Category Archives: 10 ways

January 20, 2012

Lessons to Learn from Romance Novels…

By Sarah MacLean

Twitter just shared this article from MSN.com and Women’s Day…Life Lessons from Romance Novels. It’s a wonderful slideshow that highlights the great things we can all learn from romances. I’m thrilled that A Rogue By Any Other Name is one of the books they use to illustrate the lessons (and even more thrilled that it’s highlighted beside books by Julie Ann Long, Miranda Neville, Anna Randol & Beverly Jenkins)!

And I absolutely couldn’t have asked for a better “lesson” for my cover to be paired with than this one: Fall in Self Love.

My heroines have a lot of things in common, but probably nothing so much as this: each one has to learn to love herself, and trust herself, and believe in herself before she ever has a chance of loving her hero. And sometimes, this takes longer than even I’d like (I’m looking at you, Isabel)…sometimes it takes pain and suffering and doing stupid, awful things that make her hero wonder why he ever even showed up at this country house to begin with.

But there’s a reason why Isabel is one of my favorite heroines. She embarks on the journey we all have to take…she has to learn to believe in herself, and to trust herself, and to honor herself before she can take the risk of believing, trusting, and loving her hero. Luckily for Isabel, Nick waited around.

But life isn’t a romance novel. So we need to do the hard work of learning to love ourselves now…so that when our white knight swoops in to save the day, we take him up on it. Right away.

It’s worth it.

—

What’s your favorite lesson from romance novels?

3 comments | posted in 10 ways, hot off the press, on romance, read more romance

February 8, 2011

Laura Lee Guhrke’s Ten Most Shocking Scandals!

By Sarah MacLean

I’m so so thrilled to be hosting one of my favorite authors–Laura Lee Guhrke–on the blog today! Laura’s Girl-Bachelors series is just incredible…if you haven’t read The Wicked Ways of a Duke, stop reading this blog post and go read it. Now. I’ll wait.

Anyway… I’m so excited about Laura’s newest series–Abandoned at the Altar! The second book in the series, Scandal of the Year, is out this month, and I cannot WAIT to read it! You know how I feel about scandals…and so when Laura suggested she come over to blog about real-life scandals…I was all for it.

Welcome Laura!

Because my latest book, Scandal of the Year, is in stores now, and because I love gossip, I thought I’d share with you my top 10 shocking scandals. These are the things that shocked me when they came out, but after thinking it over, I realized I wasn’t all that surprised by them.

10. Tiger Woods. My first thought on this was, OMG, she bashed in his car with a golf club? And then I found out why. Ok, no longer surprised. 

9. Mike Tyson. I was shocked when the news about Desiree Washington came out. Although going up to a man’s hotel room might give him the wrong impression, too bad. Rape is never allowed, and it’s always shocking to find out not all men understand that. But then I remembered Mike Tyson was just that kind of guy. He bit off Holyfield’s EAR. Is the idea that he raped a girl very surprising? No, sadly. It’s not.

8. Steve Tyler. Here, I’m not thinking of how the lyrics to Walk This Way shocked me the first time I heard that song. And I’m not thinking about a while back when Steve fell off the stage TWICE. I’m not even thinking about how he’s a judge now on American Idol. No, the most shocking thing Steve Tyler has done is get old. I saw a picture of him recently for the first time in years, and I was shocked because I thought, “Oh, crap, Steve was hot back when I was in high school, and if he’s getting old, that means…I am, too?” Gulp. I had to book a facial appointment just to make myself feel better about that unthinkable realization. And if I could give Steve just one little bit of advice, woman to man, it would be this: Steve, Men Of A Certain Age should not wear leopard leggings. Pass that advice on to Mick Jagger, too, next time you see him. 

7. OJ Simpson. Having lived in LA before the murder, and having worked with quite a few people in the Hollywood movie crowd, I’d heard gossip about the abuse already, so although the news of Nicole’s death and O.J.’s arrest was shocking to many people, it did not surprise me a bit. I wasn’t surprised by the car chase either because he seemed the sort of guy who would run away. And I never thought for one second that he DIDN’T do it. Because of all that, I found the verdict shocking beyond belief. But in hindsight, when I think about the fumbling and bumbling of the prosecution, I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised. 

6. Anna Nicole Smith. Marrying old man? Nah, not shocking. Trying to claim a share of his money after his death? Not shocking. That she proved she couldn’t act her way out of a paper bag? That she died of a drug overdose? That…never mind. There’s nothing shocking about Anna Nicole Smith. Let’s move on. 

5. Rocky Horror Picture Show. Shocking enough that a low-budget musical with weird people and an incomprehensible storyline should become a cult classic that makes people go to the movie theater as if it’s a costume party/picnic combo. But when I watched that movie on tv not long ago and I saw Tim Curry strut around in that black corset and fishnet tights once again, I realized I’m no longer surprised by the movie’s success. Even in that getup, Tim Curry was hot. No wonder I saw that movie dozens of times back in high school. 

