are.
Cherry titles her novels after chess moves, and yes the characters do play chess and the move in question is used several times throughout the novel. Knight’s Fork in particular is about a choice between two evils – you’re going to lose something and the decision becomes which loss is acceptable?
This choice is ‘Rhett’s, a Saurian Knight, and it is between power and a female. Saurian is another alien race, but don’t let this fool you about this white knight. Back to the point - how can power or a female be a bad choice whichever you choose? A grab for power will set other leaders in a tizzy and the female is another male’s mate that’s how!
The rival male is King of another alien race, the Volnoth, and taking Electra could start a war on par with the ancient Greek war over Helen of Troy. It’s too bad for ‘Rhett that he’s tempted by Electra and not by the power offered. Far more tempting is that she wants him… for his sperm. What’s a knight to do?
This novel and series isn’t for the fainthearted that likes their romances to be mild and sweet. Urban colloquialisms for sex and emissions abound, the Great Djinn even regularly swear by Carnality! However for those who crave the contemporary slang and straightforward nature to the approach of sex Knight’s Fork is deliciously racy and erotic. The whole novel revolves around sex!
You could compare Cherry’s novel to Laurell K. Hamilton’s Meredith Gentry series about fairies because the Princess Electra seeks to get pregnant just like Meredith does. Or you could compare the novel to the Twilight Saga with ‘Rhett being a virgin, sworn to a vow of chastity, similar to Edward’s chase behavior. Whatever parallels you draw, Cherry spins a great story.
Rating: 3.5-4 Stars
Originally posted 2008-09-11 05:56:00. Republished by Old Post Promoter
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May 5th, 2009 — 4 Stars, Book Review, Contemporary, Counts, Marquis, Viscounts, England, Historical Romance, Julie Garwood, Mistaken Identity, Pirate, Pirate, Sailing, Secret Agent, Survival, Virgin Heroine
Guardian Angel by Julie Garwood is the second book in the set of three novels, Guardian Angel follows on the heels of The Lion’s Lady. I didn’t know this when I started and was pleasantly surprised to find that I enjoyed the book. Usually I dislike sets of romances because one couple or half of a couple ends up irking me due to their actions in a previous book. However, Lyon and Christina are already wedded by this point and I loved them in their story. I did wonder as to their purpose in this novel, but Lyon is clearly Caine’s friend and trustworthy ally which Caine will need before the novel is up. Speaking on ends, I thought the ending to Guardian Angel was lacking in some fashion. I can’t put my finger on it but the ending left me feeling vaguely like how the ending of The Wedding made me feel… unresolved I guess.
The Marquess of Cainewood is on a mission. Revenge coldly calculated, this ruthless man has set out to avenge his brother’s death at the hands of the notorious pirate known only as Pagan. The pirate would meet his maker, and then perhaps Caine’s father would get some peace. Sitting in the back of a pub that had become his haunting place since his brother’s death, Caine’s evening is interrupted by the unexpected appearance of an angel with fiery red hair. She’s scared, trembling, but determined.
Her first question is about his identity… is he Pagan?
His charade as the pirate was working, but instead of drawing out the real Pagan, he got a maiden in distress. She asks him to kill her before the men after her catch up and do the job themselves. She wants to die quick and painlessly and hoped the honorable Pagan would help her. Honorable indeed! Caine refuses and shoulders the burdens of the young woman.
Jade he will find leads him on a merry goose chase after criminals who do and don’t exist. And all the while she is flitting about trying to keep Caine occupied, a real mystery is brewing… but also passion. Can Jade keep her heart safe or has a man finally pierced her shields to the vulnerable girl inside?
Rating: 4 Stars
Edit: The sex in this novel doesn’t follow the usual path in romance novels. When Jade loses her virginity it’s not a quick flash of pain and then over with. I enjoyed how Garwood handled everything when it became an issue between Jade and Caine. Jade was also very tender for her second time. It was different than what I am used to in a romance novel and I found that I enjoyed it because of that.
Originally posted 2009-01-06 00:40:53. Republished by Old Post Promoter
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May 4th, 2009 — Author Interviews, Historical Romance, Sabrina Jeffries
Boy, do I have a treat for LRP readers! I recently was able to interview Sabrina Jeffries after the RWA Conference. Amidst her busy schedule she was more than kind enough to sit down and respond in depth on the topics broached. Get a cup of tea or coffee sit back and kick up your heels as you read this author interview.
LRP: How did you find yourself writing romance? How did you become an author?
Sabrina: From age 9 on, believe it or not, I read romances, but I only wrote poetry and short stories until grad school. In college I decided I wanted to be a writer, but I thought the best route to that was to go to grad school in English, become a professor so I could have a paying job, and then try to publish stories and poetry. Somehow the academic work took over. Then while I was a visiting assistant professor of English at Tulane University, I sat down to develop a publishable academic work based on my dissertation about James Joyce and found it so boring that I started writing a novel instead. After a while, I realized I was writing a romance novel. It didn’t sell, but the next one did and I’ve been writing ever since. Ironically enough, when I was twelve I told myself that when I grew up, I would write down my romantic fantasies and sell them to people. I guess I knew my destiny deep inside. It just took me a little while to figure it out as an adult!
