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Guest Author, Tessa Dare & GIVEAWAY

by sue on Jul.21, 2010, under Book Chat

threenights sm Guest Author, Tessa Dare & GIVEAWAY

Three Nights With a Scoundrel

Meant to be?
page red 01 Guest Author, Tessa Dare & GIVEAWAY

This may be a shocking thing for a romance author to admit, but I have trouble believing in romantic destiny and “meant to be.” Okay, maybe it’s not that I don’t believe in destiny…it’s just that I have a hard time believing young girls are any good at predicting it.

When I wrote my first romance novel, Goddess of the Hunt, it was partly a reaction to many romance novels I’d read where the heroine has known since childhood that she was “meant to be” with the hero…and then she is eventually proven right. In Goddess, Lucy is fixated on Sir Toby, one of her older brother’s friends, having adored him since she was eleven years old. She’s dead-set on the idea that they’re made for one another—and in the end, she’s dead wrong. She ends up with hero Jeremy instead, who is much better suited to her womanly self, even if he wasn’t the object of her girlhood dreams. In general, I guess I just had a hard time buying the idea that eleven-year-old girls are good judges of prospective husbands. Thank goodness, or that Bieber kid would be headed for epic polygamy!

But my new release is Twice Tempted by a Rogue—a book where the heroine, Meredith, has had a crush on the hero, Rhys, from a very young age. And lo and behold, they actually do end up together! But were they “meant to be”? That depends on who you ask.

Rhys would say yes. After an abusive childhood and several years of battle, he’s developed a chronic case of fatalism. He’s a hard-core believer in destiny and has given up on trying to change the world. It’s infatuated Meredith who, after many years of hard work and sacrifice, isn’t inclined to rely on blind faith. She’s made her own fate, and she wants Rhys to believe he can choose his destiny, too.

Of course by the end, Rhys and Meredith come to a loving compromise, realizing they’ll need both faith and persistence to get by in the world. That pretty much reflects my own belief. There’s no denying that people can find each other through the strangest of coincidences—Mr. Dare and I are a case in point! But even if two people are destined to cross paths and fall in love, they often have to work for the happily-ever-after.

How about you? When it comes to romance, are you a believer in destiny, or are you mistress of your universe? How about in romances? Do you like a good “fated mate” romance, or do you prefer a couple who fall in love against all odds?

Comment below & you may be randomly chosen for Sue’s Stash — one winner — Good Luck!

twicetempted sm Guest Author, Tessa Dare & GIVEAWAYonedance sm Guest Author, Tessa Dare & GIVEAWAY

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111 Comments for this entry

  • kh

    congrats on the books
    i like getting togheter against all odds it is more exciting that way

  • Kelly S.

    I like to believe there is one special person for each of us that God has planned to be our “soul mate”. Yet, in reality, I think we screw it up due to impatience, hormones, & general failure to really see each other. I also think that people’s personalities can be grouped generally and that some groups pair up well together so that as long as you end up with someone of a particular personality type that matches yours, you’re probably going to be okay. That all said and I know it conflicts to a degree, I think I had to wait as long as I did to find my husband, who I’d like to believe is the perfect person for me and my one true love, is because he’s 5.5 years younger than me. We’re good with it at the age we started dating and got married, but if we had met when I was 20, he’d have been 14 or 15 - not even old enough to drive. I can’t see myself wanting to date him. Babysit, maybe? So, when we go too young, it gets rather icky. Thus, I had to wait. It’s all good. He’s awesome and I’m very happy.

    BTW - I read the Werestag short story and found it wonderful!

  • CherylS22

    I like many types of romance, but my favorite is the couple who falls in love against all odds. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • sue brandes

    I like all kinds of romance too. Depends on what the author writes. It’s fun to read about it either way.

  • Lisa G.

    I like all kinds of romance. Whether it’s destiny or fates of the universe that just depends on the day and the story. I go with the flow… ;-)

  • Sue A.