4. Brad and Angelina. When this romance came out, I wasn’t shocked by Angelina. Who could be after Billy Bob Thornton? No, it was Brad that pole-axed me on this. I liked Jennifer Aniston, and I thought, “How could you, Brad?” I haven’t been much of a Brad Pitt fan since. I think he’s a great actor, but he’s not hot. Not anymore. 

3. Lorena Bobbit. Cutting off her husband’s most important appendage was shocking, but given the info about abuse that came out later, it was not surprising. In hindsight, I’m just surprised that after she cut it off she threw it out the window. I would have put it through the garbage disposal. Not that I’m vindictive, or anything… 

2. Project Runway. Ok, I hate Reality TV. Except for Top Gear and the Iron Chef, I think most of it’s garbage. But I LOVE Project Runway, mainly because every year the winner shocks me. It’s NEVER who I think it should be (except Jeffry, who made that yellow plaid dress that rocked the runway—he won, and should have won, and all was right with the world that year). But what doesn’t surprise me now is that they are not rushing out to make Season 9. After the mind-numbing Gretchen debacle of Season 8, who could blame them? Any fashion sense the judges had has obviously disappeared, and they should move on. Tim Gunn, however, can have his own show. He rocks. 

1. Princess Diana. I was shocked by her death, but in a strange way, it seemed so iconic. Like JFK. Like Marilyn. Like Jimmy Dean. She died at the height of her beauty, and just when she’d really come into her own. Looking back, I think it was what I’d probably write in a book (if I didn’t write romance, of course!). Her death seemed strangely suited to the ironies of history.

(Editor’s note: I love. This. Post!)

Contest time!

What scandalous things have shocked you and why? Thinking back on them, do they still surprise you?  Leave your answer in comments, and we’ll choose one lucky winner on Friday to receive signed copies of Laura’s Girl-Bachelor series!! **Don’t forget to leave your email address, so we can connect with you if you win!

27 comments | posted in 10 ways, 11 scandals, authors rule(s), bookshelf

February 1, 2011

The Day That Strikes Fear in the Hearts of Men…

By Sarah MacLean

I’m talking about Valentine’s Day, of course!

It’s a horrible, horrible thing we do to the men in our lives…so horrible, in fact, that in my house, we don’t go all out on February 14th like most couples do. Although, I should add that there’s another reason. I don’t like Valentine’s Day. I don’t like being forced into feeling like I *should* be in love. I didn’t like it when I was single, and I still don’t like it now.

So…instead of dinner and roses, Eric and I wish each other a Happy Valentine’s Day but feel no pressure to love each other any more than any other day of the year.” I like it this way, because it gives a nod to this holiday that I used to hate hate hate, and at the same time doesn’t feel like a huge dramatic thing that we *must* do or else we obviously have to end our relationship.

To that end, I give you Ten Ways to Show Your Love on Valentine’s Day…Or Any Other Day…Without Making It a Thing.  I know it doesn’t rhyme. But just go with it. :)

1) Write a note. I know. It sounds lame. But I find that when you’ve been in a relationship for a while, you tend to forget to tell your partner about all the things (s)he does that are awesome and make you love them that little bit more. Also, the love letter is a wonderful thing (I like to sneak it into Eric’s coat pocket, so he finds it during the day). So, here’s my theory: February 14th is as good a day as any to expound on your partner’s fabulousness. Of course, April 3rd is good, too. Or June 25th. Or any other of the 364 days in the year.

2) Rent a shoot-em-up. At some point, someone said Valentine’s Day movies are supposed to be love stories and you’re supposed to be all date-y…but the truth is, that’s only fun if it’s fun for *both* of you. Instead, buy tickets to something you both want to see. Or rent something that’s not lovey-dovey, but is fun anyway (I recommend The A-Team. Also, The Italian Job). Order pizza. Buy the Jumbo Popcorn. And have fun without feeling so pressured to be in love.

3) Get milkshakes. This happens to be my Valentine’s Day tradition. And by “my” I mean the singular, “my.” When I was in college, all my single friends would do milkshakes on V-day. When I was out of college, we kept up the tradition for years–even though many of us had boyfriends. Once we started getting married, husbands got to come along. Going out for milkshakes is old-fashioned and fun. For added cuteness, get one milkshake and two straws.

4) Cook dinner. Don’t get crazy and go out of your comfort zone…we’re not making this a thing, remember? But make something you both enjoy tonight. What’s your partner’s favorite? That’s the thing you should make. More importantly, you should eat it together. Not in front of the TV or with your kids screaming like banshees. And if your kids’ bansheeing cannot be stopped…may I suggest a little something for dessert to eat after they go to bed? Try these SUPER simple chocolate lava cakes…which you can premake and just throw in the oven before you want to eat!

5) Go old school. Get a box of Necco Sweethearts. Do your thing all day, have a normal, nothing special night. And then, while you’re cuddled on the couch, rock the “Be Mine.” For a naughtier ending to this scenario, get some Adult Conversation Hearts…

6) Smooch. This one is self-explanatory. But quality smooching time is a terrific gift in the middle of a busy February.

