Read More Romance - Part II (Contemporary)

Several months back, I made a list of my Top 10 Historical Romance Novels...which was, quite possibly, the hardest thing I've ever done. I set out to make a list of my Top Romance Novels, period, before I realized that I could list 10 novels that I loved set between the years 1812 and 1815 off the top of my head.  So I went with historical.  And promised more lists soon.

Soon, as many of you who are regular readers know, became not so soon.  But I did not forget you!  I swear!  This week, I'm tackling contemporaries.  Not easy.  Because contemporaries fall into so many different categories...there are the Harlequins and Silhouettes that I read voraciously every month after my sister's HQN and Loveswept Book-of-the-month club boxes arrived...and then the big, sweeping single-title contemporaries that make us all sigh...and that doesn't even touch Harlequin Blaze...or the new, hardcover single titles...or romantic suspense!  

Sure, I'm a historical lover.  But, between us?  There's something about curling up with a good contemporary that is awesome.  Gone is your life...your problems...your world...and there is someone else's life...someone who could easily be you.  And there's a man...a pillar of a stud who just might live next door.  Or who might be sitting on a plane next to you the next time you fly somewhere for work.  And that's a powerful fantasy. But the contemporary romance seems to wax and wane...and I hate hate hate the idea of it fading away because people don't appreciate its power.

Which is why I was so happy when Smart Bitches, Trashy Books & Dear Author teamed up to Save the Contemporary earlier this year. And it's why I persevered in FINALLY building this list. Here we go again...in no particular order...my top 9 contemporary romance novels (because now that I have a book with a 9 in the title, I am eschewing lists of 10)!

**Disclaimer. This list was designed for people who are not romance novel readers. At least, not yet. And it's not comprehensive.  This list includes some classics. I like to think that what we're talking about here is a full on list of books that should be included in the canon of romantic literature. Yeah, some of them are old. But you know what? They're awesome.

• Perfect by Judith McNaught - I got a complaint or two that McNaught's Whitney, My Love wasn't on my Historical list.  There are a few reasons why that is--but the most important is this: I think Judith McNaught's contemporary romances blow her historical ones out of the water.  Take Perfect.  If you've ever had that fantasy where a movie star falls in love with plain-old-you?  This is the book for you.  Yes, the plot is crazysauce: Falsely imprisoned movie star escapes and has no choice to kidnap a plain Jane teacher.  They hideout in a cabin in the snow and fall in love. Of course.  Don't judge me.  If you can stay dry-eyed through your first reading of this book, then you're allowed to judge me.  I see you judging me.  
  
  
• Texas! Chase by Sandra Brown - Any list of best contemporary romance novels has to include two things: cowboys and military men. Here's my first nod to cowboys (but, as I'm typing, I realize that there's going to be at least one more).  This one is tough. The hero is SERIOUSLY wounded.  His pregnant wife died in a car accident, and he's roped into marrying the woman who was driving (and who happens to have loved him for her entire life).  IT COULD HAPPEN!  He's kind of an ass to her...until he realizes that ohmigosh he loves her. I know. But, I swear, as a reader, you go with it.  Because you can't help it.  It's just that good.   
  
  
• Midnight Jewels by Jayne Ann Krentz - This was my first Jayne Ann Krentz book...and one of my first single-title contemporaries.  It is still my favorite of all of her books, and I'm not really sure if it's the nostalgia factor or the fact that I'm completely and utterly in love with the hero--and was from the very first second I saw his name.  I mean, who doesn't fall for Croft Falconer? Add to it the fact that the whole story is centered around a rare book, and stop it. I'm sold. This is also as close to romantic suspense as this list will get. 
  
  
• Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas - It's no secret that I think that Lisa Kleypas writes quite possibly the most perfect historical romance heroes (I'm looking at you, St. Vincent). And I will follow her blindly.  Regency? Victorian New Orleans? Gypsies?  Yes.  But when she went contemporary, I thought, Oh No! But...but...how could these heroes ever compete?  And what is this first person POV? And then I met Hardy Cates and....Oh YES. YES YES! Add to that the fact that the book deals with some really tough issues--spousal abuse--and still delivers a passionate, heart-wrenching lovestory, and...well, yes.
  
  
• Nobody's Baby but Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips - I was woefully late to the SEP party.  That said, I have made up for lost time in an extraordinary way. And, while I haven't completed my tour through her catalog, I've come close...and I feel confident in putting Nobody's Baby but Mine on the list.  Such a fun read. Brilliant physicist goes after hot hot HOT football player thinking he'll be dumb enough to both even out the gene pool and give up those genes without a fight.  Too bad he's clever, funny and smart himself.  When these two go head to head, you won't want it to end.
  