    I like both types of books, one does not exclude the other. Fate can send someone your way, but you may have to actively work to ensure that you’re not just two ships passing in the night, and grab the chance fate has handed you. And who’s to say fate only works for you, it can work against you too; what benefits one is likely not so beneficial to someone else. This being the case I’d like to believe I can have some say in the direction of my life.

  • Lisa Richards

    I believe I’m more of a mistress of my own universe, however, I do believe in true love. I love humor and off the wall romances(just as long as they are plausible)in books.
    Falling in love should be exciting and fun. Too often the day to day can ruin a romance, so both partners must bring humor and commitment to the table.

  • LilMissMolly

    I’m definitely a “fated mate” type. I believe in “recycled” souls, so to speak, where your ancestors help you make decisions in your life. In turn, your “soul” has a history of dancing with another soul.

  • Rosie G.

    3 Nights with a scoundrel; don’t know if it would be enough. Maybe winning some of that stash would help ease the pain!

    Rosie G.

  • Emma_I

    My favourite books seem to be a mix of both, so I’d say that how well written a book is would be just as important.

  • Natalie's Mama

    Wow over 100 comments - awesome. 3 Nites with a scoundrel would be wonderful.

    And another stash being given away. Yay!

    Natalie’s Mama

  • JOYE

    I like the stories where the hero and heroine have challenges to overcome before they get together. The “Here I am, take me” storyline leaves a lot to be desired. No reason to finish reading the book.

  • Kirsten

    I like stories that have a against all odds line. When I was younger the fairytale type of fated mate was more my thing but now I love the more realistic and honest opportunity of against all odds.

  • Helen L

    I love the against all odds storyline. It lends to more of a story and spice I believe.

    Helen L.

  • Ellaanabeth

    Well, if I’m speaking for my OWN romance, I’m going to have to quote shakespeare on this one:

    By innocence I swear, and by my youth
    I have one heart, one bosom and one truth,
    And that no woman has; nor never none
    Shall mistress be of it, save I alone.

    Or, you know, in plain english. I choose my own romantic destiny. : P

    As for what I like to read… I’ve read so many good romances of both flavors that I can’t really pick one over the other. I guess it just depends on how well its written and what I feel like reading that day. ^_^

  • kaisquared

    I enjoy stories where, as one heroine put it, they fell in love “against all odds and reason”.

  • SaraC

    I love the couple that falls in love depite all odds. There’s something to be said for there being so much stacked up against them, and yet somehow, they make it…

    • Tessa Dare

      Oh, I know. I mean, I think of Maddie and Jervaulx from Flowers from the Storm - how many things were stacked up against them? Like thousands. And so satisfying when they get their happy ending.

  • Maya M.

    I don’t actually believe that there’s only one person out there you can make a marriage work with, in real life. In books, it’s sometimes nice to think so, it heightens the emotion.

    • Tessa Dare

      Maya, I agree. “You’re the only one for me” is a really romantic line (and I’ve used it!), but if that were really the case that there’s only one other person in the world we could be happy with…yeesh, I would have to believe in Fate, but the statistics would just be mind-boggling.

  • Kaetrin

    I think the against all odds romance is better - the fated mate story can skip the part where the h/h get to know each other and learn to like each other and fall in love.

  • Caitie

    I think you make your own fate….but also that some things are meant to be. So somewhere in between the two I guess :)

  • Froggy

    I definately believe in fate, karma etc. I love to read romances and paranormal romances that have the mates fated to be together…that they were made for each other.

    Froggy

  • Jami Gold

    I like either type of romance in the stories I read. I think the important thing is whether or not the couple is believable together. The whole ‘fated mate’ thing gets a bad rap when the story uses that as an excuse to actually create and build the connection between the characters.

  • Tessa Dare

    I’m trying to go through and leave individual comments, but gymnastics lessons and then a phone call to a bookclub in Texas are beckoning me! I’ll be back around later tonight.

  • Barbara Elness

    I don’t really believe in destiny, I think we’re just lucky to run across a person that really does it for us. No “soul mate” either, I think there are any number of fantastic matches out there at any given time of our lives.
    In romances, I like the couple who fall in love against all odds, the “fated mate” is not realistic to me. Now if it’s set in another universe, okay, maybe I’d buy it. Because who knows how things work there?