LRP: What is your favorite type of romance to read? Is it the same as what you write?
Sabrina: For the most part, I do prefer historical romance to any other kind of book, romance or otherwise, and yes, I like sex in the books a lot! I read other things, too, though. I’m not that fond of Westerns or medievals, and I do prefer British or foreign settings, but otherwise I’m not that picky. I also read a little nonfiction, the occasional mystery or science fiction novel, and a lot of suspense, though I don’t get nearly as much time to read as I’d like.
LRP: How do you decide character names?
Sabrina: I have a book (now OOP) called The Oxford Dictionary of English Christian Names. I thumb through that until I find one that appeals to me that is also period-correct.
LRP: What are some challenges in writing romance? Any particular genre of romance more difficult to pull off?
Sabrina: Finding new and different ways to explore relationships is always challenging, too. As for difficult genres, I actually find historicals harder to write, because of having to remember all the period constraints. The other day I caught myself before I could write, “She blindsided him.” Since that started in reference to football in the 60’s, it’s definitely not Regency. J
LRP: What kind of research do you do, if any?
Sabrina: I still have to do research related to everyday life in the period, depending on what will be covered in my book. I research the main events of the year of my setting. I pore over maps of the area and try to find out information about the flora and fauna. I also regularly use a Regency thesaurus. For book-specific stuff, I tap my hundred or so research books and my library of clippings from various sources, as well as Google Books, which is a fabulous resource, because you can find books contemporary to the period. I do most of my research WHILE I’m writing the book. I wait until I need to know something to research it, since I never know when I’m going to need to know something.
LRP: Is there anything you wish you’ve seen in a romance novel — and are you writing it for us?
Sabrina: I can honestly say that I never feel a lack in any of the books I read. If I did, I’d write it. I’m just always pleased when I can be surprised by a book. But do I ever say, “Wow, I wish someone would write about Regency female doctors”? No, not really.
LRP: What advice do you have for others who are interested in writing?
Sabrina: Perseverance is the key. You must keep writing, keep putting your work out there, and keep learning before AND after you get published. Never think you’ve come too far to learn. Even after having written 29 novels, I’m still learning about writing.
LRP: Do you ever get writer’s block? If so, how do you handle it? What do you find difficult, if anything, about writing? And what do you like the best?
Sabrina: I don’t really get writer’s block. I do, however, get stuck on a particular scene or plot or character. When that happens, I try to take some time to relax and just let my thoughts meander. I read another author’s book or watch a movie to get the gearshift unstuck, so to speak. I’m also quite fond of hot showers, long walks, and jigsaw puzzles as ways to lull my conscious mind into letting my subconscious come up with answers I need. And if I’m REALLY desperate, I call my critique partners and bounce ideas off of them until I find a solution.
What I find most difficult about writing is trying to make it interesting time after time. Also, it’s hard to follow your own vision without imposing it on the characters. They become their own people in the course of the novel (if you’re any good, that is), and you have to respect that without letting them take over the book. You have to strike a balance, and that isn’t easy.
LRP: Was it difficult to get published? How did you find your agent? What’s the strategy behind the use of plural author names?
Sabrina: Yes, but not as hard as it is these days. In one respect I got lucky—I happened to join an RWA chapter that had as a member an agent just starting out in her career. That was especially lucky since all the agents I’d queried weren’t interested. I’m still with Pam Ahearn of The Ahearn Agency after nearly 20 years.
But even after landing an agent, I had 10 rejections on the first book she represented (the second book I’d written) before Leisure bought it. Over the years, I’ve received a number of rejections for a number of my books. Pirate Lord was rejected by five publishers, and that was after I’d already had 11 books published as Deborah Martin and Deborah Nicholas! I sold the 12th book I wrote, and then my publisher at the time gave it back to me—it’s still unpublished, mostly because it needs work and I don’t have time for it.
About the pseudonym thing, I wrote as Deborah Martin and Deborah Nicholas because my respective publishers didn’t want my growing career at one publishing house to be affected adversely by my numbers at the other house, and since I was an unknown author at the time, they weren’t taking any chances, so they insisted on my having two different pseudonyms. Then when I decided to write a completely different kind of historical, my new publisher wanted me to take a new name to reflect the new style and voice. By that point, I was an experienced writer, and I realized that I’d be better off choosing something catchy rather than something close to my real name.
Incidentally, that would be my advice to any new genre author—if you have a catchy real name, use it. If you don’t, choose something interesting and unique as a pseudonym because your name is part of the marketing package. And unfortunately, marketing is everything in today’s publishing world. Taking a pseudonym the third time around was the best thing that ever happened to me—but I did lose most of my old readers because they couldn’t find me. Sometimes, however, booksellers are more eager to take a chance on a debut author than an established one with lackluster sales, so you have to weigh whether to take a pseudonym in terms of marketing.
LRP: Do you work on deadlines now? How long does it usually take you to write a book? Have you written a book that seemed to write itself or a book that you had to drag out kicking and screaming?