  
• Sweet Liar by Jude Deveraux - As you know from my historical list, Jude Deveraux holds a very special, very important place in my heart as the author of the very first historical romance I ever read--The Black Lyon.  With that, she started a long and rich collection of books about a single family, The Montgomerys, who ultimately merge with the Taggart family.  There are about six centuries worth of Montgomerys and Taggarts in the Deveraux catalog, and when we get to modern day, there's always a risk that heroes living now can't possibly compete with dukes and earls and larger-than-life heroes of then.  And then you meet Michael Taggert, the hero of Sweet Liar, and you forget that there was ever a risk.  Because this book, a brilliant contemporary wrapped up in the history of the St. Valentine's Day-esque massacre, ultimately is one heckuva love story.  If you've never read a book by JD, don't start here...but definitely finish with this one.
  
  
• Frisco's Kid by Suzanne Brockmann - Remember when I said that no contemporary romance list is complete without a Navy SEAL book?  Well, if you're going to read a Navy SEAL book, it ought to be by Suzanne Brockmann.  Because the woman does SEALs like nobody's business. Frisco's Kid is one of her Tall, Dark & Dangerous series, and my personal favorite.  I am a sucker for a wounded hero, who can only be saved by the love of a good woman (who isn't?).  Here, we've got wounded soldier + good woman + 6-year-old niece + the body and mind of a SEAL. Is it getting hot in here? Yum.
  
  
• Warrior by Elizabeth Lowell - Ok...this one makes the list for nostalgia reasons as much as anything else.  This book was originally published as a Silhouette Desire and my friend Lindsay and I passed it back and forth and drooled over the hero--Nevada (wounded warrior and TOTAL Alpha male)--until the cover fell off.  I still have my original copy, Scotch taped together with love.  And the scene in the cabin when they finally FINALLY give into each other?  Knee-watering.  (NB: My version of this book is out of print.  This link takes you to an HQN reprint that includes another book in Lowell's series. That one's worth the read, too!)
  
  
• And while I'm all the way down here on memory lane, discussing those series books that I fell in love with when I was 13, I have to give a slot to Diana Palmer. So... The Long, Tall Texans Series by Diana Palmer - More cowboys.  Yes.  But who doesn't love a good cowboy? Ok.  I'm totally cheating here...because when I was a kid, these books were individual titles.  But now, you can read about Calhoun, Justin and Tyler in one fell swoop. Start with Calhoun--Texas playboy and all-around bad boy.  But, oh. My.
  

Now, like always, I'm questioning the list...what about the newer authors?  The Harlequins I've loved recently?  Uhm...Toni Blake? Kristan Higgins? Jenny Crusie? Forget it. This is too hard. I apologize, in advance, for the books I've missed. It's your turn to tell me what I *have* missed. Did I pick the wrong book from one of these authors?  Or did i blow it by not including some other author altogether?

Comment with omissions, debate (and recommendations, as always)!

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Looking for the earlier list of Historicals?  Here it is!

Paris Pan on Inside the Character's Studio

Give it up for Paris Pan, the star of Cynthea Liu's Paris Pan Takes the Dare, on Inside the Character's Studio!

So what if it is a rite of passage for every seventh grade girl in town to spend a night in the woods? Paris Pan only just moved here, the woods are super creepy, and she has enough weirdness to deal with in her own family. Finding out a girl died mysteriously years ago while on the Dare--right near Paris's new house, no less--is bad enough, but the unmistakably ghostlike noises coming out of the broken-down shed at the edge of the Pan's property? Definite deal breaker.

All Paris wants is to make friends, try to fit in, and not have to deal with a dead girl. But everyone has to take the Dare, and the new girl's turn is up. . . .

Welcome, Paris!

What is your favorite word?
I have so many. But I have to say hallucinations and dementia all have a nice ring to it. Though I hate to believe that I am guilty of having any of this stuff.

What is your least favorite word?
Freak. No one likes to be called a freak.

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Give me some Magic Markers and construction paper and watch me create a card you'll cherish for years to come.

What turns you off?
Verona in her basketball uniform. (She always looks like a half-dressed pop star. Heinous!)

What is your favorite curse word?
Holy Cow is about as as far as I go.

What sound or noise do you love?
The sound of Go relieving herself outside so I don't have to hang out in the creepy yard a moment longer.

What sound or noise do you hate?
Eeeeeeeeeeeer. The shed door opening. On its own.