7) Make a plan to be in love on another day of the year. I know…this is a wild and crazy idea…but instead of Valentine’s Day, with it’s forced roses and it’s overpriced dinners, what about planning a date night for another time? How about March 1st? Or April 12th? I bet it’s easier to get a sitter…and you’ll have something lovely to look forward to! My suggestion? Cuddle up on the couch on V-day and make your plans for You-day. That’s “you” in the plural.

8) Take a walk. Yes, I know it’s February, and all signs point to this being the longest, coldest winter ever in the history of winters…and yes, it’s probably snowing RIGHT NOW…but sometimes, taking a walk, even in the snow, even in the cold, is as romantic as it gets. You’re outside, together, talking…and when you stop on the corner before crossing that street, or to admire the way the snow is falling through the light from the streetlamp…it’s just a perfect moment.

9) Those three little words. Sure, you say them. Plenty. But how about calling your partner up in the middle of the day and telling him/her out of the blue? Just because you thought about it? Can’t take calls at work? Text, email…or write a little note and time-stamp it. This is a good one to remember every day. Don’t ever skimp on telling someone you love them. It feels great to hear it when you’re least expecting it.

10) Smooch. I know, I know, I already said this one. But it bears repeating, don’t you think?

There you have it! Ten ways to celebrate with your sweetie without going overboard on February 14th…or any other day of the year. Do you have something to add? A mellow gift/experience for the 14th? Leave it in comments, and one lucky commenter will win an eARC of Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke’s Heart! I’ll pick the winner on February 15th!

And for more V-day festivity and the next stop on the Avon Ladies Valentine’s Day ring, head over to Katy Madison’s house!

22 comments | posted in 10 ways, contests and giveaways, holiday season

December 1, 2010

Holiday Gifting – Autographed Books!

By Sarah MacLean

I make it no secret that I’m basically in love with the idea of giving books as gifts.  As it stands, I’m giving books to everyone in my life–each hand selected with love. Books are personal. They represent a passion for learning and knowledge and imagination and worlds far beyond our own. And I think they represent a special connection between giver and receiver.

That said, I’m also a big believer in putting books on my wish list.  There are about 12,000 books that I want, they’re easy to buy, and way less expensive than a Vespa (which is really what I want for Christmas), and so my Christmas wish list is filled with books.  And if they’re signed by the author, even better!

While chatting with the fabulous ladies at my local indie bookstore, WORD Brooklyn, we came up with the very cool (I think) idea that readers could order autographed copies of my books direct from them!

Here’s how it works:

1. You click here or call WORD at 718-383-0096 and select the books you’d like me to sign: The Season, Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake, or Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord (you could also preorder Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke’s Heart as well, and I’ll send you signed goodies to stick in someone’s stocking to say their gift is coming in April!) 

2. You fill in the form, and include the message you’d like… for example: For Maggie, Merry Christmas! Sarah MacLean, or To Christine, The person who bought this book for you is the best! Sarah MacLean, or simply Sarah MacLean, or whatever else you’d like me to write.

3. The staff at WORD calls me.

4. I pop in sometime before December 18th, sign the books, and add special bookmarks, postcards and other fun printed goodies to your package like the gift giving fairy I am!

5. They ship the books to you.

6. You win the award for Best. Gift. Ever.

“But Sarah,” I hear you saying, “What if I just want the book for myself?”

Never fear!  I also wholeheartedly endorse self-gifting during the holiday season! I’d love to sign a book just for you…and I’m sure the team at WORD would love to ship it to you!


Questions? Comments? General holiday glee? Comment below and I’ll happily respond!

4 comments | posted in 10 ways, 11 scandals, 9 rules, bookshelf, gotham city, holiday season, the season

December 1, 2010

Kieran Kramer’s Ten Ways to Achieve Wild Success!

By Sarah MacLean

Today, I’m so excited to host the wonderful Kieran Kramer, whose debut When Harry Met Molly was released last month to HUGE critical acclaim, and whose Dukes to the Left of me, Princes to the Right was released yesterday!  Congrats, Kieran!! 


Aside from having fabulous titles (you know how much I love a great title), Kieran is also just plain awesome to be around.  I’m so happy she decided to take some time out of her release-week schedule to come hang out with me in celebration of the release of Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord! 


Welcome Kieran!

In When Harry Met Molly, Molly is thrust into a seemingly impossible situation in which she doesn’t know what she’s doing and needs to learn fast. I think it’s a basic human fear we all share—-I don’t know anyone who doesn’t have a stress dream about being thrown into a scenario in which you’re required to sink or swim. Not all of us have the razor-sharp wits of MacGyver!

In Molly’s case, she’s a virtuous young lady who’ll be ruined for sure if she doesn’t agree to her childhood nemesis’s terms for helping her: she has to pretend she’s a lightskirt and compete in a scandalous contest sanctioned by the Prince Regent himself. This contest is a big deal in a lot of ways, and Molly is challenged to give it her all in order to win the illustrious title of “Most Delectable Companion.”