Sabrina: Yes, I still work on deadlines. The shortest time I’ve ever written a book in is 4 and a half months (Night Vision). The longest is about 9 months, but I always aim for 6. Right now, I’m writing the book that is seeming to write itself, but I think that it’s because I know Charlotte and Cousin Michael so well that they’re just writing the book for me. To Pleasure a Prince was also easier to write, as was Beware a Scot’s Revenge, but NONE of them are easy. The hardest one was probably Let Sleeping Rogues Lie. I had a lot of issues to deal with and juggling them all was difficult.
LRP: What about bedroom scenes? What makes a good one?
Sabrina: Good ones are those that are so inextricably entwined with the story and the characters that they compel the reader to read them. It’s the people and their concerns that make love scenes interesting. Plus, I tap into every fantasy I’ve ever had. Fortunately, I’ve always had an active fantasy life where sex is concerned, and I haven’t even come NEAR to touching on all my fantasies.
Although honestly, I could spend hours on this subject. I do a whole workshop on it.
LRP: How do you define love?
Sabrina: Geez, you don’t ask the easy questions, do you? I couldn’t begin to define love. I just know what it is when I feel it. Plus, there are so many different kinds, aren’t there?
LRP: What do you hope your readers will gain from your books?
Sabrina: Joy and a release from the everyday troubles of life. I write to entertain, and if I succeed at that, then I feel I’ve done my job.
LRP: What do you do to relax and get away from writing? Is there something that really gets you away from it all?
Sabrina: I enjoy making jewelry, gourmet cooking, and reading (of course), but I also like to watch movies and listen to CDs a lot. I’m addicted to spider solitaire, so I have to watch how much I play it. And nothing relaxes me more than a good jigsaw puzzle, believe it or not. My idea of heaven is being able to do nothing but puzzles for a couple of days.
LRP: Could you provide a picture of your workspace? We’d love to see how and where you write!
Sabrina: This one is where I do the actual writing (it also doubles as a guest bedroom). I don’t have a nice bright window like this anywhere else upstairs, and I prefer to look out a window while I write, so this was the only option:
BUT, my official office is what the former owners used as a bonus room (across the hall from this room). Since my dh has knee trouble, he doesn’t climb the stairs, so we can’t use that room as a bonus room, which is why I took it for my office. It’s FABULOUS. It’s just too dark for me to stand to write in. But I’m doing this at it right now. I do all my business stuff in it, plus some reading. I took 3 pics of IT.
The first pic is of the part of the room (there when we bought it) that has a “stage.” Apparently, the former owners had 3 teens who played in a band. My desk now sits on the stage in front of the built-in bookshelves.
Here’s the rest of the office, the part not on the “stage.” I know, most people would kill for an office this big. I love it. Just can’t write my books in it. *G*
And…
LRP: Oh! How wonderful! Thanks for sharing your space with us. What are your hopes for the future?
Sabrina: I just hope to be able to keep writing books for years to come!
LRP: Is there anything else you’d like to share with us? When can we expect your next book?
Sabrina: A reissue of my first Sabrina Jeffries book, The Pirate Lord, will be released August 26, 2008. Then, on October 28, 2008, comes Snowy Night with a Stranger, a Christmas-themed anthology with stories by Jane Feather, Julia London, and me. The heroine of my story is Elinor Bancroft from Let Sleeping Rogues Lie. Then, in July 2009, will come the fifth novel of the series, about Lucy Seton from Let Sleeping Rogues Lie. It will be followed by Charlotte and Cousin Michael’s romance in August 2009. No titles for these yet, but all will be revealed in that final book, so keep an eye out for both books in the summer of 2009!
LRP: Thanks so much for answering all these questions Sabrina! Good luck and many happy sales!
Got a burning question to ask Sabrina? Leave a comment!
Want to discuss this interview with others? Check out LRP’s shiny new forum!
Visit Sabrina’s blog and website for more information about Sabrina and her work!
See you here again on Monday! Have a great weekend!
Originally posted 2008-09-05 05:32:37. Republished by Old Post Promoter
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April 19th, 2009 — About, Historical Romance, Pirate, Pirate
What is pirate, privateer, or buccaneer romance?
While pirate romance seems pretty self explanatory the truth of the matter is that modern romantic notions of pirates are far from fact. When we think of a pirate, I am sure many of you will conjure up an image of the deliciously sexy and adventurous Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean. The code that they lived by was far from the images brought to mind by the movies or by modern day romances. Pirates in truth were vicious and the chances of two pirates following the same code of honor were pretty slim, but that doesn’t stop them from being some of the best of the bad boys in romantic literature.
What makes the pirate so sexy?
We love reading about pirates, of that there is no question. Why, you might wonder. The answer is thus: who wouldn’t want a handsome man to give us permission to buck the rules of society, live life voraciously with no limit on what we can or should do? Rogues and rakehells might make delicious rapscallions on land and in London society, but it is the pirate captain that is both scandalous and notorious.
Lead males in pirate romances are muscular, domineering, swashbuckling, passionate, buccaneers. The open sea is their mistress and no female can tame their hearts… or so they think. Pirate heroes soon realize just how lonely their life on the water really is and endeavor to capture the love of a woman. When they loot, pillage, and ravish pirate heroes find themselves desiring to do so to the pretty maid with the feisty tongue and not the nearest enemy ship.