What profession would you like to attempt?
Professional Muppeteer for Sesame Street. But then again, I'm not sure if that would make enough money to satisfy Mom. In which case, doctor will do.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Hellooooo, Paris. You're here because you just won a zillion dollars. No, how about ... Have you check out Cynthea Liu's launch party yet? You're VIP! www.cynthealiu.com

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Check out other interviews from Inside the Characters' Studio here.

Blake Hewson on Inside the Characters Studio!

Give it up for Blake Hewson (named for another famous Hewson, I'm told), the star of LK Madigan's Flash Burnout, on Inside the Character's Studio!

Fifteen-year-old Blake has a girlfriend and a friend who's a girl. One of them loves him, the other one needs him.

When he snapped a picture of a street person for his photography homework, Blake never dreamed that the woman in the photo was his friend Marissa's long-lost meth addicted mom.

In a tangle of life, death, and love, Blake will emerge with a more sharply defined snapshot of loyalty.

Welcome, Blake!

What is your favorite word?
Yes.

What is your least favorite word?
Tweaker.

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Making people laugh. Trolling around town with my camera. Funny movies.

What turns you off?
Conflict.

What is your favorite curse word?
My mom would kill me if I answered that. Um, how about “bloody”? That’s a British curse word, right?

What sound or noise do you love?
Shannon’s belly laugh.

What sound or noise do you hate?
Cappie’s Love-Gone-Wrong broadcast. She is such a tool.

What profession would you like to attempt?
Stand-up comedian.

What profession would you not like to do?
Medical examiner. Blech. My dad rocks that job, but I would lose my lunch on a daily basis if I had to do it.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Blake, awesome job on the Letterman show. There’s your new BMW, it doesn’t need gas and there are no speed limits here. You go onstage tonight at ten, Robin Williams is opening for you.

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Check out other interviews from Inside the Characters' Studio here.

A Novel Romance

If you've never watched a web series...you should try Life from the Inside, which proves just how funny and clever web-based television can be.

The premise:

Mason Evan Harris was the best "English Language Obscure Foreign Holiday Novelty Songwriter" in the business. That was 5 years ago. Now that his money has run out, he's reluctantly come out of retirement to start a new career as a less-than-enthusiastic jingle writer. The road back to financial stability would be easier if his friends would just leave him alone...and if he was willing to leave his apartment.

Today, the LFTI team gave me this little thing of awesome...an Internet short that is made for romance fans...and the men in their lives. I like to think this is what Eric does when I'm not home.

Thanks to Smart Bitches for the Laugh!

This is such a bummer! They're both right!

via Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

The Benefits of Pining....

Yesterday, Sue Grimshaw, the romance buyer for Borders (uhm, could there be a better job than that? I don't think so) blogged a book report style post of NINE RULES TO BREAK WHEN ROMANCING A RAKE. Now, after I finished having my minor heart attack, brought on by the fact that "OMG my book is in the real world and I can't stop anyone from reading it," and then by "OMG she liked it!" I realized that it's probably time to confess something.

I'm a piner.

I've been a piner my whole life.

So much so, actually, that when my friend Meghan (who has known me for better than 12 years) read Sue's very reasonable question about Callie, the heroine of NINE RULES (who pines for her hero for 8 long years): "I realize in the 1800’s a woman is probably more apt to pine for a longer period of time, but to relate this story to today’s reader, isn’t 8 years a bit much?", Meghan said, "Uhm, clearly Sue does not know that you are a piner of Olympic proportions."

Yes. Yes I am.

Some might call this a flaw. They might suggest that pining is the mark of desperation. To them I say, I prefer to think of it as a mark of persistence.

May I present Exhibit 1: My husband.

I started pining for Eric in 1997. I was in college when my friend Cat, who was dating his roommate--Jake--called their house on speakerphone, and I heard Eric's voice on their answering machine. I can remember precisely where I was, sitting in her Pier I papasan chair, and his voice was deep and rumbly and lovely and I leaned forward in a vague approximation of the way I would ultimately tumble for this mysterious disembodied voice of a man. I had to meet him. And I can't really say why it was so difficult. Cat and I were in Western Massachusetts; Jake and Eric were in Boston. There is no good reason why we never met...but we didn't. And he moved back to California, and I moved to New York and that was that.

But in August of 1999, Cat & Jake got married. In Fresno, California. And I knew this was my chance to finally meet THE VOICE. And I will tell you, I worked out for an entire summer in the hopes of wooing him away from whatever girl he brought to the wedding with my feminine wiles and bridesmaid-dress shrouded person (thank you to Cat for not choosing a hideous bridesmaid dress). And there, as we were standing in line, ready to enter the reception, I saw him. 6'4" and blonde, standing across the room. And I said, "Cat. Who is that?" (because, at this point, it's totally not about the bride--she's already found her guy) And she smiled, and said "That's Eric."

