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Confessions

Welcome Friends!

Is there a romance series you wish had gone on longer?

I hear a lot of readers who think a series goes on too long, or they wish the author would write something else, but has there been a romance series you wish had gone on longer?

Sometimes a series ends because the author only planned a specific number of books. Or she gets bored. Or she wants to do something else. Other times a series end because sales numbers didn’t meet expectations or the publisher is moving into a different direction.

One romance series that I really enjoyed and wish there were more stories was the Lake & March series written by Jayne Ann Krentz as Amanda Quick. It was set in Regency England. The heroine, Lavinia Lake, is a mesmerist and Tobias March, the hero, is a former spy, and they meet over a dead body. How can a reader possibly go wrong with that?

The Lake & March series was a unique blend of romance, mystery, innovation and tradition. The trilogy really played on the theme about partners and I thought it was a smart and satisfying read. You can read my review about the series here. I believed this series had the ability to continue with novels, novellas and short stories, and I would have been one happy reader. Sadly, it stopped on the third novel.

What about you? Is there a romance series you wish had gone on longer?

Twin Days

My twin sister informs me that the Twin Days festival is going this week. Apparently it always happens on the first full weekend of August. I’m not sure how a twin day is celebrated. Since my idea of a relaxing weekend is sitting back and reading a few romances, my ideal Twin Days weekend would include reading a few books about twins. Here are some August romance releases about twins:

 

Doorstep Twins by Rebecca Winters

Gabi Turner is on the Greek island of Milos to find Andreas Simonides—the father of her late sister’s baby twins.

CEO Andreas is more comfortable chartering his yacht than pushing a pram. But he knows who the real daddy is—his brother!

Waiting for his brother to arrive, Andreas is soon changing nappies and singing nursery rhymes. Andreas thinks he and Gabi make a good team, but what will keep them together when the twins are reunited with their father?

 

Through the Sheriff’s Eyes by Janice Kay Johnson (The Russell Twins miniseries)

Faith Russell refuses to be with a man who feels a sense of obligation toward her. Sure, she’s been through some traumatic events that have left her a little shaky. That doesn’t mean she needs Sheriff Ben Wheeler hovering. She’ll be fine…on her own.

Despite her protests, however, Ben won’t budge. He insists they share a romantic connection that deserves to be explored. She’ll admit she finds him attractive, but how can she be close to a man who might view her as a duty? It’s not until she catches a glimpse of herself through his eyes that she discovers what he feels for her is very real

 

His, Hers and Theirs by Judy Duarte

Eva Galindo’s dream of being a mother was about to come true—twice over. The Brighton Valley biologist wasn’t just having a baby…she was expecting twins! Meeting single father of twins Dan Walker seemed like the sweetest twist of fate. How could she not offer to help out the gorgeous Texas rancher—by being temporary mommy to his own adorable pair?

Suddenly becoming guardian of his orphaned niece and nephew was a tall order for any man. But Dan couldn’t think of a better stand-in nanny than the sloe-eyed mother-in-training. Only, now he didn’t want Eva to leave. Maybe it was time to take a chance on both their futures by combining forces and turning two into one big, loving family….

 

Secrets & Sunsets by Nora Roberts

Risky Business

Liz Palmer had found home—and a refuge—in Cozumel for the past ten years. But everything changed when her employee and boarder was murdered and his twin brother stormed into Liz’s well-ordered life with grief in his eyes and revenge in his heart. Liz refused to be sucked in by his quiet words and intense eyes. She had a life to lead, a business to run, a daughter to raise—and Jonas Sharpe was an unwanted intrusion. But soon Jonas had plunged them both into the shady world of drug smugglers… and the dangerous depths of passion.

Mind Over Matter

Aurora Fields protected her clients like a mother tigress—especially when one was her own mother! So it was going to take a lot more than charm to get her on side with David Brady’s plans. Aurora could see he was a smooth operator, used to getting what he wanted, and she was usually immune. What was it about him that left her uncomfortably vulnerable? As for David, he’d always considered himself a good judge of people. So why did each moment with Aurora leave his head and heart reeling? She was an enigma, and he was determined to find the key.

Cowboys or Vampires?

I don’t read vampire romances, but I get the allure. As Amanda Ashley said in her essay at All About Romance, “the lure of the vampire hero is the darkness that surrounds him. He is mysterious, he is dangerous, he can be ruthless, but, for the woman he loves, he is tender, gentle, protective. To be loved by such a man, to be willing to risk the danger inherent in such a relationship, is exciting, thrilling and a little scary.”

I’m all for the heady rush, but it doesn’t make me forget that the vampire is undead. That’s a mood killer for me every time.

I will always pick a cowboy over a vampire. Fortunately, I am not alone. In a recent study by two researchers, they tracked how Harlequin titles reflected mating preferences. The scholars were surprised that a cowboy was the second most desirable male profession (right after doctors).

“We propose that the Western theme might relate to women’s preference for attractive mates,” the researchers write. “Cowboys are athletic and have high physical fitness, as their duties primarily involve physical labor,” they note. The article continues that a cowboy’s muscular build “presumably make them effective protectors against the variety of physical threats.”

Strong, alpha and protective—now that’s a winning combination with the added bonus that a cowboy can go out in the sun without sparkling. Give me a cowboy any time.

