by Sarah | Jun 3, 2014 | Book Spotlight, Guest Authors, Writing
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It’s the Grand Finale of the REVIEW & EXCERPT TOUR for
Destiny Bay Romances: Sweet Editions
by Helen Conrad
Special Price!
Run Run Runaway (book one in the series) is FREE for Kindle from today through June 4th!!!
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Run Run Runaway
Book Intro
Letters from Annie Douglass Lima – excerpt
“Jennifer Thornton, when are you going to grow up?”
Her head shot up at the familiar voice, but the late afternoon sun was behind him, wrapping him in a mantle of light spears. All that stood out was a set of very wide shoulders and the vague outline of dark glasses hiding his eyes.
Christy’s Cozy Corners – Excerpt
She smiled at him, and his face softened, eyes hooded but not unfriendly.
“I’ll be waiting for your call,” he teased back.
Kelly P’s Blog – Excerpt
He turned and looked at her. “No pictures of boyfriends?” he asked softly.
“No one special in your life?”
My Ereader and Me – Excerpt
He hesitated for a moment, watching her. The tumbling chestnut curls invited an affectionate hand to rake through and put them in order. When she looked up at him, her eyes barely visible beneath the windblown hair, she looked so forlorn and vulnerable he had the urge to sweep her up in his arms . . .
I Am A Reader – Excerpt
Ah, if she only dared tell him! “Let’s race,” she challenged. “Down to the pier and back. The winner gets … a kiss,” she said wildly, dropping his arm.
All That’s Written … – Excerpt
Astrid laughed softly. “Don’t worry about it, dear.” She dabbed powder on her nose from a golden compact. “Reid is obviously fascinated with you for the moment.”
deal sharing aunt – Review
Who doesn’t argue with their parents? I was proud that Jennifer went home and tried to reconnect with her parents. She definitely got her stubbornness from her dad. I enjoyed reading about Destiny Bay and I am reading A Little Blackmail next!
The Wonderings of One Person – Excerpt
She didn’t really panic. A strange, white blankness came over her. Her mouth opened in a silent scream, and she tried to think carefully, logically, all the while the earth was rushing toward her as though she were in a jet plane aimed into the side of a mountain.
Katie’s Clean Book Collection – Review
Jennifer is quite the wild child. It remains a mystery why she chooses to throw herself out of airplanes, among other dangerous things, until later on in the book.
The Reading Diaries – Review
The book is a quick read that I finished in one afternoon it was hard to put down I had to see how Jennifer’s story would play out. I love a good clean romance that has a great story that is well written that teens as well as adults will enjoy. This is my first book by the author but I’m excited to read the next installment in the Destiny Bay Series.
Mythical Books – Excerpt
It occurred to Jennifer that the more she ate, the less time she’d have for talking. “You know what, this dessert list looks awfully good. Could you add a hot fudge sundae to my order?” She smiled at the waitress.
Tressa’s Wishful Endings – Review
I liked how carefree, but responsible (because she really is regardless of what others think) Jennifer is. I loved her teasing and fun nature. She definitely had her insecurities and they were her downfall on more than one occasion, but they fit her character.
i blog 4 books – Review
I enjoyed the beach town where the book was set. It was fun to imagine what it would be like to live in a beach community.
Getting Your Read On – Review
I liked the interactions between Jennifer and Reid. You feel the history and connection between them.
My Love for Reading Keeps Growing – Excerpt
“We can’t talk in here,” Reid yelled, his lips almost pressed against Jennifer’s ear.
“You’re not supposed to talk in here,” she yelled back.
The Written Adventure – Excerpt
His smile grew slowly and he reached for her again. “Jenny, Jenny, how could I ever have doubted you? I think maybe you’re an angel sent to comfort us all.”
LibriAmoriMiei – Review
It ‘s a novel sweet, soft and clean, talks about love, friendship and family.
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A Little Blackmail
Book Intro
Kelly P’s Blog – Excerpt
“Vanessa, Vanessa,” he murmured, grinning. “How you’ve changed from the passionate woman of my dreams.”
“I’m not Vanessa,” she hissed.
“Sit,” he ordered, and she sat. “What would you like to eat?”
