Romance Author
If you want a contemporary romance about explorers and daredevils, spies and agents, or heroic men and women, try a Loveswept classic by Donna Kauffman. Many of these stories offer adventure for the reader yet the romance never gets lost in the action. The characters are shaped by their work, their sacrifices, and the loved ones they have lost, but the stories are focused tightly on the couples falling in love. Continue reading “Retro Romance: Donna Kauffman”
Too often, I see people regard the Romance and the Sci-Fi/Fantasy (SFF) genres as oil and water. They just don’t mix.
SFF focuses on world building, exploration of galaxies or kingdoms, rag tag groups in search of adventure. Romance is often set in the contemporary and historical world, focusing on interpersonal relationships and individual characters.
SFF usually has high physical stakes: can they save the world? Romance focuses on high emotional stakes: will they be happy?
But honestly, Romance and SFF complement each other. As this article from Tor points out, romance is incredibly valuable in sci-fi and fantasy stories. It grounds the characters and gives them very human problems, problems that readers can connect with. It explores their emotional arcs and develops their character. It carries personal risk and conflict. Continue reading “Romance in Sci-Fi/Fantasy”
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”
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”
Have you read a vintage romance novel? What drew you to it? Was it by a beloved author? Was it recommended to you? Did you pick up the book because you were curious? Continue reading “Your (Grand)Mother’s Romance Novels”