So with those thoughts in mind, I decided to write a tongue-in-cheek list that also has a few bits of serious advice in it for anyone who wants to grab the proverbial brass ring.

I call it:

Ten Ways To Achieve Wild Success When You Don’t Know What the Hell You’re Doing

1. Wear really cool glasses

2. Surround yourself with brilliant people and let them know you value them

3. It never hurts to nod your head and murmur, “Right. Of course,” when you’re feeling a bit clueless.

4. Listen to the career advice of the top 10% in your field. Do what they do. Period. Or “full stop” for our British readers.

5. If you mess up, say you’re being ironic.

6. Either that, or don’t say a word. Honestly, maybe no one will notice. (It took me years to have the cajones to stay silent). There’s power in it. Combine this strategy with wearing the really cool glasses and fabulous shoes for added impact.

7. Don’t let failure stop you. Keep moving, keep tweaking. Don’t be afraid to make a mess. Think Lucille Ball in the assembly line with the doughnuts coming faster and faster, but you’re going to grab what good doughnuts you can, ignore the smushed ones, and lick the chocolate off your fingers as you go because that’s what makes the whole process fun.

8. Reach straight for the top, not the middle or the bottom, but be 90% prepared to handle success immediately. The other 10% can’t be learned in advance. As it comes at you, however, you mustn’t waver—-karate-chop it to the ground with gusto.

9. Channel Michael Scott on “The Office,” which isn’t as bad as it sounds. Have an optimistic heart. Wear the suit and play the role, but be willing to expose your vulnerabilities for the sake of your dream. Love what you do.

10. And finally, ignore the fact that you don’t “know” what you’re doing. People who achieve great success pay more attention to their guts and imaginations than their heads. Be brave and follow your instinct’s lead; get the head knowledge along the way.

Kieran is generously offering up a signed copy of When Harry Met Molly to one lucky winner! Tell us a time when you faked it till you made it, and we’ll choose a winner on Monday (I’ve got a great–if embarrassing–one of these stories in comments)! **Don’t forget to share your email address with us so we can reach you if you win!

And don’t forget to read more Authors Rule(s)!

14 comments | posted in 10 ways, authors rule(s), bookshelf, contests and giveaways, on romance

November 29, 2010

Kathryn Caskie’s Ten Cool Holiday Gifts to Give or Receive

By Sarah MacLean

After the last sentence of Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord, there is an incredible, special teaser of Kathryn Caskie‘s The Duke’s Night of Sin, the third book in Kathryn’s awesome Seven Deadly Sins series!

I was so thrilled that The Duke’s Night of Sin was teased in Ten Ways, in part because I got to read that first chapter (which is YUMMY) ages ago! We’ll leave aside the fact that then I had to WAIT forEVER to read the actual book!

To celebrate the launch of both our books…and the holiday season…Kathryn is here on the blog, talking about holiday gifts! These are fabulous ideas…I might have used several of them to cross off people on my list!

Welcome, Kathryn!

Ten Cool Holiday Gifts to Give or Receive 

1..  Ultra unusual flashies for your writer friend, business bud,  or the environment conscious student in your family.  How green are these USB 2.0 flash drives (right)? Each comes tucked inside a real reclaimed tree branch. They can even be laser-engraved.  Promokeychains.com 
2.  Sought-after tickets.  Tickets to sporting events, musicals, holiday events or plays. Remember, the tickets aren’t necessarily for you.  They’re for your special someone’s enjoyment.  Don’t worry, your gesture will be appreciated big time. 
3.  Paper Jamz, for kids of all ages. I’ve already bought for my nephew. Become an instant rock star with Paper Jamz! No musical ability required. Play like a pro just by touching the Paper Jamz guitar’s fret and strumming the strings image. Series 1 guitars feature six jammin’ guitars, each with three hit songs built in to play along with in Perfect Play and Rhythm modes. Then, go to the Solo switch to Freestyle mode to play real chords and create your own songs. Rock on!

4. Luxe for Less.  From White House Black Market, a satin wristlet that’s as pretty as present wrapped by Martha Stewart herself (left).

5.  Something homemade (even if you didn’t make it!).  I love Etsy.  You can find some many unique, handcrafted jewels there.  I simply adore these super soft hand-felted slippers by Pawfelts.
6.  Experiences.  Cooking classes, golf lessons, sailing, wine tasting classes.  The gift of doing something together is one of the best you can give and receive.  I have had a lot of luck finding unique experiences on Groupon.com.  My husband got to drive a NASCAR, my daughters went on an overnight ghost hunt with paranormal investigators in Harpers Ferry.  Check out the site for 50%- 90% Groupon discounts offerings for your area. 
7. Charity.  Make a donation in your friend or loved one’s name to a charity they support.  Since my children were small we have donated a hive of bees, a goat and a flock of chicks, etc. through Heifer International.  For as little as $10 you can change lives by providing training and livestock that can make families self-reliant.  

8.  Rosemary holiday tree.  Is there someone in your life who would love a tree in the house making everything smell so fragrant and festive but doesn’t have the room or the ability to go out and choose one?  This small (around 3 ft.) tree that ships straight to the door is just the answer (right)!  And, when the holidays are over, just snip a bit to use in chicken dishes or soups. Solutions. 