And I was certain. The Voice was The One.

I wish I could say that it ended there...but it didn't. We talked, we laughed, we went for mexican food and to a movie, and then I came back East. And he stayed in California. For two more years. And we had a purely Internet-based friendship.

But, oh, did I pine.

And this is the best part: So did he.

And then, September 11th happened. And, there, in the midst of tragedy, we realized that pining isn't all it's cut out to be. Sometimes, you just have to take the risk--because the reward is worth all the nerves and fear and potential heartache.

Sometimes, you have to make a list and do the things you've always wanted to do.

And that's where NINE RULES TO BREAK WHEN ROMANCING A RAKE begins.

Jane Turner on Inside the Characters Studio!

Ok...as a former barista myself--and one who used to dream of matchmaking the customers who came in (and myself with not a small amount of the attractive men who frequented the cafe), I am thrilled to host Jane Turner, the main character of Kristina Springer's The Espressologist, on Inside the Character's Studio!

The Espressologist is In

Fridays 6-10 p.m.

Come in for a little latte and love.

That's the sign outside of a local Chicago Wired Joe's every Friday night when jerky boss Derek Peters finds out about 17-year old barista and high school senior Jane Turner's unique talent to match couples based on their favorite coffee drink (which she calls Espressology). He decides to capitalize on it-turning Jane into the holiday promotion for the month of December. She's never been wrong, sales are through the roof, and the line of people each Espressology night wraps the block. But can it be too much of a good thing? During an interview with a talk show at the height of Jane's fame, she is faced with a dilemma, lose her love or lose her credibility? Or possibly lose it all, including her best friend.

Welcome, Jane!

What is your least favorite word?
Love

What is your least favorite word?
Melissa

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Will!

What turns you off?
My boss yelling at me.

What is your favorite curse word?
I don't really swear. But I say freakin' a lot!

What sound or noise do you love?
Friends laughing.

What sound or noise do you hate?
Customers yelling at me.

What profession would you like to attempt?
Fashion Designer

What profession would you not like to do?
Butcher. Ick.

If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Start the party!

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Check out other interviews from Inside the Characters' Studio here.

Cover Flats WIN! Stepback Revealed!!! CONTEST!

Ok...best thing about being a Romance author? Getting giant packages from your publisher that include a stack of cover flats, all gorgeous and designed...with pearly paper and foiled, lovely text and official, bona-fide romance author photo and bio and, tucked inside, this:

Yes...that's the stepback of NINE RULES TO BREAK WHEN ROMANCING A RAKE...that's Callie...and Ralston...and is it getting *hot* in here? 

Yes. Yes it is. 

So...I've got a bunch of these to give away...be one of the first 20 to comment below with an email address and win a signed cover flat to tide you over until March 30th...which is OH SO FAR AWAY!!!

Remember, Remember the 5th of November...

Today we celebrate Guy Fawkes' Day...a holiday that gets a lot less attention in the US than it does in the UK, where tonight fireworks and bonfires are being lit across the land...

My mom is British, so I grew up knowing about Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot, although for 5, 6 and 7-year-old Sarah, it was more about lighting a bonfire and watching fireworks than about a history lesson.

I pretty much forgot about Guy Fawkes day as I aged into high school, college and beyond, but a few months back Eric and I rented V for Vendetta...and it all came flooding back. Ok...for those of you who haven't seen the movie, here's all I'll say about it: It is NOTHING like what you think it will be. The trailer is atrocious and captures about 1/30th of the actual plot. Hugo Weaving is astounding, considering he spends the entire film behind a Guy Fawkes mask, and the story is really really compelling. I know, I know...you're saying "But in the previews she's bald! and wearing a burlap sack!" Yes. Yes she is. And I honestly have no idea why that is what they picked for the preview...because it's so not what the movie is.

Anyway, Guy Fawkes wasn't just a crazy guy with a wheelbarrow full of explosives...he's a pervasive part of our culture today-- According to Richard Metzger's blog at the LA Times, Guy Fawkes was the model for Satan in Milton's Paradise Lost...and his "Guy" is the origin of our slang, "guy."

Don't believe us? Well, believe the Online Etymology Dictionary!: Guy: n. "fellow," 1847, originally Amer.Eng.; earlier (1836) "grotesquely or poorly dressed person," originally (1806) "effigy of Guy Fawkes," leader of the Gunpowder Plot to blow up British king and Parliament (Nov. 5, 1605), paraded through the streets by children on the anniversary of the conspiracy.

Anyway...Happy Guy Fawkes Day, y'all...in honor of this most auspicious holiday, for your viewing pleasure, V.