Guest Blogger, Regan Taylor & Giveaway!
by sue on Mar.29, 2010, under Book Chat
Date Line: It’s Time for a Spring Break Romance! (Regan Taylor)
The cold, dark nights of the northern hemisphere’s winter are fading to memories, hopefully with happy ones. Do yours include a romantic fire beside a festively lit Christmas tree where your guy, with love in his heart, presented you with a small velvet box holding the ring of your dreams? Or did he pop the question with a brilliant diamond at the bottom of a bubbling glass of champagne on New Years Eve? Or did you find the promise of a future together nestled in whipped cream atop a Valentine’s dessert? Or are you among those of us who either found our happily ever after or is that moment of sighs and smiles just around your next corner?
No matter where you are on the commitment spectrum, romance is all around us and spring time offers us the absolute best in times, places and ways to fall in love. And what better event to kick off a budding romance than spring break? 
I’m a life long avid reader who grew up in New York before transplanting to California. Winter snow days were great excuses for snuggling beneath a blanket and pouring over a good book. Okay, so even if there weren’t always snow days, there were more nights than I can count staying up with a flashlight under the covers devouring the latest romance. Rosemary Rogers’ Steve Morgan from Sweet Savage Love, was my first hero, followed by Kathleen Woodiwiss’ Cole Latimer from Ashes in the Wind. My personal love affair with romance grew from there to Catherine Coulter, Julie Garwood and Jude Deveraux to name but a few. As the snow melted and the first blooms and buds of spring heralded the end of winter, my reading abode moved outdoors. Sitting on a blanket beneath a shady tree was a favorite reading venue. Although catching a few rays at the beach wasn’t too far behind. 
Now I live on the west coast and while there are no more snow days for me, spring time still brings with it the promise of romance and falling in love all over again. Be it on the beach or catching the last snowfall in the mountains, I almost always have a book in hand. If it’s not a book, I have my laptop and assignations with my latest hero on the agenda. Well, the assignations are in my mind, and they are steamier than those of my youth, but romance still reigns supreme.
Emotion is key in the story & not only do I try to create that in my stories, I also gravitate to that in my reading. Some of my other favorite romance characters these days include Pamela Clare’s Gabe Rossiter. A man of purpose and courage who is determined to protect his heart as much as the woman he does not want to love. Or Byron, Duke of Manchester in Kathryne Kennedy’s My Unfair Lady, a man of honor, despite appearing to be dishonorable. What endeared me to Byron is he is physically not your typical alpha hero, but perhaps the sexiest character to grace the pages of a romance.
So, which hero will you fall in love with on your spring break?
GIVEAWAY! Free book to lucky commenter! Happy Romance!
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About Sue & Borders True Romance Blog
Sue G - Borders True Romance Host - Borders Romance Buyer, reads romance. For her JOB. No, really. You can email Sue at sgrimshaw at bordersgroupinc dot com.
Borders True Romance Blog is a community, developed for you, the romance reader, to find out more about the books you love; the authors who write them & where to buy them :) Borders.com
Shape-shifter Dev Peltier thought he knew it all. But one night when a Dark-Hunter, who is also an official member of the Dogs of War, sashays into his bar, he realizes he might have met his match. But as old enemies and new move into New Orleans, Samia realizes that Dev just might be the only hope she and mankind have to save the world.
Friend Feed
April 4th, 2010 on 1:50 am
spring finally
hot weather
still decinding on what to read
want the new blazes
April 3rd, 2010 on 7:04 pm
Am reading Garwood’s Sizzle.
Next up who knows; maybe a suspense book. I love those.
Rosie G.
April 3rd, 2010 on 12:48 am
No spring break for me but it’s a week for rereads since some amazing authors are releasing much anticipated books. It’s my chance to fall for Adam and Stefan all over again. Mercy Thompson series….yummy!
April 1st, 2010 on 9:33 am
Whatever book I pick up next - LOL - probably one of the heroes from Jill Shalivs’ new books - Instant Temptation or Slow Heat.
Helen L.
March 30th, 2010 on 8:45 pm
Hi Regan,
Great post!
I like Matthew in Paradise by Judith McNaught! The book I’m reading now is a mystery and no hottie yet. LOL I also have liked some of Sandra Brown’s male characters plus Jude Deveraux’s too.
March 30th, 2010 on 3:46 pm
Enjoyed the post very much. Hmmm, what’s on my TBR pile? What Happens in London by Julia Quinn.
March 30th, 2010 on 2:39 pm
This sounds like a great book! Great excerpt!
March 30th, 2010 on 7:24 am
OOOH, I just had to come back and mention Devil Cynster from Stephanie Laurens Cynster family books. Also every darn Highlander written by Karen Marie Moning, Monica McCarty and Sue Ellen Wolfender.