Which is your favorite type of hero? Cowboys or vampires?

 

 

Update 8/22/10: I received an e-mail from Kathleen McFall who has co-written The Cowboy and the Vampire, which will be re-released this October by Midnight Ink. You can pre-order the book here and you can visit the book’s website here.

Who is your favorite debut author for 2009 or 2010?

I don’t usually read young adult novels, but a friend gave me a copy of Nothing Like You by brand new author Lauren Strasnick. And you know how it is when someone gives you their copy of a book. It means you are obligated to read it, promptly, because they are going to keep asking if you read it.

So I started reading Nothing Like You, not really sure what to expect. I read YA when I was a young adult, but that was quite some time ago. Am I going to relate to the characters? Am I going to get it?

The story completely sucked me in from the first page. I didn’t know what Holly was going to do, but I adored her. She’s funny, she’s grieving and she’s believable. I was reluctant to put the book down, and when I had to, I couldn’t wait to get back to it.

And that is why Lauren Strasnick is my favorite debut author. Her next book sounds very juicy. I just might have to get that one when it comes out in October.

Who is your favorite debut author for 2009 or 2010?

Which romance book are you looking forward to read this month?

There are a couple of releases I’ve been waiting for, but if I had to choose one, it would be One Night … Nine-Month Scandal by Sarah Morgan. I read the excerpt on the author’s website months ago and have been waiting impatiently ever since! Now the book is downloaded on my eReader and I am making the time to read it in one sitting. I can’t wait!!

 

What about you? Which romance book are you looking forward to read this month?

What’s your RITA IQ?

On July 31, 2010, the RITA winners were announced during the Romance Writers of America’s annual conference. The RITA recognizes outstanding published romance novels and novellas. I was looking at the list and realized that there are so many great books I haven’t read! In fact, I’ve only read one of these books. (I must do better next year!)

What is your RITA IQ? How many of these books have you read?

2010 RITA Winner for Best Young Adult Romance

Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles

2010 RITA Winner for Best inspirational Romance

The Inheritance by Tamera Alexander

2010 RITA Winner for Best Novel with Strong Romantic Elements

The Lost Recipe for Happiness by Barbara O’Neal

2010 RITA Winner for Best Romance Novella

“The Christmas Eve Promise” by Molly O’Keefe

2010 RITA Winner for Best Contemporary Series Romance

A Not-So-Perfect Past by Beth Andrews

2010 RITA Winner for Best Contemporary Series Romance Suspense/Adventure

The Soldier’s Secret Daughter by Cindy Dees

2010 RITA Winner for Best Historical Romance

Not Quite a Husband by Sherry Thomas

2010 RITA Winner for Best Regency Historical Romance

What Happens in London by Julia Quinn

2010 RITA Winner for Best Paranormal Romance

Kiss of a Demon King by Kresley Cole

2010 RITA Winner for Best Romantic Suspense

Whisper of Warning by Laura Griffin

2010 RITA Winner for Best First Book

One Scream Away by Kate Brady

2010 RITA Winner for Best Contemporary Single Title Romance

Too Good to be True by Kristan Higgins

Favorite romance book that you read in July

My favorite romance book that I read in July was Ruthless Magnate, Convenient Wife by Lynne Graham, a February 2010 Harlequin Presents release. I liked the premise, which has Sergei, a powerful billionaire, needing to find a suitable wife to please the grandmother who raised him. Considering how much of a failure his family life has been, Sergei decides to go about it the same way he would acquire a business. He hires a wife, but he doesn’t anticipate the instant desire he feels when he meets his bride-to-be, Alissa.

Alissa never tried for the job as Sergei’s wife, but her twin sister forged Alissa’s name on the contracts. Now Alissa must continue the charade, but she has no idea that one of the requirements is sharing Sergei’s bed and having his child.

I liked the heroine and I really enjoyed the spark between Alissa and Sergei. Plus, this book has an arranged marriage and twins switching places, which are a couple of my favorite things.

What was your favorite romance book that you read in July?

July winner

As a special thanks to those who participated on my blog this month, I did a drawing using Random.org and picked a name from those who commented during the month. The July winner is Colleen and she wins a $15 Barnes and Noble gift card.

Thanks to everyone who drops by! If you’re interested in a chance to win a gift card next month, all you have to do is comment during the month of August.

Day 29: Share your current TV show obsession

I don’t have a current TV show obsession. There isn’t a TV show that I absolutely must watch, but that might be because I watch all my episodes on DVDs or online. You learn to be patient and not get overly excited because of long release dates and streaming restrictions.

If I had to pick, I guess my current TV show is Castle. I like the show and I visit some blogs to see what other viewers have to say about it. I don’t do that for any other show, so I guess trolling the blogs for opinions is the start of an obsession.

What is your current TV show obsession?

Day 28: Share your first TV show obsession

I remember my friends and I were obsessed with Days of Our Lives when it had “super couple” Patch and Kayla. Oh, and Shane and Kim! We were so into that show that we figured out how to record it on our VCRs because it was on when we were at school. Back then it took an electrical engineering degree to program your VCR.

OK, that is a slight exaggeration, but it just goes to show what the power of motivation can do.

Also, I was a teenager at the time and my parents forbade soap operas, so it took some doing to secretly tape the show and watch it. But Jennifer and I managed!

What was your first TV show obsession?