  • Tessa Dare

    Wow, I’m sorry I’m so late for this great conversation! I’ve been reading through the comments and nodding my head so much I look like one of those bobble-dolls. LOL. Like so many of you have said, I enjoy both kinds of stories in fiction - and in real-life, I think a combination of factors are at work.

    Thank you so much for having me here today, Sue! Please let me know your winner’s name and I’ll be glad to send a book, too.

  • ranearia

    I do believe were sometimes meant to love some people we meet in life and even if it doesn’t work out, we were gifted with that moment of love in a time of our lives. In my romance books I think it adds a charm and a deeper love to cheer for those two chacters as they find their own HEA

  • Tracey D

    I like couples, who are polar opposites, end up together!

  • Chelsea B.

    You know, I love both! Honestly, as long as its a good romance and I’m enjoying reading it, I’m content :-)

  • peggy

    I like both of them

  • Estella

    I am not a believer in destiny in romance. I like couples who fall in love against all odds.

  • Larena Wirum

    I think part of it is destiny but I think you can help with destiny too. I think some “fated mate” romances are good but I go more for the ones when a couple overcome all the odds to be together. :-)

    Larena

  • donna ann

    I feel it’s a combo of fate & “mistress” — I think fate has a hand in life/love, pushing us one way or another, throwing this or that our way. But it’s up to us to make something of it, accept or reject what fate tries to do. It’s the various possible combinations of both factors that make romance novels (& life) interesting.

  • Susan T.

    Hum…I think alittle of both. I love a HEA. But it’s the journey that I love more. I’m adding it my ever growing TBR pile.

  • cories

    Hi! As good as Rhys’ story is, I’m eager to read Julian’s.

    As for fate, I think our choices weigh more in the overall scheme of things. If we went right instead of left… I sometimes have issues with stories that rely more on fate. Luck, I can believe, but carved-in-stone fate? Not so much.

  • Lisa Munley

    Thank goodness I didn’t end up with the boy I had a crush on from a very young age.. what a mess his life turned out to be!!

    Great post- thanks Tessa and Sue!!

  • GSM

    I like to read all kinds of romance. Well-written characters can make just about anything work…in fiction. In real life, I don’t believe pre-teen/teen romances typically result in HEA-soulmate matches.

    • Tessa Dare

      OH, yes. I also have a hard time believing pre-teen love will last in real life. Although I’ve known quite a few couples that started as high-school sweethearts and are still going strong!

  • Susan

    I can’t deal with the stories where the pairings are like a biological destiny, but in terms of childhood crushes carrying over into adulthood…well, that’s a nice fantasy! And I think there are trials and tribulations that go along with it - just because it’s destiny doesn’t mean it’s easy. I have to say, those are my favorite romances - when you know they are going to end up together, you’re just not sure how they’re going to get there.

  • Virginia C

    Hi, Tessa! Congratulations on “The Stud Club Trilogy”! I have come to believe that our “fate or luck” is determined by our choices. Once we make a choice, the fate that was predetermined by that choice will then follow through. However, I strongly believe in first love and second chances. Once that true love is embedded in your heart, it is there to stay. No matter how you try to deny it, or work around it, it is immovable. True love partners, separated for whatever reason, can come back together in one heck of a roller coaster ride. Fun for them and a blast for the reader! I love romances where people grow as individuals as they grow together as a couple. Your soulmate is worth a lifetime wait : )

  • Kim

    I real life I think we’re in charge of our own destiny. In novels, I enjoy both plots. There’s something romantic about lovers fated to be together, yet a love against all odds can be equally compelling.

  • Michelle

    I prefer the against all odds romances. Those that are against anything romantic then they meet that someone that can change everything for them. I love the chemistry between characters when they are fighting their feelings for one another and overcome it all to be together. Surprises, passion and finding that perfect someone.