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com
March 30th, 2010 on 1:30 am
omgosh they are soo many! hmmmm i guess Jeremy from Kelley Armstrongs “woman of the other world”, Charles from Patricia Briggs “Alpha and Omega” and of course Curran from Ilona Andrews “Kate Daniels series” oh ya baby haha
March 30th, 2010 on 1:02 am
I just started Laura Kinsale’s Lessons in French, so I am very much hoping I fall in love with Trev!
March 29th, 2010 on 9:38 pm
I love in love with each and every hero in all the books I read. I’m fickle that way!
March 29th, 2010 on 8:36 pm
Yes, chemistry, emotion, and heat are essential between a hero and heroine. I read romantic suspense, and the love story is just as important to me as the suspense. Great post, Regan!
March 29th, 2010 on 7:43 pm
can’t decide which of the books on my pile to read next. so many wonderful possibilites, so little time
March 29th, 2010 on 6:57 pm
So many heroes, not enough time. Great post, Regan.
March 29th, 2010 on 6:40 pm
Romance at its finest, that commitment of forever…Thanks for bringing us back to a time of long ago and special memories.
March 29th, 2010 on 6:25 pm
Oh, I fall in love with most every hero I read about
Right now its Bran from Sophie Renwick’s Velvet Haven.
March 29th, 2010 on 6:24 pm
my spring break was over two weeks ago and i got to read four books that week. out of the four my favorite heroes were J.D. from Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James and Bear from Ice by Sarah Beth Durst (a YA novel).
March 29th, 2010 on 5:16 pm
I seem to be in love with which ever hero that I am reading about at the time!
March 29th, 2010 on 4:51 pm
I haven’t decided what hero to fall in love with yet, but I just had to smile when I saw you mention Ashes in the Wind by Kathleen Woodiwiss. I named my daughter Alaina after Alaina MacGaren. Sigh. What a wonderful story! Thanks for the walk down memory lane.
March 29th, 2010 on 4:40 pm
Regan,
I enjoyed your article. Isn’t it wonderful that love is not a respector of seasons, locations, or even people? It can happen any time, any place, and to anybody.
My favorite all-time hero is Rhett Butler from Gone With The wind.
Barri
March 29th, 2010 on 6:14 pm
Oh yeah, Barri! I recently watched Gone With the Wind again for something like the 100th time. It is my second all time favorite movie (the first is Final Countdown starring the USS Nimitz where it goes — along with Kirk Douglas, James Farentino and Martin Sheen) back to December 6, 1941 and Douglass needs to make the decision whether to do something to stop the events of December 7. THAT movie was what hooked me on time travels. My third favorite is Somewhere in Time. I still get teary eyed when I re-watch that one.
Reading Gone With the Wind can take you down a whole other avenue with that story. There was so much more to Scarlett than the four hours of film could depict. That’s why I prefer books to movies or television — you can take your time and get to know the characters, feel like you are part of the action and see the things as they might see them. While a good historical can transport me to a long ago history, I love some of the excellent world building I’ve seen in futuristics like Susan Kearney’s tales.
March 29th, 2010 on 9:54 pm
Regan,
I have Gone with the Wind on my night stand. You’re right it is so much fun reading about Scarlet’s thoughts.
Loved the blog. And I have read every book you mentioned. I’ve been in love with Cole forever. I can’t count the times I’ve re-read the book.
Mary
March 29th, 2010 on 4:35 pm
As a fellow New-Yorker-transplanted-to-California (and probably your neighbor to boot), I certainly do not miss the snow and ice, but I know what you mean about the snuggling up.
My next book to read is “The Elusive Bride” by Stephanie Laurens and I can’t wait although I had to admit that I like to read about her heroines more than her heroes. The book I just finished and enjoyed immensely is “Something About You” by Julie James; Jack Pallas was inadvertently hilarious as he broods while everyone around him cracked jokes about his glowering.
The book I have been waiting for is “Love in the Afternoon” by Lisa Kleypas because I really want to find out what kind of man would end up with Beatrix, my favorite Hathaway sister.
March 29th, 2010 on 4:32 pm
SISTER : ) My favorite work of romantic fiction is “Ashes in the Wind” by the late, great Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. “Ashes” is a soaring Civil War love story which shows the humanity and the tragedy of both sides of the conflict. Cole Latimer is more than a tall, leanly-muscled, azure-eyed hunk. He is a Yankee surgeon whose compassionate nature and strong physician’s ethics benefit both “the blue and the gray”. Alaina MacGaren is a beautiful young Southern woman forced to pose as a young boy in order to survive. In her disguise as “Al”, the young cleaning boy at the military hospital, she comes to know Dr. Latimer. The beginning of their relationship is that of sparring partners who form a tentative friendship. Once they finally face each other as man and woman, a deep, abiding love begins to grow. Their passion overcomes many doubts and obstacles and finally reaches full bloom. Both of these characters went through a personal growth process as the horror of the War Between the States and its lasting aftermath unfolded. Cole’s disgust and frustration when he was unable to save a life due to military interference was deeply felt. Alaina’s desire to be seen as a lovely young woman instead of a ragged boy was palpable. An unforgettable love story.