9.  What do you get Dad, Grandpa or your favorite uncle?  Well, if you want to be practical, they’d probably enjoy the utility of these Gluttony pants after a filling holiday meal.  Concealed fully adjustable waist, with a built-in napkin, but who would know? Betabrand.com. 
10.  Send a smile everyday.  I love the idea of this gift.  A decorative jar filled with beautiful tiny envelopes with sentiments written by you (or, if you wish, you can choose from a variety pre-written messages.)  Each day, or whenever a smile is needed, your loved one, student, grandmother, new mother, etc. can take open an envelope a get a special message from you.  Very touching gift, especially for someone who can’t be with you for the holidays.  KindNotes.com  
Holiday Bonus~ The Duke’s Night of Sin hits stores November 30th!  Great gift for the romance lover on your list (and you.)  If you send a SASE business size envelope to Caskie Book Plates, PO Box 342, Waterford, VA, 20197, Kathryn will send you up to two signed bookplates for books.  Limited availability, so hurry, hurry!

And…Kathy is generously offering up three sets of the first two books in the Seven Deadly Sins series to three separate winners! Woo-hoo! Tell us the best gift you ever received…fun, funny, useful or just plain special…we’ll choose a winner (USA only, sorry!) on Friday… **Don’t forget to share your email address with us so we can reach you if you win!

Stay tuned all this and next month for fabulous prizes and awesome Ten Ways posts from an incredible range of authors! And don’t forget to read more Authors Rule(s)!

27 comments | posted in 10 ways, authors rule(s), bookshelf, holiday season, on romance

November 22, 2010

Gayle Callen’s Ten Steps to Procuring an Engagement!

By Sarah MacLean

I’m so excited to host Gayle Callen here on the blog as part of the release month celebration of Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord and to talk about her most recent release, A Most Scandalous Engagement! The book is the second in a series…and I love the premise…three friends decide to break into a men’s club and steal a nude painting…and get caught!

Who can’t get behind that idea?

Gayle has given us a little taste of the new book with the following Ten Steps to Procuring an Engagement!

Welcome, Gayle!

1. Set your sights on your best friend’s brother, a man you’ve worshipped from afar your whole life. He hasn’t noticed you, only because he thought you were too young for him and he wasn’t ready to settle down. Ignore the fact that he doesn’t seem to like the same
things you do. He’s perfect.

2. Never dress in boy’s clothes with your female cousins and attempt to steal a nude painting off the wall at a gentlemen’s club—you might be caught.

3. This scandalous night might only get worse: a drunken wager among three men about which of you is the model! Lie through your teeth—each of you should pretend to be the model, loyalty and sisterhood and all that.

4. But if those men do wager over you—and one of them is Peter Derby, the friend who rescued you from childhood scrapes—promise him the truth about the painting if he’ll pretend to be your fiancé.

5. A fake fiancé will help you secure the interest of the man you’ve really chosen—this man will see that he’s almost lost you!

6. And a fake fiancé will also stop another man from blackmailing you into marriage over that blasted painting, not the sort of engagement you mean to procure.

7. Once your childhood friend is pretending to be your fiancé, try to keep him at a distance, ignoring the heated way he’s suddenly looking at you, and how you never noticed how very…intriguing he can be, or how much you admire the way he’s made his own fortune rather than inheriting it. Remind him that there’s another man you’re supposed to marry, and deliberately misunderstand the challenge in his eyes. He’s just teasing you.

8. When he sneaks into your bedroom trying to prove you’re the nude model, ignore how very excited his presence makes you, how boy-next-door Peter has begun to inspire recklessness and yearning. Try to remember the name of the other man you should marry.

9. Remind yourself that pretending to be Peter’s fiancée in public, accepting his touches and attentions and smoldering looks, should never carry over when you’re alone in a dark carriage, and he’s offering to show you just how to seduce a man—that other man, the one you should be focusing on.

10. When a villain threatens you, and life gets crazy, and you find yourself turning to Peter, perhaps you should rethink your strategy to procure a real engagement.

So yummy!

Gayle is generously offering up a copy of A Most Scandalous Engagement to one lucky commenter! In honor of engagements, tell us your favorite engagement story…either real, fictional, or one of those fabulous youtube videos (you know the ones I mean)! We’ll choose a winner on Friday… **Don’t forget to share your email address with us so we can reach you if you win!

Stay tuned all this and next month for fabulous prizes and awesome Ten Ways posts from an incredible range of authors! And don’t forget to read more Authors Rule(s)!

35 comments | posted in 10 ways, authors rule(s), bookshelf, contests and giveaways, on romance

November 19, 2010

Kate Noble’s Ten Love Scenes that Make Your Heart Melt

By Sarah MacLean

I think Kate Noble is the cat’s pajamas. There, I said it. I won’t take it back. She’s fun and funny and when I met her in NYC at Lady Jane’s Salon, she proved to be one heckuva reader. And then I read The Summer of You and Oh. Em. Gee. Can that girl write. Wounded hero, awesome heroine, country house, lake, yes, please.