This is the character cast in romance novels. The truth however is that pirates have never been truly noted for charms, manners, or fantastically gorgeous good looks. Despite their shortcomings, the romance of seven seas calls out like a siren’s song. Thrills, romance and adventure, you can’t go wrong with a pirate romance.
Originally posted 2008-07-02 05:10:45. Republished by Old Post Promoter
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April 18th, 2009 — About, Cursed Lead, Highlander, Julie Garwood, Scotland
What is highlander romance?
Highlander romance is a subgenre of historical romance. Not to be confused with the show, highlander romance is all about those sexy warrior men. The setting for these romances usually takes place in Scotland or Wales. You may be familiar with the 2008 movie Made of Honor; it was a movie that pitted the typical Highlander, Scottish, hero against a trust fund city slicker. An exemplary novel of this genre is Julie Garwood’s The Bride. Overall, Highlander romances are as formula based as any other genre in romance or fiction.
What are the Clans/Tribes involved in Highlander romance?
I am sure there are more, and if you know of them inform me and I’ll flush out this section!
- Celtics
- Saxons
- Scottish
- Welsh
- Highlanders
- Lowlanders
The lore behind Highlander Romance:
Most Highlander romances will use a Romeo and Juliet theme where the clan/tribe/family rivalry and hatred separate the two lovebirds. They will either fall in love in spite of the mutual dislike or be forced into it by another typical plot line such as the girl’s family being indebted to the hero or his family. The debt will be settled by marriage and unwilling or not family honor must be upheld. Luckily for the main leads, they end up liking each other.
There are also plenty of curses and cursed heroes and heroines alike in Highlander romance. A cursed hero will be destined to lose his love or perhaps has already lost his love and finds a new one. He might be cursed to never find love, get married, bear children, etc. The heroines could face similar curses.
Highlander romance also includes a lot of vendettas and bride stealing.
If you would like to add to this section or review a Highlander romance please contact me!
Originally posted 2008-07-09 21:12:11. Republished by Old Post Promoter
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April 2nd, 2009 — 2.5 Stars, 3 Stars, Contemporary, Guest Reviews, Janet Evanovich, United States of America
By: Cara Lynn, guest reviewer
Janet Evanovich is one of my favorite writers. I really enjoy her Stephanie Plum series. So when I saw Wife for Hire, I figured I’d give one of her other books a whirl. It’s quite lightweight and fairly short (especially since the print is larger, which is a bit annoying to me.)
I give it a 2.5-3.
It was a fun and fast read, not nearly so complex in characters or plot as the Plum novels. But it was a good diversion.
Hank Malone, from Vermont, and Maggie Toone, from New Jersey, are made for each other. Both were trouble in their childhoods, neither wants a life that is particularly predictable.
Malone has advertised for a pretend wife in order to look stable enough to qualify for a bank loan to run his apple orchard. Malone is also hoping to avoid the women who are chasing him. What he advertises for and what Toone is are two different things.
Toone is in process of writing the memoirs of an aunt, who just happened to be a madam.
Throw in assorted characters, such as Elsie, the housekeeper, who is particularly funny, a bit like the grandma in the Plum novels, but different; both sets of parents, who in their own ways are characters themselves; long time friends and small town busybodies, and you have a recipe for a lot of fun along with some twists and turns.
Of course, they fall in love, getting involved very quickly, maybe a bit too quickly for me. Throw in some assorted (funny) kidnappings, due to a misunderstanding, and things get complicated, but are eventually sorted out.
All’s well that ends well. And it leaves you with a smile on your face.
Buy: Wife for Hire
If you would like to write LRP a review, we would love to have you. It is our goal to review novels across the genre in an attempt to provide a pretty thorough archive of romance stories. Your participation would greatly help out LRP. Look here for submission guidelines.
Originally posted 2008-12-04 03:27:58. Republished by Old Post Promoter
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April 2nd, 2009 — 3.5 Stars, England, Gaelen Foley, Guest Reviews, Historical Romance, India, Queen or Princess
By: Marcia, guest reviewer
Her Every Pleasure is the third book in the Spice trilogy about three siblings, British citizens, who have grown up in India. It is a story of duty, honor and destiny which would seem predictable for a romance novel; but add an ambitious Sheik and ruthless Janissaries bent on conquering Europe and converting it to Islam, and it becomes much more interesting.
Gabriel Knight has retired from the Regulars and withdrawn from life while recuperating from an arrow in the abdomen as well as the horrors of war. Having had an after death experience, he believes that he has a destiny to fulfill. At six feet, four inches tall and heavily muscled, he is the epitome of tall dark and handsome. A warrior and leader of men he must learn to follow before fulfilling his destiny.
Princess Sophia has been attacked on the road to London and has fled to hide in a barn on what she supposes is an abandoned farm. She intends to masquerade as a servant while waiting to be rescued by her security team. Over the years, one by one, her entire family has been assassinated until she is the last in line to rule the Greek island kingdom of Kavros. She has been taught to defend herself by her head of security and will kill when necessary. When Gabriel finds her asleep, he assumes that she is a gypsy with loose morals that his brother sent to ‘take care of his needs’. They are strongly attracted to each other but each resist because of duty, honor and destiny, not understanding that those are the very reasons that they should be together.