“I’m not hungry,” she said, though a sudden rumbling in her stomach reminded her that she hadn’t eaten a thing since breakfast…
My Love for Reading Keeps Growing – Excerpt
“Look at her. After she travels, she goes into some sort of a time warp. She can hardly remember her name …”
“I can remember yours,” she said sweetly, pretending to smile, but glaring at him from beneath lowered lashes. “‘Mud,’ wasn’t it?”
Tressa’s Wishful Endings – Review
Matt was also a fun male protagonist with all the usual charming personality (when he wanted to be charming) and good looks. There was definitely plenty of romantic tension between him and Janet.
All That’s Written … – Excerpt
“What?” His outrage echoed in her head. “Where are you?” She hesitated. What in the world was she going to tell him? If she told him the truth, he and Howie would be over here in no time, ready to rescue her. She couldn’t have that.
I Am A Reader – Excerpt
“Do I look like her?” she asked.
“Like Vanessa?” He wasn’t sure, actually. He’d seen Vanessa’s picture in the magazine article about Matt and his enormously successful oil operations in Brazil and Argentina. He knew Vanessa was attractive, with long black hair — so that fit fine. That article was what had given him the idea to try this elaborate hoax.
“You’re much prettier,” he admitted.
My Ereader and Me – Excerpt
She frowned at him… “She was pretty surprised to hear she’d already been replaced by another phony Vanessa.”
He considered what she said for a moment, then shrugged, as though the whole affair hardly concerned him at all. “Never mind,” he said lightly. “You make a much better Vanessa than she did.”
The Wonderings of One Person – Excerpt
Maybe it was her sweet red mouth or the way her black hair brushed against her cheek. Maybe it was the way her smile seemed to light up the sky, sending a wave of intoxicating warmth through him. Whatever it was, for the moment at least, he was hooked.
Mythical Books – Intro from Author
Janet’s life has been academic and protected until now. Mistakes are made and her cat ends up being taken by Matt Carrington as a prop in a con he’s running against a sweet old lady. Janet takes the plunge into the dark side when she tries to steal her Alexander back and gets caught up in Matt’s plot, blackmailed into pretending to be his wife. Con men are usually charmers, and Matt is no exception. Soon Janet is torn between what she knows is right—and what her heart begins to feel.
Katie’s Clean Book Collection – Review
I thought it was funny that the opening scene showed Janet as a cat burglar trying to steal a cat. She isn’t that type of person at all. She values honestly above all else and hates to be caught in a lie, but that’s exactly where she finds herself when she is discovered by the one who “stole” her cat–Matt.
The Reading Diaries – Review
I like that Janet is a character that feels real, she’s had loss in her life but she’s learned to move on. I knew right off the bat that Matt was perfect for Janet he just has to win her over and not scare her away
LibriAmoriMiei – Review
It ‘s a story written really well, is smooth and addictive, once you start it is hard to quit. It ‘s a novel sweet and funny , even a little mysterious .
i blog 4 books – Review
A Little Blackmail picks up with Matt Carrington (brother of Reid Carrington from Run Run Runaway). Matt is obviously hiding something, so Janet’s unexpected arrival (behind the curtains of his second story bedroom!) definitely has the potential to complicate things. I was delighted by the “marriage” of convenience aspect—another favorite storyline of mine.
Letters from Annie Douglass Lima – Excerpt
He looked over at Janet on the bed, her dark hair spilled out in a midnight cloud. She looked like an angel against the white sheets. It had been a long time since a woman had captured his natural male inclinations like this one had. He tried to hide it with jokes and lighthearted banter, but it was there. It never left him.
Getting Your Read On – Review
Matt comes off as the bad guy at first but as bits of the story come out, we learn right along with Janet what Matt is really up to. Maybe he isn’t quite as bad as he first appeared to be.
The Written Adventure – Excerpt
She waited, heart pounding, in case anything inside was going to react, if any alarm was going to go off. There wasn’t a sound. Holding her breath, she pushed a little more. The door glided smoothly, leaving a six-inch opening. Janet stared at it, waiting, her heart beating furiously.
Christy’s Cozy Corners – Excerpt
He grinned. “Right after we’re married.”
“Oh.” She hardly knew which way was up any longer. “Are we getting married?”
“Am I getting ahead of things?” he asked, looking alarmed. “I don’t want to scare you. Forget I said that.” He kissed her softly…
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Moving Too Fast
Book Intro
Kelly P’s Blog – Excerpt
Reaching out lazily, he pretended to brush a curl from her cheek and tuck it behind her ear. He gave her another wink and turned to go, making his way back across the lawn.