So, I’m particularly happy that Kate is here today as part of release excitement for Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord…and it doesn’t hurt that she’s talking about great love scenes…who doesn’t love that?!?
Welcome, Kate!
Ten Love Scenes that Make Your Heart Melt

Don’t you just love a good love scene?

I’m not talking about sex scenes, although those are represented — I’m talking LOVE scenes. Scenes where that most frightening, exciting of emotions is expressed, and you just have to hold your breath for a moment, and wait and pray and hope for the feeling to be returned in kind. They can be from Books, movies, TV, heck, even commercials. It was REALLY hard to narrow this list down to ten. Be advised: Here be spoilers, as well.

1. Anne Elliot receives a letter. 

Persuasion is the most romantic of Jane Austen’s works, and Anne Elliot, her most romantic character. (Austen’s description of Anne: “She had been forced into prudence in her youth, she learned romance as she grew older: the natural sequence of an unnatural beginning.”) 

Captain Wentworth came back into Anne Elliot’s life after a decade, reminding her of the ‘what if’s of the choices of her youth. Throughout the book, we see them come closer and move away from each other, like a wave upon the shore. Finally, when he overhears her defending women’s constancy against the forces of time, he is compelled to speak. But can’t. Because they are in a room full of people. So he takes a piece of paper, and writes her a letter, saying that his poor male heart had been constant to her. When she reads it… oh, when she reads it… 

2. Jordan Catalano takes Angela Chase’s hand in the hallway. (My So-Called Life “Self-Esteem”) 

Secretly making out in the boiler room is all hot and sexy, but there comes a where a teenage girl realizes she has to be acknowledged by the guy outside of said boiler room. Where he has to declare to the world – or the entire high school – that she is with him. Angela Chase had given up on Jordan Catalano. but after a moment of realization in English class (which, lets remember, was not Mr. Catalano’s best subject) Jordan comes up to Angela in the hallway, and takes her hand. Oh, just watch the clip. (Note: this scene is brought to you by my teenage wardrobe of plaid, plaid, and more plaid.) 

3. Anthony Stewart-Head meets his neighbor over coffee. 

Love scenes need not be confined to straight fiction. As Don Draper tells us, some of the best story telling is done in advertising. And these turn-of-the-90s Nescafe ads (the American version — and yes they did air over here – were called Taster’s Choice) do it right. They build on each other, pulling a love story out of a freaking-instant coffee. Before Tony Head was Giles, he was the coffee starved neighbor of beautiful Sharon Maughan, and each commercial was like an episode, or a chapter, and each time the sexual chemistry built, and built, until finally… they kiss. And believe it or not, that kiss was front-page news in England. 

4. Viola and Shakespeare play Romeo and Juliet, telling the story of their lives. 

One of my favorite romantic movies does not have a happy ending. Shakespeare in Love gives the drama of Romeo and Juliet a source, making it the on-stage version of the romance between Shakespeare himself and a young noblewoman named Viola. She loves the theater, girls aren’t allowed to act on stage, contrived events throw them both on stage, during the premiere performance of Romeo and Juliet.  But the thrill of being onstage, playing these fantastic parts is undercut by the sorrow that they know this is the last time they will be allowed to see each other. It’s painful and beautiful and wonderful to watch. 

5. Heath Ledger finds his old shirt. 

In Brokeback Mountain, Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal play Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, cowboys who become lovers, but keep it secret from their families and society for the whole of their lives. Once Jack has died, Ennis visits with Jack’s parents, and he breaks down when he finds his old shirt hanging inside one of Jack’s old shirts, a memento from the start of their relationship. 

6. Princess Ann loves Rome 

Audrey Hepburn’s first film, and she gets to play a princess. A terribly sheltered one, who, on a diplomatic tour of Europe, decides to skip out on her responsibilities for a while and go on a Roman Holiday. And hey, if you met Gregory Peck, wouldn’t you take time off from your real life too? 

But come the end, she has to go back to being a princess, but she breaks diplomatic protocol and declares that out of all the places she visited, Rome was her favorite. 

7. Pacey remembers everything. 

One of the better inventions of the mid-90s, was Dawson’s Creek‘s Pacey Witter (Joshua Jackson). And one of the better things they did with the character (lest we forget that awful season one Sleeping-with-the-Teacher storyline which is just creepy now) is they made him fall for Joey Potter (Mrs. Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes). But alas – they couldn’t be together, because according to Dawson, he and Joey were Meant To Be. (Hey, its his show…) But the chemistry between Pacey and Joey spoke otherwise. Joey was never less annoying and Pacey was never more heart-stopping than when they were close but couldn’t be more, as typified in this scene at the Anti-Prom, where Pacey told Joey, “I remember everything”. 