Her Every Pleasure is told with vivid visual descriptions and a tightly constructed plot. The characters are fully developed and sympathetic. Although the characters and events are entirely fictional, the story is told with historical realism. Galen Foley is always a good read.
3.5 Stars
Buy: Her Every Pleasure
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Originally posted 2008-12-03 15:12:22. Republished by Old Post Promoter
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April 1st, 2009 — 5 Stars, Book Review, Cursed Lead, Gentry, Highlander, Julia London, Scotland, Virgin Heroine
Highlander in Love is one of the sweetest, most delightful romances I have had the pleasure to read. Julia London spins a masterful tale that weaves the magic of Scotland into your heart. The intimate scenes between Payton and Mared are thrillingly sensual and are on a scale of not to hot, super hot. Highlander in Love combines all of the genre’s standard plots in a delightful new way.
Payton Douglas, Laird of Eilean Ros, has two hobbies: sheep raising, whiskey brewing. He has been in love with Mared Lockhart for years, the vibrant young woman from the castle Talla Dileas on the other side of the mountain. She does not hold any affection for him at all as he’s a Douglas, the enemy, the man she believes who brought destitution down on the heads of her family.
Mared has a curse upon her, one that has lived in the family for hundreds of years with devastating consequences. No daughter of a Lockhart will ever marry until she looks into the belly of the devil. Those that try to wed find themselves dead or their lovers dead. Separated from the rest of the lochs because of this curse, Mared grew into a young vivacious woman with a lot of sass. Payton finds her irresistible.
However, the Lockharts’ are in dire straights. With the introduction of sheep to the lochs, cows were not bringing in the money they’d used to bring. A large loan of 3,000 pounds was extended by Payton to Mared’s father with her hand in marriage as collateral should they fail to pay the loan back in a year.
Then the scoundrel Hugh MacAlister stole the beastie from the Lockharts, leaving them without a way to repay Douglas. But Mared won’t marry a Douglas! Determined to bring Miss Beitris Crowley into Payton’s esteem, Mared hopes that he’ll offer for Beitris instead. But Payton won’t be deterred, and in desperation Mared breaks off the betrothal.
Out of the frying pan and into the fire. Wounded by her refusal, Payton lashes out and demands that the loan be paid, as agreed upon the collateral of Mared’s promise. He forces Mared into his house as a housekeeper. But she vows to never serve him.
Packed full of wonderful dialog and scenes, this is just the tip of the iceberg with Highlander in Love. Payton is the new Mr. Darcy; composed, misunderstood, passionate, wealthy, and desperately lonely. How will he overcome Mared’s hate of the Douglas clan and see his way to a future built on the glimmering foundation of dreams?
Rating: 5 Stars
Buy: Highlander in Love
Originally posted 2008-12-02 14:44:15. Republished by Old Post Promoter
March 28th, 2009 — 4 Stars, African American, Black, Contemporary, Executive, Guest Reviews, Phyllis Bourne Williams, United States of America
By: Cara Lynn, guest reviewer
A Moment on the Lips by Phyllis Bourne Williams is a sweet love story. I picked it up from the library because the cover was different. It is an artist’s rendering of a lovely black woman about to eat a strawberry. It is a Leisure Book, and I will certainly look for more.
Grant Price is a wealthy, high powered executive who is used to getting his way in business, but his life is ruled by how busy he is. He and his father wish to recruit Melody Mason, but she has more or less disappeared from business life, after being at the head of her game. Grant goes to find her, determined to bring her back for the company. They had been in college together where the two of them were rivals, spurring each other on to bigger heights.
Melody has left the business world, originally for health reasons, but also because she no longer loved it. (There isn’t an emphasis on the problems.) Being responsible for other people’s money, even though she is very good at it, was also stressful. She cared enough that those invested with her were more than a number, even if she didn’t know their names.
When Grant comes to offer his business proposal in person, she counters his proposal with one of her own. If he will stay in her small town in Tennessee for one week, without a cell phone, laptop, fax machine or contacting the office, she will go with him for one week and present a seminar. She doesn’t think he will stick to it. He feels she will come to work for more than a week.
Melody’s reason is that she doesn’t want him to have the health problem she had because of his Type A personality. Grant has his own misgivings because he wished to pursue another career, only his father overrode him in his youth.
Melody is in process of opening a knit shop. Grant doesn’t realize how far along the plans are.
Her small town has the usual cast of characters — a town gossip, a homeless man, many long time friends, the intertwining of lives.
Melody suspects Grant is only using her to get her to make money for the firm. She has had two engagements fall through when she realized both men only wanted her for the money she could make them. She also isn’t the typical heroine — she is nearly 40, mature in her body and her thinking — so she is skeptical of his involvement in her life and has been hurt enough that trust doesn’t come easily for her.
Of course, they fall in love. There is humor and realism; possible marital problems with a friend whose marriage had always been happy; enough romance to be satisfying; and grown ups living lives not too far out of the realm of reality. The various threads in the story are cleared up nicely, but not in ways that seem contrived.
If you are interested in a black romance, this is well done. However, the book is not particularly black. Other than the descriptions of the two main characters and a small bit mentioned about hair weaves vs. natural curls, the other characters could be black — or not. There is no colloquial language.