Carrie watched him go, breathing hard in a way that was pure embarrassment…
“Do you know him?”
Carrie shook her head. “I’m not sure. Who is he?”
“Grant Carrington. The race-car driver.”
deal sharing aunt – Review
The author has created a great series with characters that could be my neighbors. The Carringtons are definitely sought after men.
My Ereader and Me – Excerpt
“To chance encounters,” he said, his eyes making the statement provocative.
“To miraculous escapes,” she countered, her chin rising with the challenge.
There was a charged tension between them as their gazes locked, and then the low rumble of his laugh spilled out, the rich, textured sound of it rubbing against her in a way that did nothing to soothe her jangled nerves.
All That’s Written … – Highlight
Mythical Books – Excerpt
Grant’s cool gaze took in exactly what was going on. He looked at Carrie and immediately saw the anger in her eyes. They’d been baiting her and she was furious. A deep feeling of pure satisfaction filled him. Their loss just might be his gain after all.
I Am A Reader – Excerpt
“You came back,” he answered shortly. “I wasn’t sure you would.”
She gestured toward the padded table. “Of course I came back. You can’t scare me off that easily.”
The Wonderings of One Person – Excerpt
The ocean breeze blew her hair across her face, and Grant reached to brush it back. Emotion welled up inside her, and she grabbed his hand, pressing it to her face, pressing the palm to her lips.
“Oh, Carrie,” he said, groaning as though in pain, pulling her into his embrace. “What am I going to do with you?”
Katie’s Clean Book Collection – Review
Carrie is a very naive and inexperienced woman and feels that Grant is a danger to be around, just like a Big Bad Wolf (I loved that part!). She’s also pretty stubborn and quick to assume. Yet, she sure is willing to give her heart away faster than she wanted to.
My Love for Reading Keeps Growing – Excerpt
“Do you always get what you want?” she prodded, gazing up from beneath her dark lashes.
He touched her chin with one lone finger. “Always,” he said, and it was as much a warning as a promise.
Tressa’s Wishful Endings – Review
By far Moving Too Fast was my favorite from this series! It had a dark and brooding bad boy for the male protagonist and a sweet and lovable female protagonist. There was plenty of romantic tension with just a few intense kisses…
The Reading Diaries – Review
Grant has issues but maybe that’s why I like him so much he’s very much a broken guy who needs a girl to heal his heart.
i blog 4 books – Review
Carrie’s determination to help Grant recover from his injury—despite the fact that he thinks he can recover on his own—was a great match for Grant’s stubbornness. I enjoyed seeing how Carrie grew throughout the book, to the point where she was a strong character rather than someone who has trouble standing up for herself.
Letters from Annie Douglass Lima – Excerpt
Carrie shuddered, averting her gaze. She was deeply troubled by what he’d told her. She was beginning more and more to understand why he was so hard on himself, so hard on her.
Getting Your Read On – Review
The attraction, chemistry and emotion in this book are on high at all times.
The Written Adventure – Excerpt
“You’ll have to accept it, Carrie.” His voice was rough, but gentle. “I don’t know who I am when I’m not racing. I need it. I have to go. And I may never be back.”
She was living her own worst nightmare. “I can’t accept that,” she repeated.
Christy’s Cozy Corners – Excerpt
He sighed, shaking his head. “It’s different for me now.” Reaching across the gulf that separated them, he touched her cheek with his fingertips. “I . . . I’ve got you.”
LibriAmoriMiei
This is the funniest novel in the series, but is also very sweet and romantic.
The author has also created for this story characters realistic, fun and very different from each other.
A must read for those who love romance ………
Run Run Runaway
Destiny Bay Romances – Forever Yours
(Sweet Edition #1)
by Helen Conrad
Adult Romance
Paperback & Ebook, 169 pages
March 28th 2014 by Doorknock Publishing
Run Run Runaway is the Sweet Edition of My Little Runaway, the story of Reid Carrington and Jennifer Thornton.
It seemed like a good idea at the time.
The trouble is, when you run from your problems, you often find out your biggest obstacle is along for the trip–it’s you! Reid Carrington realizes that when he finds Jennifer and recognizes the quiet desperation in her eyes. Can he save someone who doesn’t want to be saved? Or like a lifeguard rescuing a swimmer, will she pull him down into the undertow in the end?