8. Gen and Carmen find themselves lying on the grass. 

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett is not, from the outside, a romantic novel. It is about a formal party in a South American country that is taken hostage by guerrilla fighters. For six months. Gen, the translator for a Japanese ambassador, and Carmen, the lone young woman amongst the guerrilla fighters, become friends, as she wishes for him to teach her to read. They fall in love so easily. Told mostly from Gen’s perspective, and as if a memory, one night, they find themselves in the back yard, steps away from the road and freedom. They could run away from this horrible situation… but they stay. They spend the evening on the grass… and in each other’s arms. 

9. Jim kisses Pam! Jim kisses Pam! (The Office, “Casino Night”) 

It seems forever ago, but there was a time when Jim wasn’t with Pam. In fact, Pam was with Roy. And Jim’s love went unrequited and unnoticed by Pam — until he got up the gumption to tell her how he felt in a terribly heartbreaking scene, as he’s shot down with the most painful, “I… can’t” from Pam. (Seriously, John Krasinski cries, thus cementing my crush upon him.) And that’s the scene that would have made this list if Jim hadn’t, at the very end of the episode, found Pam alone in the office, talking on the phone, and wordlessly come up to her and kissed her. AND THEN LEFT US HANGING FOR THE WHOLE SUMMER. 

10. Rhett, Scarlett, and the Staircase 

In Gone with the Wind, this is the moment that Rhett finally, finally loses control, and gives into his impulses regarding Scarlett. And the morning after, Scarlett doesn’t seem to mind. (FYI, the movie is pretty faithful to the book in this scene.)

Love this list!!!

Did I tell you Kate was fab or WHAT?! Ok. What did she miss? Name the best love scene (book, tv, commercial or film) in comments for a chance to win a signed copy of Kate’s The Summer of You (which is totally awesome)! We’ll choose a winner on Wednesday…and don’t forget to leave your email address so we can contact you if you win!

Stay tuned all this month for fabulous prizes and awesome Ten Ways posts from an incredible range of authors! And don’t forget to read more Authors Rule(s)!

18 comments | posted in 10 ways, a night at the movies, aunt jane, authors rule(s), bookshelf, contests and giveaways, dream boys, on romance, on the tube, sigh

November 18, 2010

Lila DiPasqua’s Ten Reasons to Try Fiery Tales!

By Sarah MacLean

Today, Lila DiPasqua is here on the blog, talking about her super sexy “Fiery Tales” series–collections of fairy tale-inspired novellas! Lila’s Awakened By a Kiss and The Princess in His Bed are historical hotness at its finest! Thanks for coming over to celebrate the release of Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord, Lila!


When I landed a contract with Penguin Berkley to write fairy tale retellings with my own sexy twists I was over the moon! I took my love of fairy tales, historical romance and passionate love stories, and blended them into steamy fairy tale retellings in Awakened By A Kiss and my newest release, The Princess In His Bed—the first two books in my Fiery Tales series!


Now, I know what you’re thinking: I grew up reading fairy tales, Lila. Will I like your version of Fiery Tales?

Here are ten reasons why I think you just might:

1. There are three hot historical bad boys who will seduce the objects of their desires in each book. Repeatedly. *winks*

2. There are three smart heroines who will make these gorgeous men lose their hearts.

3. In The Marquis’ New Clothes, (from THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED) the hero does not walk down the street naked while people snicker.

4. When our hero, Adam de Vey is naked, he’s quite impressive to behold. There is nothing on his muscled body to snicker at.

5. If you’ve been in a fire and have scars on your body, (Emilie from The Lovely Ducking in THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED) spike the hero’s interest by boldly writing him letters asking him to explain sex and seduction.

6. Princess Gabrielle can’t sleep at night. (The Princess and the Diamonds from THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED) There is something hard in her bed. Not just the stolen diamonds tucked under her mattress, but the handsome Marquis on it. No peas stuffed under this Princess’s mattress!

7. Sleeping Beauty has the tables turned on him in Sleeping Beau when he is awakened by a luscious kiss. (in AWAKENED BY A KISS)

8. Nicknamed “Le Loup” the wolf, Nicolas is indeed a wolf in sheep’s clothing as he secretly works for the Crown. (Little Red Writing from AWAKENED BY A KISS) He never expected that his suspect would turn out to be his sexual soul mate.

9. Elisabeth (Bewitching in Boots from AWAKENED BY A KISS) is the King’s favorite daughter and a woman used to getting what she wants. And she wants the Captain of the King’s private Guard, tall, dark and oh so handsome, Tristan. The problem is, he hates her. She intends to rely on wit,
seduction…oh and her lucky boots in order to have him!

10. These books are set in the very decadent, elegant and most wicked time when the genre of fairy tales was born! Dare to step into my Fiery Tales world? You just may be swept up…and scandalized.

*smiles*


Thanks for having me, Sarah!

Yum! You can read excerpts from The Princess in His Bed and Awakened By A Kiss at Lila’s website!

And one lucky commenter will win a signed copy of AWAKENED BY A KISS or THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED—winner’s choice! To enter, comment below with your favorite fairy tale! We’ll choose a winner on Wednesday, just in time for US Thanksgiving! **Don’t forget to leave your email so we can get in touch with you!