Rating: 4 Stars
It was a happy read for a hot summer day.
Buy: A Moment on the Lips
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Originally posted 2008-11-29 12:16:54. Republished by Old Post Promoter
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March 23rd, 2009 — Author Interviews, Contemporary, England, Historical Romance, Jacquie D'Alessandro, Regency
Today readers at Review Romance Novel have are truly gifted with a great opportunity. I recently got in contact with Jacquie D’Alessandro and she was kind enough to grant me an interview. I got to ask her a bunch of questions and the following transcript is in her own words directly. I hope you all enjoy.
LRP: What do you enjoy doing besides writing?
Jacquie: Reading (big shocker there, I know 
), spending time with my family, being at the lake, playing tennis (I play poorly but I’m determined), cooking, traveling, movies-really everything except pulling weeds in the garden, doing laundry, housework, and cleaning out the cat’s litter box.
LRP: In your own words, what is love?
Jacquie: I think it ultimately boils down to caring about someone more than you care about yourself. Wanting their well-being and happiness above anything else.
LRP: What is your favorite type of romance to read? Is it the same as what you write?
Jacquie: One that gives me a hero I can fall in love with, a heroine I like and respect, and an entertaining story that makes me laugh, cry, and sigh with pleasure. I HOPE that is the sort of story I write-it’s certainly what I strive for with every book.
LRP: What is your favorite book that you’ve written? How about one you’ve read?
Jacquie: My favorite book is always the one I’ve just finished writing because the hard work is done so I’m loving it! I have so many favorite reads, most of them romances, but my number one favorite book of all time is The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy.
LRP: How do you decide on character names and book titles?
Jacquie: I give my heroes and heroines names that I personally like. Bad guys and murder victims tend to be either just pulled out of my character naming sourcebook or inspired by people who were nasty to me in high school (heh, heh, heh). I have several baby name books I refer to when I’m stuck. I’ve also flipped through the phone book on occasion for surnames.
LRP: What sort of research, if any, do you do for your novels?
Jacquie: I own a large collection of research books on England and the Regency period. I prefer to purchase the books and keep them rather than borrow them from the library because the library wants you to GIVE THE BOOKS BACK!! And I don’t like to give the books back! I WANT TO KEEP the books! So-I have a LOT of books. And on some interesting subjects-sailing, Tarot card reading, poisons, weapons, chemistry, cowboys. Several years ago my husband and son gave me the twenty volume set of the Oxford English Dictionary for my birthday. I was SO excited! (I’d prefer a gift like that to jewelry any day!). I also use the internet quite a bit-Google is a beautiful thing.
LRP: Does your home life ever interfere with your writing? Or vice versa! What do you do to stay focused?
Jacquie: Things get tight time-wise when a deadline is looming, but luckily my husband and son (who’s off to college this fall) know their way around the laundry room and kitchen. To stay focused I close my office door, put in my earplugs and immerse myself in the story. I don’t go to bed until I write the number of pages I need to write for the day. Some days it goes better than others and I’m done in the early afternoon. Sometimes I’m up writing until two a.m.
LRP: How many rejections did you go through until your first novel was accepted?
Jacquie: I think it was three-I’m sure it would have been more except I didn’t submit everywhere. One rejection was so heartbreaking that I quit writing. I’d started out with a query letter, then sent in a proposal, then when it was requested, the full manuscript. In the meanwhile, I started another book. When I finally heard back from the editor on the full manuscript (about a year had passed from when I first sent in the query letter) she said she loved the book, but unfortunately she was leaving that publisher for a job at a non-fiction imprint. So, I re-submitted the manuscript to another editor at the same house. Another six or seven months passed before I heard back from the second editor-a rejection. I’d been so close, and it had taken such a long time, and I was so discouraged. I’d finished the second book, but had no desire to write another one. So I quit. Didn’t write for about four or five months. Then I decided to try it again, but I wanted to try something new. So instead of writing another historical, I wrote a short contemporary. Soon after, through an RWA sponsored contest which I won, I got my agent. Within a few months she sold both of the historical books and the contemporary to two different publishers.
LRP: What is your advice to would-be authors?
Jacquie: Keep writing and honing your craft. And never give up. It’s not easy to get a book published, but it’s not impossible. Yes, it takes talent, but even more importantly, it takes persistence-and luck. The biggest difference between an unpublished writer and a published writer is that the published writer kept submitting until she hit the right editor with the right project at the right time. Never forget that publishing is a business and conduct yourself accordingly and in a professional manner. Join Romance Writers of America and your local chapter. If you don’t already have a critique partner, look for one-but one who is going to give you honest, helpful critique as opposed to gushing compliments. And once again, never give up.
LRP: Do you write or have plans to write works that aren’t romances?
Jacquie: I’ve never written anything other than romance, nor do I have any plans to. I’ve always been most attracted to the love aspect of any story. Even if I’m reading a biography, the part of the person’s life I’m most interested in is their love life. A mystery? I want the detective and the suspect to get together. Even my favorite Nancy Drew books were the ones where Ned Nickerson played a part. Clearly I’m a hopeless romantic!