Recipes for Jennifer’s Mango Salsa and Tilly’s Bruschetta included.
Purchase from Amazon.
A Little Blackmail
Destiny Bay Romances – Forever Yours
(Sweet Edition #2)
by Helen Conrad
Adult Romance
Paperback & Ebook, 172 pages
March 28th 2014 by Doorknock Publishing
A Little Blackmail is the Sweet Edition of Wife For A Night, the story of Janet Cardona and Matt Carrington.
Sometimes you have to break the rules to right a wrong.
Janet Cardona is usually a by-the-book good girl–but when Matt Carrington won’t give her cat back, she sees red. Rules mean nothing when there’s an animal to be saved. So when she’s caught in a burglary and blackmailed for it, she finds she can’t refuse. Matt only needs her to pretend to be his wife for a day or two so that he can run a scam he’s involved in. But once the pretense gets going, he begins to yearn for the real thing. Now Janet has to decide if she can let herself fall for a con man.
Recipes for Crab Open-faced Sandwiches and Basic Asian Soup included.
Purchase from Amazon.
Moving Too Fast
Destiny Bay Romances – Forever Yours
(Sweet Edition #3)
by Helen Conrad
Adult Romance
Paperback & Ebook, 165 pages
March 28th 2014 by Doorknock Publishing
Moving Too Fast is the Sweet Edition of Too Scared To Breathe, the story of Grant Carrington and Carrie Harlow.
A sweet old-fashioned girl–
–isn’t what Grant Carrington is looking for. A man who lives for speed and danger, he’s only slowed down because he’s been forced to by an injury. Carrie Harlow isn’t his type, but he needs her in order to heal. She knows she’s playing with fire, but she feels she can help him and she goes for it—even though she knows she’s endangering her own heart as she fixes his.
Recipe for Carrie’s Chicken Picatta included.
Purchase from Amazon.
Helen Conrad is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 90 romances (over 15 million copies sold) published under various pseudonyms with Harlequin, Silhouette, Loveswept, and others. She is currently revamping and rewriting much of her backlist–some available in the US for the first time–to present on Kindle.
Website – Facebook – Goodreads
A Little About the Destiny Bay Romances: Sweet Editions
From Author Helen Conrad
“The Destiny Bay Romances take place in the sort of beach town I’ve always loved–and now I live in one! But writing about beach towns came first and this series is centered on the rich, influential Carrington family living along the California Coast, and in Hawaii. These are good-looking, fast-driving, hard-hitting men and women whose impulses lead them into trouble every time–and inevitably to fall in love.
The original series includes language and love scenes that aren’t, for the most part, especially harsh and explicit–but some of my readers from my years writing sweets for Harlequin as Raye Morgan have asked if we couldn’t have sweet and clean versions–and I thought–what a good idea!
These are basically the same stories…but with the conflicts softened a bit, the language cleaned up, and no explicit love scenes. There are still a few adult situations, but they’re muted. Consider these the PG versions.
I hope you enjoy them!”
Tour-Wide Giveaway
– US Grand Prize: $20 Amazon gift card and paperbacks of Run Run Runaway, A Little Blackmail, and Moving Too Fast
– INT Grand Prize: $20 Amazon gift card and ebooks of Run Run Runaway, A Little Blackmail, and Moving Too Fast
– 2 sets of ebooks of Run Run Runaway, A Little Blackmail, and Moving Too Fast (INT)
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by Sarah | Apr 15, 2014 | Book Release, Book Spotlight, Guest Authors, Reviews, Writing
*I was provided a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine*
I’ll be honest, I don’t do many reviews here because I’m flat out lazy. However, when I saw this anthology coming available and the request for reviews? I couldn’t wait to review it!! I signed up quick as the sign-ups were open.
The anthology was packed with some amazing stories that centered around my absolute favorite sport – Hockey. With a good mix of romance from sweet to burn your eyeballs spicy!!
Overall I gave the entire anthology 4 stars. As expected some authors just didn’t write in a style I liked, or the story didn’t grab me. I admittedly skimmed one or two, but those that grabbed me were powerful and well-written enough that I gave the whole shebang 4 stars.