Stay tuned all this month for fabulous prizes and awesome Ten Ways posts from an incredible range of authors! And don’t forget to read more Authors Rule(s)!

31 comments | posted in 10 ways, authors rule(s), bookshelf, contests and giveaways, on romance

November 17, 2010

Toni Blake’s Ten Ways to Celebrate Your Inner Shoe Lover

By Sarah MacLean

Today, I turn the blog over to Toni Blake, who was the first Avon author to welcome me to the Avon fold…and definitely one of the nicest! Something you should know about Toni, besides the fact that she writes fabulous small town romances set in Destiny, Ohio (the first, One Reckless Summer, is one of my very favorites and the next, Whisper Falls, is out December 28th!), is that she is the best bargain hunter I have ever met.  She could competitively bargain hunt.  She’s like the Teddy Roosevelt of bargain hunting (but way hotter).  Seriously. And, she always always ALWAYS looks amazing. I’m not sure she’s real, honestly.

I’m so happy to host Toni here as part of the release celebration for Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord…in no small part because she is going to talk about one of my very favorite things: Shoes.

Welcome, Toni!


Normally, when invited to visit someone’s blog, I would talk about my quaint, small town Destiny series, or the next book in the series, Whisper Falls (coming to a bookstore near you on December 28, just in time to wash away those post holiday blahs). But on this particular occasion, I’ve decided to go in a different direction. I decided to make this about … shoes! After all, most of us like shoes, yes? And we all gotta wear ‘em, so why not enjoy ‘em?

I’ll also point out that as sweet and heartwarming and genuine as the heroines of my Destiny books are, they also appreciate a good pair of shoes and would probably like having these in their closets.

Ten Ways to Celebrate the Shoe Lover in Me
(Note: These shoes appear in no particular order)

1. My lime green wedges (right) are the perfect summer confection – plus I have a dress that goes with them that would do any Destiny garden party proud.

2. My silver Born flower flip flops (left) are tres comfy and just super fun to wear. It’s like a party on top of my feet. And I also have them in black – for more sophisticated flip flop occasions, you know.

3. Love my black boots (below). They’re almost enough to make me appreciate cold weather. And I suspect Rachel from Sugar Creek owns a pair just like them, ‘cause she’s that kinda chick.

 

4. My leopard print slip-ons (left) are probably my absolute fave shoes. I’m a leopard print loving girl, and these are totally comfortable for long periods – so … both fashionable and practical. What more could I want from a shoe? Oh, and these shoes might have made a guest appearance in my book, Letters to a Secret Lover.

5. Okay, I’m not gonna lie to ya – these shoes (right) hurt my feet. Bad. So bad I can’t wear them. I wore them once, though, to a cocktail party thrown by my publisher, Avon/HarperCollins, and they were all the rage – and they even have tiny little black sequins sprinkled over the toes that you can’t see in this picture. Anyway, they’re gorgeous, but just too tight. And sadly, they were quite expensive. So I’d probably be willing to auction them off to the highest bidder who’s a size 8 (or maybe 7 ½ more realistically.)

6. These replaced (left) Shoe #5. Not quite as fabulous, but totally cute and flowery, and much more comfortable. And did I mention the flowers are sort of velvety?

7. Simple comfortable slip-ons, of which I clearly own many – the charm of these is that they’re hot pink (right). My only regret is that they don’t look nearly as pink and cute in this picture as they are in real life. These would so fit the typical Destiny wardrobe.

8. These pretty strappy black heels (below) served me well at the last couple of writing conferences I attended. Not 100% comfortable, but I’m willing to suffer … to a degree.

9. I used to have carmel brown boots, but one of them kind of fell apart. So when I went shopping to replace them, I decided chocolate brown (right) would be more useful and am happy with that decision thus far. 

10. The tops of these flip flops (below) are dragonflies. Adorable, yes? Enough said.

So there you have it – ten of my favorite pairs of shoes. Hey, maybe next time we’ll do purses! But only if Sarah’s next book title has a much larger number in it, like maybe twenty or something. ;) For now, though, chime in on shoes. Tell us about your fave pair. How much are you willing to suffer in an uncomfortable pair of shoes? Or hey, put your bid in on my tight but fabulous open-toed pumps!


And after that, I do hope you’ll check out my sexy, heartwarming, and humorous Destiny series. You can learn more about it at www.ToniBlake.com, and remember, Book 3 in the series, WHISPER FALLS, comes out very soon. The book’s hero, Lucky Romo, is the baddest bad boy I’ve ever written, and the heroine, Tessa, would totally wear my silver flip flops!

Best. Blog post. Ever.

I told you Toni was a fashionista!



Two lucky commenters will win!  The first, a copy of Sugar Creek, and the other, an e-ARC of Whisper Falls!  **Don’t forget to share your email address with us so we can reach you if you win!
Stay tuned all this month for fabulous prizes and awesome Ten Ways posts from an incredible range of authors! And don’t forget to read more Authors Rule(s)!

21 comments | posted in 10 ways, authors rule(s), bookshelf, contests and giveaways, on romance