LRP: How long does it take you to write a novel on average?
Jacquie: Depends on when my deadline is . I can write a 400 page book comfortably in six months.
LRP: What work took the shortest amount of time and what book gave you the most trouble?
Jacquie: Shortest amount of time would be for an anthology story I recently finished. The actual writing time was ten days (that doesn’t include about a week of planning, plotting, brainstorming, etc.)-but keep in mind it was only about 120 pages. As for which one gave me the most trouble-they all do. None of them are easy. I wish they were. But they all pretty much beat me into the ground before I finally tame them into submission. It’s a blood-letting battle every time. I keep hoping it will get easier, but it doesn’t.
LRP: How do you handle writer’s block?
Jacquie: I make a cup of tea, check e-mail, read a magazine, work a few pieces in a jigsaw puzzle-basically anything to give me a15 minute breather. Then I plop my butt back in the chair and press on. Even if what I put down on the page reads like doo-doo, I can always delete it or revise it or fix it. I can’t do any of those things to a blank page.
LRP: What do you think makes a good bedroom scene?
Jacquie: Regardless of how explicit or tame the scene is, I like a love scene that provides emotional growth between the characters, where they learn something about themselves and the other person.
LRP: What do you hope your readers will gain from your books?
Jacquie: I hope I give them a few hours of entertainment and leave them with a smile on their face when they close the book. My keeper shelf contains books that left me with a happy glow when I finished the last page and that’s my goal-to leave the reader happy.
LRP: Could you provide a picture of your workspace? We’d love to see how and where you write!
Jacquie: Okay, I’m laughing because my office is a DISASTER! Seriously, it is. I normally clean up my office when I finish a deadline, but I’ve had 4 back-to-back deadlines, so there’s been no cleaning. There are papers and books stacked everywhere-I can barely see the floor. The top of my desk is littered with notes written on everything from post-it pads to paper napkins. I couldn’t take a picture of it even if I wanted to because the digital camera is buried in here somewhere! I don’t always write in here where I have my desktop computer. Sometimes I use a laptop and move around the house to give myself a change of scenery. If I ever get things organized (translation: find the camera), I’ll let you know!
LRP: Is there anything else you’d like to share that I haven’t asked?
Jacquie: Only to say thank you for the opportunity to “talk” with you and your readers. Thank you so much for your support-I really appreciate it!
LRP: No, thank you, Jacquie, for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with me.
If you have any questions you would like to add leave them in a comment and I’ll pass them along at a future opportunity. Jacquie is a sweetheart. I and the readers here at LRP wish you great success with all your future novels. Thank you again for speaking with us.
Visit Jacquie D’Alessandro’s website @ http://www.jacquied.com/.
Originally posted 2008-11-23 06:53:50. Republished by Old Post Promoter
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February 14th, 2009 — 5 Stars, ARC, About, Candy Tan, Genre, Sarah Wendell
I won the Beyond Heaving Bosoms: The Smart Bitches’ Guide to Romance Novels in the SBTB ARC giveaway contest. When I got it in the mail I ripped the packaging and squeed! About two chapters into the guide my first thought beyond the squeeing was this…
English/Lit grad students working with romance novels: Smart Bitches just pwned your thesis. Scrap what you got and start over. Think I’m kidding? Ignore my advice and you will Not Pass Go and Collect $200 you’ll just go straight to FAIL.
My second thought another two chapters down the road was…
SBTB has written the ultimate end all be all guide for romances. You won’t be able to talk about romance again without using this book because they’ve covered it all: lead types, plot tropes, standard clichés, wtf moments, sex, and HEAs.
Sarah and Candy have written a terrific book. Their guide to romances will definitely bring tears of laughter to your eyes as well as enlighten readers to why women love to read romances… the shortcut answer is all about the hero and heroine… or maybe it’s all in the Magic Hoo-Hoo? Hmm… tricky. I guess you’ll have to read to find out for yourself.
The tone of the novel is set to read like your best friend breaking down the facts of romance for you to understand, potty language and crude jokes included. Pick this book up for no other reason than to read and learn about the different types of heroes and heroines. It’s sure to bust your gut because you’ve probably come across at least one of each… like the too stupid to live heroine.
Overall, 5 Stars out of 5 Stars.
Fans and Scorners ignore Beyond Heaving Bosoms at your own peril… especially the scorners for we just might throw the 80s Rapist Hero at you.
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February 1st, 2009 — 0.5 Stars, Book Review, Counts, Marquis, Viscounts, England, Estranged, Gambling, Historical Romance, Jo Goodman, Rape/Abuse, Scarred Hero, Suspense/Thriller
I have been reading The Price of Desire by Jo Goodman these last few days and at 200 pages in I knew it was going to be a disaster. This review contains a lot of spoilers so be warned. I think many readers will find it helpful to read the spoilers as the book is very dark and angsty when everything else about the book leads one to think it’s going to be a fun story. The back is titillating and gives no clue to what’s really inside the book. Real quick it goes something like this: Alastair has promised his sister Olivia to Griffin to pay off his gambling debts and both Olivia and Griffin take the biggest gamble on each other.