  • How to get a book published Yahoo

    I was searching for How to get a book published agent, and found your website. Thanks for sharing, I found this article while googling for popular lyrics, thoughtful comments and good points made.

  • Rosie

    I enjoy reading and believe in real life as well the mistress of the universe deal. Fate and love at first sight seems unbelievable, and I will be more skeptical about the authenticity of the emotions in these cases.

    • Tessa Dare

      Thanks for bringing up “love at first sight” Rosie! I think I do believe in that - or at least “love quick on the heels of first sight.” Mr. Dare and I joke that we were love at second sight.

  • Debra

    Wonderful post, I have heard some good things about your book. May have to add them to my TPR pile, which just keeps growing! For me in a book so long as it has a HEA I don’t care. I like both ways. In my own life I believe what will happen will happen.

  • pearl

    I believe strongly in destiny, fate and the future, this is what makes the stories compelling and wonderful. Since I was very young I have witnessed this phenomenon and believe in it strongly. Congratulations on this release. Your books are unique.

  • Jennifer Kamptner

    Against all odds! It’s so fun to read the trials and tribulations of characters and finally see them get their happy ever after.

  • Jeanette Juan

    I think in real life romances, most of the time people are inc ontrol of who they fall in love with. In story romances I prefer the couple who falls in love against all odds.

  • Quilt Lady

    I read all kinds of romance but I guess I believe in destany, but I also think we make our on destany to a certain degree! Sometime fate plays a key roll in that!

  • Jennifer

    I loved reading the first two books and I am so excited to continue following your books. Thanks!

  • Sheri Spell

    I loved both of these books and I can’t wait for three nights to come out. I don’t care if they are fated or against all odss, as long as its a good romance I am happy. I am a hopeless romantic who believe romance is hopeless.

  • Susan Mallery

    What a terrific post, Tessa! I posted the link to my Facebook page.

    I really enjoy the “against all odds” romances simply because it’s more fun to torture my characters. Does that make me cruel?

  • Anne

    In real life, I’m more inclined to believe we’re in charge of our own fate. When I read, I like both fated and against the odds. When they’re fated, I enjoy it when one of the pair is less than pleased about being fated for the tension it adds to the story.

  • catslady

    I probably enjoy the against all odds the most although I will read almost any plot as long as I like the characters. As to fate - I guess I’m not a big believer in that. I think you make your own fate!

  • Lisa

    I believe destiny puts the right person in our path, but it’s up to us to take those steps to make it a reality. And free will being what it is we make the decisions that make it good or bad accordingly.

  • CrystalGB

    I like all different kinds of romance. I enjoy “fated mate” romances, and couples who fall in love against all odds. In real life, I lean toward the mistress of my own universe stance.

  • Tia

    I do like couples who fall in love against all odds, but many themes would tie with that one. I just love romance.

  • Dara Young

    Okay, so I do believe in romantic destiny. I always said I would have to go to NYC to meet my husband and that is exactly what happened. I moved there on a Saturday, met him on a Wednesday and had our first date about a week later. Hard for me to argue with that. :D As for my romance, I don’t mind it as long as the simpering heroine doesn’t just sit around waiting for things to miraculously happen. Even fate needs a helping hand. I really like the scheming plotting kind of heroine who actively pursues or tries to thwart her man.

  • runner10

    Looks like another winner from Tessa.
    I believe in destiny, but I think we can guide where our path takes us.

  • Nicole S.

    I love all different kinds. A fated romance can be just as amazing as a couple who has to overcome their world to be together. I’m not to picky when it comes to my romance books. :)

  • Jen X

    In fact or fiction , I like the idea of ‘fated’ it just seems more romantic that way :)

  • Raelena

    I think it is more exciting to read about the against all odds couples :)

  • MarcieR

    I believe in the “if it’s meant to be, it will be”.
    With that said - destiny, fate, kismet can bring you together, but it’s up to you to stay together.

    I do like it tho when a couple falls in love against the odds. Makes the love sweeter and stronger. IMO

  • pjpuppymom

    Congrats on another successful trilogy, Tessa! Can’t wait to see what’s coming next!

