Keeper Shelf Challenge

SusannaCarr

When I first heard Marie Kondo’s advice to keep no more than 30 books, I didn’t think it was doable. I have more than that on my keeper shelves! I know I’m not the only reader who has more than one keeper shelf. Throughout the years I’ve met romance readers who have rooms, basements and storage units filled with keeper books. I often wonder how they can find the book they want to read again.

But then, how often do I read the books on my keeper shelves? And I mean every book. Is each book truly a keeper? Or, in the words of Marie Kondo, do they all spark joy?  Continue reading “Keeper Shelf Challenge” →

Discover This Must-Read Author

SusannaCarr

If you are a fan of sexy contemporary romances, then you must—absolutely, no doubt about it, must—read Amy Andrews.

Whether the romance falls in the sports, medical or rural sub-genre, the characters are what drive the story. Andrews’ heroines are often goal-oriented. The woman’s ambition might be related to career, her family or how she wants to live her life. The heroine works hard to achieve her dreams and she doesn’t allow failure to bring her down.

As for the heroes, they are more than just strong and sexy. These men are fully committed to the heroine’s goals. One of the reasons an Amy Andrews hero is swoon-worthy is the support he gives to the heroine’s dreams. He may get it wrong in the execution but he will do anything—even let her go—if it means she goes after her own dreams or gets the life she wants. He’s on the heroine’s side. Always.

Want to read one of her stories? Here are three recommendations:  Continue reading “Discover This Must-Read Author” →

SlytherPuff Relationships

SusannaCarr

I’m a sucker for SlytherPuff relationships. It’s a subset of Power Couple that you don’t see too often in the movies. Don’t get me wrong, I love the determination of a dual Slytherin power couple (Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler, Frank and Claire Underwood, etc.) But that’s a whole ‘nother conversation.

For anyone who doesn’t quite recall the Hogwarts House system, let me give you a breakdown:  Continue reading “SlytherPuff Relationships” →

The Sexual Double Standard for Romance Heroines

SusannaCarr

Readers occasionally contact me and ask, “Why can’t you write a virginal heroine?”

I’ve written a few, but a virgin doesn’t really work with the stories I tell. I have no problems reading romance stories that have a virgin as a female protagonist. One of my auto-buy authors writes virginal heroines almost exclusively and it works with her themes and core story.

Would it be difficult to change the way I tell a story so my heroine is a virgin? Yes. I guess I could take a shortcut and briefly mention her lack of sexual experience. But if it has no bearing to the story, the relationship or even the moment, why bother?

Maybe the question shouldn’t be about why I don’t write a virginal heroine. I think the real question is: why should I?  Continue reading “The Sexual Double Standard for Romance Heroines” →