Before I learned more about the characters past I knew it wasn’t going to be pretty. At 200 pages in they’ve shared one kiss. Overall it’s been very slow reading as the heroine is very withdrawn and so is the hero. While at 200 pages in it’s no longer at the painful level to read and be witness to their story it certainly is not as engaging as it could be and there’s already been a settling of a 1000 pound debt (mainly the brother handing Olivia over to the hero), attempted rape (by some drunk in the hell that came upon her room), a fire (that started during the attempted rape- she gets him in the end by nearly strangling him to death with a towel), and confrontation with the delinquent brother (after he fails to get the funds to release her from the hero’s care). In any case, I can tell the hero cares somewhat, but the emotional exchange between the two is so dry that there’s hardly any connection.
At 350 pages in, they’ve exchanged bodily fluids and words of love and we come to learn a lot about Olivia and this is where it gets me. I’m sorry but I read romances to enjoy myself and get a few moments to escape reality. Nothing about Olivia’s past is enjoyable. Beyond the attempted rape scene from before we learn that Olivia was raped in her past. As if that weren’t bad enough her father ‘played’ with her when she was younger than six years old a ‘touching’ game. When the nanny brought this to the attention of Olivia’s stepmother, Olivia gets sent to a boarding school for young girls where priests tortured the girls as punishment for small infractions by sitting/standing on seatless chairs. Somehow her father reaches the school to continue his sick game and rapes his daughter all part of his and a few other men’s game and setup involving carriages and gifts. Olivia between ages 6-12 was used and it only stopped because she started her menstruation cycle. The following is in her own words…
“I was not his only little girl, I knew that. But I also knew I was his favorite… He gave me to them, Griffin. He sent me to them when it pleased him to do so. To sit at their table while they played cards, to deal for them as I’d been taught, perform on command, and later… as any one of them was struck by a fancy… I was a present on some occasions… his marker on others.”
Needless to say this book has a rating of 0.5 Stars. I don’t know anyone who’d willing read any further once they got to that revelation. As for me I closed the book and started writing this post. It was too much trauma, perversion, and sickness of the mind to deal with and I certainly didn’t want to keep thinking about it. Hopefully Olivia wins happiness in the end, the girl clearly deserves it, but I just didn’t want to dwell on the matter any more. I blame the publishers for letting a novel like this hit the shelves.
Originally posted 2008-10-03 06:48:19. Republished by Old Post Promoter
January 23rd, 2009 — About, Cursed Lead, Gothic, Jane Austen, Suspense/Thriller, Widow or Widower
Gothic romance is a genre you can’t find all too easily today. It was a popular genre a few decades ago and lovers of this romance sub-genre will have to troll secondhand bookstores to find titles. Classics of this genre are novels such as Wuthering Heights and Scarlet Letter. Well known authors of Gothic romance/horror include Ann Radcliffe of the past and Stephen King of the present.
A typical Gothic romance revolved around conflict and mysteries. It made the heroine choose between two male characters for love. One is bright, sunny, cheerful and charming. The other was dark, mysterious, secretive, and brooding. Plotlines of cursed leads and daring adventures took place on wind-swept moors, and places that were haunted. The heroine would embark on a thrilling journey to discover if her hero was worthy of love. Her task usually boiled down to find out if the hero really murdered his first wife, brother, mother, insert other relation.
It is interesting to note that Radcliffe introduced this brooding male as the Gothic villain, which developed into the Byronic hero. She is considered a pioneer of the genre. The movie Becoming Jane
shows a meeting between Radcliffe and Jane Austen but there’s not basis for this meeting. However it does provide an interesting backdrop on the dual rise of the two types of popular novels.
As Gothic or dark romanticism developed it became more distinctly separated. The first direction of Gothic novels glorifies gore. The second took on the key aspects of modern romance. This new evolution made the focus on the romance instead of the mystery. These are the romances that disappeared after the eighties.
So what is a Byronic hero?
Trivia: The name of this hero comes from the English poet Lord Bryon.
The hero himself is highly intelligent, urbane, sophisticated and introspective. In other words he’s arrogant, mysterious, seductive, and moody (see bipolar). We see male figures like this all over, you could make the argument that Mr. Darcy is a Byronic hero on top of being a Regency hero, as Byronic heroes dislike social formalities and functions. Of course Mr. Darcy doesn’t have a troubled past or flippant air towards the wealthy and privileged, as he is one of that set. While Mr. Darcy was disliked he was not a complete social outcast and exiled from polite company. All these things are attributed to the Byronic hero.
What’s a good modern Gothic romance?
Some titles of the modern Gothic romance include: Bells of Widow’s Bay by Miriam Lynch, Castle Midnight by Evelyn McKenna, and Satan’s Rock by Marilyn Ross.
Authors to look for include (past and present authors): Victoria Holt, Dorothy Daniels, Theresa Weir, Phyllis Whitney, Barbara Michaels, Allison Knight, Mary Stewart, Joanna Challis, and Megan McKinney, Kay Hooper, Eve Silver… to name a few.
Trivia: In the 1980s Harlequin had an all Gothic line of books. See here for Gothic titles. Harlequin Intrigue also contains several titles that could satisfy your craving.
Originally posted 2008-09-24 15:10:30. Republished by Old Post Promoter
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