March 29th, 2010 on 4:00 pm
Wonderful post and it brought back some great memories. I feel in love with the same books you read, and often found myself straggling to bed at two or three in the morning with a high school class to teach the next day. UGH! Spring break was off to New Orleans, the setting for so many great romances. We loved it. I’ve planned so many tales involving New Orleans. One of these day I hope to get them all down on paper.
March 29th, 2010 on 4:18 pm
Oh gosh yes! Shannon Drake’s vampire books come to mind! Her hero — gees,I’m blanking on the name — it had a reincarnation theme to it — was wonderful. And if I could revisit western romances — I just started Kaki Warner’s Pieces of Sky. I’m only about 30 pages in (instead of writing) but it’s wonderful. You know just what Jessica feels like sitting on that stage coach rumbling through the desert.
March 29th, 2010 on 3:56 pm
I’ve already fallen in love with Aeron, from Gena Showalter’s The Darkest Pleasure.
I also plan on falling for:
Zane, Geryon, and Atlas from her book Into the Dark.
Ash/Puck- The Iron Daughter
Adam- Silver Borne
Roman- Succubus Shadows
and whoever else I can get my hands on muwahaha
March 29th, 2010 on 3:29 pm
Hi Regan, a great spring break chat you got going here! You’ve named some of my all time favorites, Julie Garwood being one of them. I’m currently hooked on the Susan Wiggs series, the heros in Lisa Jackson’s romantic suspense books, and without question, Rork in the In Death series reigns supreme. Don’t we all need a futuristic billionaire in our lives to wisk us off planet for a weekend get away? LOL
March 29th, 2010 on 3:22 pm
Nicely done, Regan! I love Jude’s novels as well and grew up in southern California near Santa Monica. Seems our lives have gone down similar paths, huh? Keep up the great writing and don’t ever let anything stop the flow of those creative juices.
Kaylin
March 29th, 2010 on 3:12 pm
Regan,
I have several TBR, but Margaret Mallory’s “Knight of Pleasure” is at the top of my pile
My all time favorite hero though is Cole Latimer… I swoon just thinking about him. “Ashes in the Wind” is always on my reading list. I don’t usually reread books but that story I’ve read four times and counting 
Melissa
March 29th, 2010 on 3:23 pm
With so many books and so little time it IS a rare book I re-read. My personal gift to myself is starting January 1 every year I read the Count of Monte Cristo. I’m on my fourth of fifth copy of it and have read it gee, at least the past 30 years. I’ve also gone through a number of copies of Sweet Savage Love by Rosemary Rogers and at least a couple of Ashes in the Wind. I have no idea how many times I’ve re-read those two books but you always remember your “first”, don’t you? When Ms. Woodiwiss passesd we lost one of the greatest romance writers ever. Fortunately we still have Ms. Rogers with us and she is still writing with her latest book coming out last year.
March 29th, 2010 on 2:49 pm
Hi Regan! Nice Post! Emotion is the key to a great read for me too.
March 29th, 2010 on 2:49 pm
My heart belongs to Roarke.
March 29th, 2010 on 1:22 pm
Regan,
I think I like the looks of your world. I like Julie Garwood and Jude Deveraux too. I have read all their books through the years. They definitely hooked me.
Spring break? What is that? I am thinking about vacation time and a good beach read. My pile just keeps growing. I have some new-to-me authors to try–Lori Brighton and Tiffany Amber Stockton.
Hope you have a great spring break.
March 29th, 2010 on 3:20 pm
Hi Denise!
I took my own spring break this week with a vacation from work. I pitched a story to one of my publishers with a promise I’d write it this week so I am keeping that promise! Fortunately I really like the heroine (Kimmie) and am finding things out about her husband Bruce that are totally charming.
While her series is a cozy, I do find Shirley Damsgaards Ethan (aka Cobra) growing on me. He’s been in three of her Ophelia and Abby mysteries so far and in the Seventh Witch (which I finished over breakfast this morning) we get to see more of what he’s about. There’s just something about him that grows on you. For awhile I was rooting for Comacho to get the girl, but Ethan is definitely moving into first place. If you ever want to try a GREAT cozy series, this is one of the best places to start. Interesting characters, fun predicaments and fascinating twists and turns.