So let me go over the standouts:
Hooking Hannah by Cassandra Carr & Cindy Carr – This story knocked it out of the park for me. It is my absolute favorite in the story. The romance was smoking, the hero (Scott) so amazing, and the heroine (Hannah) funny and strong. Their story was sweet and believable and they burned up the sheets – but what took this story over the edge to amazing for me was the scenes on the ice. The way the authors Carr wrote the hockey scenes was detailed and exact and I felt like I was back in my hometown of Buffalo listening to Rick Jeanneret call the play by play! It totally put me in the game and kept me there. Stunning writing.
Crashing the Boards by Jami Davenport – Most of this story takes place at a party on a boat and some naughty, kinky events. I was unfamiliar with Jami going into the story, but some of the sassy lines had me laughing and looking her up for more of her books. The interplay between the party crasher – Izzy, and the hockey player who thinks he’s onto her – Cooper, is excellent. Best part is when the truth is revealed and things blow up, the resolution isn’t perfect and immediate, but the way it’s handled is spot on and I love the potential.
Taking a Shot by Catherine Gayle – A sweet romance that touches on the cause behind the anthology – cancer. I loved the inclusion of a sweeter story and Katie’s crush-turned-romance was perfect. The best part for me was Jamie’s doubts that had nothing to do with Katie, but his own role in her future. It was superbly realistic and touching.
Heir Apparent by V.L. Locey – Honestly, I don’t usually read much M/M, but I’m glad I did in this case. V.L. has quite a way with telling a story. It was real easy to get inside the character’s heads. Cam, the living legend who was faltering in his game in more ways than one, and Jacobi – Cam’s new back-up goalie and long-time fan. The mix of May/December romance with a bit of the struggle with admitting who you really are was beautifully handled in this short story.
With these great stories, and the good cause, this is an excellent buy!!
*~*
| [amazon_link id=”B00JHP9BM2″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Amazon[/amazon_link] | BN | ARe |
Blurb ~
It’s time to drop the gloves and fight! Support the Fight against cancer that is. This anthology of 8 brand new novellas is hot enough to melt the ice these players skate on. Featuring stories from popular New York Times & USA Today, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble bestselling authors, including Toni Aleo, Cassandra Carr, Cindy Carr, Jami Davenport, Catherine Gayle, Jaymee Jacobs, V.L. Locey, Bianca Sommerland, and Nikki Worrell.
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author – Toni Aleo TANGLED IN THE LACES
In Tangled in the Laces, Karson King is on the fast track to the pros and Lacey Martin is coming back from a hard fight against cancer and is terrified of him but their love is too much to ignore. Will Karson prove that he will protect her heart at all costs, or will he leave Lacey to pick up the pieces of her life once again?
Cassandra Carr and Cindy Carr HOOKING HANNAH
When Hannah attends an all-star game, she doesn’t expect a hockey player of all people to turn her world upside down. Her sister is married to a player and Hannah never wanted that life. But Scott could change everything. For Scott’s part, he has to know the woman who stirred his blood with just a look, and once he does, he realizes he wants Hannah to be his forever. Now to convince her…
Jami Davenport CRASHING THE BOARDS (Seattle Sockeyes 1.5)
Professional party crasher, Izzy Maxwell, needs the cooperation of reluctant party guest Cooper Black, the team captain of Seattle’s new hockey team, but Cooper can’t get past his anger over the team’s relocation to Seattle. Can Izzy melt Cooper’s frozen heart or will this party crash along with her fledgling business?
Catherine Gayle TAKING A SHOT (Portland Storm 2.5)
Katie Weber has had a crush on Jamie Babcock for almost two years, since he joined her father’s hockey team, the Portland Storm as an eighteen-year-old rookie. When cancer takes her health, her hair, and even her friends, she can’t bear to go to senior prom…until Jamie intervenes.
Jaymee Jacobs A VALUABLE TRADE
Bryan’s life gets turned upside down when he gets traded to the Dallas Comets, and things get even messier when he meets Georgiana, the Director of Team Services. He’s got a lot of work to do to prove his worth to his new team, but Georgiana’s sure he’ll prove to be a valuable trade.
V.L. Locey HEIR APPARENT
Superstar Cam Evans is fighting to climb out of a slump that`s growing worse with each day of living in denial. Fresh from the minors, Jacobi Neal is hungry for this chance to play back-up for the legendary goalie. Can two men battle each other, their inner demons, and the sizzling attraction building between them?
Bianca Sommerland BLIND PASS (The Dartmouth Cobras 0.5)
Nothing could stop Tim Rowe, the assistant coach of the Dartmouth Cobras, from falling in love with Madeline, but love alone can’t satisfy every need. Sometimes, to reach the goal, you have to take the chance with a . . . Blind Pass.