    I believe the universe can put someone in your path but what comes next is up to the couple. So, I guess that makes me a mistress of my universe who believe in fate?

    In my romance fiction, I enjoy reading it all. As long as the author gives me a well-written story with characters I can care about and a happy ending, I’ll be a happy reader.

  • Laura

    In real life, I think I believe in a little of both destiny and making your own way. That’s how I think I found my husband. I almost didn’t have a job in Colorado, and at the last minute, I did. That’s where I met him. But I had to be persistent for 3 years to get him to date me! So, I think that was a little of both.

    That translates to how I view books. I guess I feel like if the characters don’t have to at least try at something, the fate thing is just a convenient plot device. Maybe they were fated, but I’d rather see them have to overcome some adversity to get to their destiny too.

    Great post! I’m adding all your books to my To Read list! These definitely look great!

    • Tessa Dare

      Great story, Laura! Luck + persistence is a formula that seems to work for a lot of things … from finding a romantic partner to getting published! And I’m all for adversity in fiction. Make them suffer. ;)

  • sue

    Hey Tessa, congrats on the third installment — readers are really enjoying this trilogy & so am I. Can’t wait to see what you’re doing next :)

  • Laurie G

    In romances I like the gutsy heroine who goes after what she wants! So I’m cheering for the Mistress of her universe.

    I like the couple that as to overcome obstacles to get to their HEA. I like conflict and challenge. One of my favorite examples would be The Man From Snowy River and its sequel The Man From Snowy River Returns. Jim goes after his dream and his woman Jessica against some terrifying odds in the Australian Outback!!

    Weird coincidence: My older sister and I both ended up marrying men who had dated a previous roommate.

  • Carol L.

    I’d have to say I’m Mistress of my own Universe.
    As for Romance, either one is good with me but against ll odds is the winner. Makes it much more interesting.Congrats on the new release Tessa.
    Carol L.
    Lucky4750@aol.com

  • Pat L.

    Best Wishes on Your New book.

    I like both also - it really doesnt matter either way to me.

    Pat L.

  • Aemelia

    Congrats on your new series Tessa!

    I’m definately a misterss of the universe. While I enjoy fated couples…the against all odds couple are my favorites!

  • Jane C

    Congrats on the new and upcoming releases, Tessa. I’m more of a believer of mistress of your universe. You have to take your chances and make your moves. In romances, I like reading both about fated mates and those who fall in love against all odds.

    • Tessa Dare

      I hear you! What does bother me about the concept of “meant to be” is that it too easily becomes an excuse to buck personal responsibility. Make choices, take chances - yes!

  • Kandace

    i’m so impatient to read Twice Tempted. It’s been on my Want list since I finished One Dance.

    I enjoy the friction that comes with the passionate desire Not to wed. Whether it’s a childhood love that she refuses to wed since he doesn’t return it or someone new. Then of course it’s great to watch them come to terms with it & then love it. :)

    so what was your coincidence? I did something Very out of character & said hello to a guy in a bus stop who looked like he was having a rough day. Neither of us were even taking the bus. Not really a coincidence, but a life changing small event.

    • Tessa Dare

      Thanks so much, Kandace! Great story - even small gestures of courage can make such a difference in our lives. My coincidence was that my husband and I are from different countries (continents!), and yet he moved to mine, and I moved to his. We crossed paths when he came home to visit his relatives, then talked on the phone a few times. Still not dating. But the next time we saw each other, it was just instant recognition — we were engaged within two months, married six months after that.

      There was also the time he pulled me into a pole on one of our first dates, knocking me almost unconscious. He likes to claim that as the “dating strategy” that won me over. LOL.

  • donna

    I like all different kinds of romance but I like unexpected romance and suprises !!!

    Donna

  • vickey r

    i believe im more of a mistress of my universe. when im reading romances i like both fated and against all odds. I guess im a sucker for a great fantasy :) i cant wait to read this book, i mean who wouldnt want 3 nights with a scoundrel? esp. wit some1 lookin like that.:) lol

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