March 29th, 2010 on 12:54 pm
I’m gonna read: What happens in London by Julia Quinn & fall madly in love with the hero Harry Valentine.
March 29th, 2010 on 12:13 pm
I’m a Roarke girl myself! But I also am totally in love with all of Karen Marie Moning’s Highlander heroes in her time travel series. Celtic men are just too irresistible!
March 29th, 2010 on 11:40 am
Hey there! So far, it’s Christopher from LOVE IN THE AFTERNOON by Lisa Kleypas — I got an early read
http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=0312605390 War hero that falls in love with his heroine thru love letters — so romantic! Agree with Karyn too on LLMiller — I’ve read all three, Tate, Austin & Garrett — love them!
March 29th, 2010 on 11:39 am
This week I’ll be reading Julie Garwood’s Sizzle. I always fall in love with her characters. Also, I’m going to read Karen Kelley’s The Jaguar Prince. More will most likely be added to the list.
March 29th, 2010 on 11:35 am
I have so many that it is hard to put them all down. I loved Quinn from Broken, Brodrick from JUlie GArwood’s Ransom. Heck I love all of Julie’s heros. For some reason they just stick with you.
But the one who really stayed with me was Matthew from Lisa Vadlez’s Patience. Boy, what a man! I just loved him. I was lucky and got to read the arc, all I can say is WOW!!
March 29th, 2010 on 11:01 am
Oh, wow…we have some of the same favorite “used to read under the covers” authors.
My current fave hero is Christine Feehan’s Mack McKinley from “Street Game”. Yum!
March 29th, 2010 on 10:12 am
My favorite hero is Lt Sam Starrett in Suzanne Brockmann’s Troubleshooter series. My next book to read is Stolen Promise by Lisa Marie Wilkinson so perhaps there is a new man to fall in love with *wink*
Love & Hugs,
Pam
March 29th, 2010 on 9:14 am
I am in a cowboy mood, I have Linda Lael Miller’s latest, ‘Tate’ and Joanne Kennedy’s ‘Cowboy Trouble’ next on my list.
I also like western historicals, getting harder to find, though!
March 29th, 2010 on 3:12 pm
Hi Karyn,
I’m a HUGE western romance fan myself which is why Rosemary Rogers STILL reigns supreme in my world. Her books captured my mind and her heroes my heart and I’ve never stopped loving them. I wish there were more western romances available which I suppose is why my western series is my favorite. My other favorites for westerns are Kat Martin, Ginger Simpson and Karen Kay.
Regan
March 29th, 2010 on 9:03 am
*SQUEE*
Hi Regan,
You stole my guy! I HEART Gabe Rossiter, too. Wasn’t Naked Edge just perfect? I agree with you, emotional stories are my thing.
I just started Clare’s, Unlawful Contact, so maybe Marc Hunter will de-throne Gabe (but I really doubt it)
Thanks for blogging.
March 29th, 2010 on 3:14 pm
Pamela Clare is such a totally awesome writer! She’s one of those ones that I make myself wait till Friday night to start because I know it will be a straight through read from start to finish. Then, when I finish I’m irritated with myself because I want more and if I hadn’t devoured the book in one sitting I would have more.
March 29th, 2010 on 8:27 am
Well I’m really looking forward to reading Broken by Shiloh Walker so I’m pretty sure Quinn (I’m already in love with him after getting to know him from Fragile) is going to steal my heart.
hugs,
Anna
March 29th, 2010 on 7:49 am
I really don’t get a spring break but will say Ethan Mirabelli in The Next Best Thing by Kristan Hannah as I am reading that book now.
Ethan is the friend with benefits to Lucy a widow. Lucy decides her clock is ticking and wants to find a husband who will not inspire feelings in her heart as she cannot go thru that loss again. So it is time to dump Ethan and find a “nice” man. Of course Ethan feels he is the man for the job but hasnt told Lucy yet.
Pat L.
March 29th, 2010 on 7:22 am
I have two
one is “Roarke”, Eve Dallas’s husband from her In Death books.
The other is Jamie Fraser from The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon.
There are so many more but I’ll take these two for now.
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com
March 29th, 2010 on 6:11 am
I have several historical romances on my TBR pile that I want to read over spring break.
They include:
Julianne MacLean’s Blake Sinclair in When a Stranger Loves Me
Suzanne Enoch’s Captain Bennett Wolfe in The Care and Taming of a Rogue
Tracy Anne Warren’s Lord Cade Byron in Tempted By His Kiss
I also want to read Janet Chapman’s A Highlander For Christmas featuring Luke Pascal
I agree with you that emotion is necessary but so is chemistry and a certain likability factor!