Nikki Worrell – CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN (Prequel to Scorpions Series)
Keith Lambert is the captain of the Flyers—until he’s not. To everyone’s shock, he’s traded to the San Diego Scorpions. As if that’s not bad enough, Phoebe, his girlfriend of two years, decides she doesn’t love him enough to follow.
All alone in a new town, Keith is drawn to Kelly, his take out delivery girl. When she shows up at ice girl tryouts, he’s lost. She’s all he can see. Can he convince her to forget her past and take a chance on him or is he destined to be alone in a new town a little bit longer?
**Proud Supporters of Hockey Fights Cancer.
*~*
Excerpts (see attached document)
-from Heir Apparent by V.L. Locey
I padded along beside him with no reply for his comment. He was right. Everyone knew his face in “The Burgh.” The longer we walked, the more I accepted that I would freeze to death. We made two complete laps in total silence. Cam stopped to drop his empty coffee cup into a trash can. We stood under a streetlight, our breath twin clouds of steam hovering in front of us.
“You have to understand that this…I don’t know how to go about…shit.” He stuffed his hands into the pockets of his parka. Again, we started walking.
“Look, man, if I knew for sure what we were dealing with, maybe I could help a little better,” I said. A biracial couple hurried past us. I burrowed into my flimsy coat until all that stuck out of the collar were my eyes.
“I have a daughter. She’s a senior in high school.”
“Awesome,” I mumbled into my coat. My forehead was extremely cold. Like ice cream eaten too fast cold. We kept walking that block.
“She is awesome.” I peeked over at him. I wished he would drop that fucking hood so I could see his face. “And not aware of how things were with her mother and me.”
“How things were, or how you were pretending they were?” I chanced it. What the hell? He would either slug me, call me a motherfucker, or stalk off. Whatever happened it had to be better than roaming around this fucking city block when the temperature was a balmy four degrees. “I mean, that is what you’re dancing around, right? That you’re so far back in the closet you just discovered Narnia? Why not just admit that much to yourself before we both succumb to fucking hypothermia.”
I should have known that Cameron Evans was a man of action. I mean, I followed his career all though my school years. He was fast. My back was against the wall under that old clock before I could register the shove. Cam then got all sorts of in my face. I did not raise my hands. His angry exhalation was flavored with vanilla.
“Are you calling me a queer?” I shrugged one shoulder.
“I call them as I see them. Now, you can either step off or you can kiss me.” I threw the challenge out without a second thought. I stared into the shelter of his hood, finding his dark eyes in the shadows. They flickered down to my blue lips. “Whatever you decide to do, do it fast. I’m cold, tired, and hungry.”
He did. He captured my mouth with a kiss so aggressive my teeth ground into my lips. Yeah. This was it. This was what I had been pushing him to do…hoping he would do.
*~*
Links
Website: http://www.seducedbythegame.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21399240-seduced-by-the-game?from_search=true
*~*
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by Sarah | Mar 24, 2014 | Book Spotlight, Guest Authors, Saturday Spotlight, Writing
Like all of us here, I love romance, but like happiness, romance can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. As I get older I feel more comfortable with examinging my need for romance and what I like when I like it, and particularly how my needs for romance change. I loved Valantines Day when I was young, for example, but my opinion on that has changed somewhat, and I’d prefer something more spontaneous at this end of a long term marriage.
However, and this is the difficulty with romance, discussing your romantic needs seems antithetical to receiving them. Seeing hubby walk through the door with a huge bunch of roses is completely different to getting a bunch after telling him I’d like him to bring flowers home more often. Romance can be a delicate thing and nuances, attitudes and circumstances can completely alter the same gesture. I don’t expect my husband to just know what I need in any area of my life, and at the same time, the most romantic moments for me, are when I’ve done nothing to solicit his romantic action.
So, part of romance, is learning how to receive what he is offering as well as getting what I want. My husband likes to make me mix tapes of music he is listening to. We don’t always share the same tastes, but I love those music collections, because I feel as though I have been invited into his secret world, as if he is reaching out to me and bringing me close. They’ve also become a map of our marriage, as we tend to play his latest gift for a solid week or so after he gives it. If a new partner asked me what I like romantically, music mixes might not be at the top of the list, but when they come from my husband, my heart bursts with joy.
So, in the spirit of trying to communicate what our best romantic gestures are, I thought this Top Ten Tuesday on Sarah’s Story Lines will be a ten favourite romantic gestures, in the hope you might make your own, and start the conversation in a gentle way that wakes us up to the romance we need, as well as the romance that might already be all around us.
10. Public declarations of love.
Like everyone, I get insecure every now and then. I love it when my husband, rather than enjoy my insecurity, seeks to reassure me by telling a pretty woman who is trying to flirt with him, how much he loves me, or reaching for me to introduce me to her. These petty rivalries exist (sometimes) between women, and I love it when my husband chooses me, over and over again, above all other women.
9. Saving for a romantic holiday.
I’m a traditionalist in this department. I love Paris, Rome, London and New York. When we decide we’re going to go to one of these cities, and we plan it, get excited, gather resources and set up a fund account, I get so excited and every little moment is like a huge romantic gesture. (We’ve only done this twice, but I’m hoping there will soon be a third.)
8. Long slow deep kisses.
Especially when either of us walk though the door at the end of the day. No further explanation required.
7. Food and Wine gifts
He doesn’t do it all the time, but one of hubby’s romantic gestures I’ve come to love and appreciate, is when he is home late, he brings something to contribute to dinner, like a bottle of wine, a loaf of excellent sour dough, or two delicate pastries. It’s his little way of acknowledging I work too and I had to steer our ship alone today.
6. Looking at our Wedding Photos Together.
This is one I asked for, but he now knows that we do it each year on our anniversary. We snuggle up in bed and go through the wedding album. He focusses and engages with me and we talk about the year we’ve just had. I love these moments, and they end up being the best part of every one of our anniversaries.
5. Booking a beautiful restaurant for no reason
Confession time. I’m still working on this one. For some reason I am always the one who suggests the restaurant and the night out. But I’ll get there! I have to think of a way to let him know this is something I would like, without feeling like I forced him.
4. Sitting and Chatting about our day
This one he does quite a lot. If he comes home and I am cooking, he opens the wine he bought and we sip and chat. He doesn’t run off somewhere else, and I am always so grateful for that. We both work hard, so we have a lot to chat about in our day. It’s never dull and we both feel a close part of it all when we do settle down to eat or get on with something else.
3. Note and Pics
For some reason, my hubby likes to leave me photos. I’m still not completely sure what this is about, but he will change my desktop or photocopy images and leave them around for me. Sometimes they are funny, sometimes they are just something nice he saw. I have grown to love these little cartoons, jokes and other images, even though I confess, sometimes I wonder where his head is at.
2. Buying me a book or Journal.
Being a writer books and journals are my very favourite gift. This is one I taught my husband, but he’s really good at it now. He just keeps an eye out and about once a month or so there is a new journal and about every two months, he pops home with a book for me. The best thing is, they’re not always books I would choose, but I try to read every single one. It’s my way of saying thanks.
1. Mixed tape.
This has to be my number one, because my digital mixed tapes are such a big gift.
What are some of your favourite romantic gestures?
Barbra Novac is a writer of erotic romance, and erotica. Spellbound is her new book, coming out in April 2013.
Blurb:
When struggling film maker Connie Berringer goes to her local to drown her financial sorrows in cheap wine, mysterious stranger Jack Sinclair offers to buy her a drink claiming she’s beautiful. She begrudgingly accepts to ease her wallet, but is too smart to be fooled by the line. When the drink arrives, it’s not a beer, but a fifty-thousand dollar bottle of Grange Hermitage. Connie’s interest in Jack Sinclair dramatically changes, only to find he’s vanished.
Over the next few days Jack will turn up at the most unexpected moments rapidly becoming a crucial part of Connie’s world, and soon, an exciting adventure in the bedroom. Connie discovers a self in Jack’s arms she never knew, including the depths of passion she is capable of and the lengths Jack will go to stimulate that passion. Jack sees something in Connie he wants, but his search for it in the past will come back to haunt him, resurfacing as a threat to the new relationship he’s found.
Sophisticated, erotic, witty and tantalising, Spellbound reaches into the broad sweep of the soul from the suspenseful drama of a homage to Hitchcock to the slow ticklish thrill of a completely romantic romance.
You can find our more about Barbra Novac at www.barbranovac.com or www.barbrawrites.com
