trueromance

Escapist Literature and Romance – What Are We Escaping From, Exactly?

Elizabeth Vail, AnimeJune from Gossamer Obsessions

“Escapist” is often a word associated with genre fiction, particularly with romance. However, the actual definition of what “escapist” means is a topic of heated debate in romance circles, especially when it comes to the amount of fantasy in romantic narrative. How much is romance literature dependent on fantasy? The answer varies from reader to reader, but in general, romance fans fall into two camps.

Camp #1 understands the definition of “escapist” as just that: an escape from a stressful, dreary reality into a world where the rules of realism can be bent for the purposes of personal entertainment. These readers are willing to support an historical, science-fictional, contemporary or paranormal setting, as long as the positive fantasy of the romance between the main characters takes first priority.

In this camp, readers love Medievals for the epic battles and chivalry but can easily do without descriptions of the personal hygiene of the period. Or they love Greek tycoons so long as they don’t have to read scenes of them actually, you know, ‘earning’ their fortunes working long hours at the Greek office. Camp #1’s motto is, “We get enough real life in real life – romance should take us away from that.”

However, there is definitely a sense of the “personal” in the “personal entertainment” here. One reader I chatted with on a message board said, “Oh, I wouldn’t read a romance with a bald hero. I don’t find that attractive at all.” But which is more important: that the reader finds the hero attractive, or that the heroine finds the hero attractive? To that reader, the importance of fantasy actually trumps the narrative itself.

This leads to the mindset of Camp #2, where the term “escapist” raises more than a few hackles. It carries a whiff of the “bored housewife porn” stereotype. “We don’t need to escape from anything!” members of Camp #2 exclaim. “Our lives are awesome! We’re teachers, mothers, professors, lawyers! We take romance seriously! It is literature!”

I’ll admit I fall into Camp #2. I also used to think the term “escapist” was demeaning, that it implied the romance genre placed more importance on titillation than on a gripping, well-written narrative. Although as I came to read more and more romance, I learned there can be a different definition for “escapist.” Reading an excellent romance, I do escape – moreover, I am transported from the library/bus/armchair where I’m reading and dropped into a vivid, fully-realized world.

As a member of Camp #2, however, I need a little of that “dreary real life” to experience that true escape, that full immersion into the world the author creates. In order for members of Camp #1 to escape, they need a world they ‘want’ to exist. For members of Camp #2 to escape, they need a world they’re convinced ‘could’ exist. I need meticulous detail, whether historical or paranormal. I need realistic drama. And yes, I need a little darkness and suffering and realism. I need to believe that world is real before I explore it, something I can’t always accomplish with a wallpaper historical with too-good-to-be-true characters.

That’s not to say there aren’t grey areas – followers of Camp #1 are just as unlikely to tolerate a TSTL heroine, whether she’s an anachronistic lady-journalist in 1820s Britain or a meticulously researched World War II nurse with a morphine addiction. And I’ve yet to hear a Camp #2 gal complain about the convenient popularity of sexually-enlightened dukes with perfect teeth whose sweat naturally smells like Old Spice.

What I’m ultimately saying is that I believe romance ‘is’, at its heart, escapist literature, and that “escapist” isn’t a dirty word. Despite the differences in expectations, desires, and preferences between Camp #1 and #2, I think we all read romance – I think we all read books ‘period’ – for the same reason, because they transport us somewhere else, somewhere we’ve never been. Whether it’s to a gritty apocalyptic future where we can explore the flaws in the human condition or an idealized English countryside where a duke can marry a serving-girl, is really up to whichever book we pick up.

Elizabeth Vail
Check out my blog at:
http://gossamerobsessions.blogspot.com/

KISS ME IF YOU CAN by Carly Phillips

Setting: NYC

Subgenre: Contemporary

Hero: Sam Cooper “Coop”

Heroine: Lexie Davis

One sentence summary: What do you get when you bring together one free spirited traveler, a settled city dweller, an off the wall grandmother and her cast of friends and secrets …. A story of a woman finding out what’s most important in life, a man who learns to let go, and a comedic trio of elderly folks trying to both hide and recapture their youth. Fun for everyone, I hope!

Scene you like most and would never cut: The scene at the jewelers where “Lucy” and “Ethel” tie up “Ricky” in an attempt to get him to return “Lucy’s” wedding ring, “Ethel’s” bracelet, and they inflict their form of “torture” on their former partner.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: “I want a house, a family, a white picket fence, 2.3 kids and a dog!”

What celebrity is your hero like: Nathan Fillion from ABC’s Castle (and Joey from OLTL for those who remember him like me!) … but Coop’s more like him as Castle.

What celebrity is your heroine like: Stana Katic also on Castle as Kate Beckett - note as she appeared in season one! Add a touch of Lisa Loeb and her funky glasses and you have Lexie!

What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: web designer - although anything she could do on the road would suit her fine!

What is your heroe’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: he’s a crime beat reporter for a NYC newspaper though he should pursue his dream of crime writing full time!

What do you think readers will like best about this book: It’s light, it’s fun, it’s breezy and yet I hope the characters and their imperfections and needs draw readers in deeper.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: There’s always a leftover character in a series … and it makes me sad but sometimes it’s time to move on.

What’s next: I’m very excited about next year’s schedule (2011) - beginning with leading a Harlequin MORE THAN WORDS Anthology in May 2011 and then the beginning of a brand new series for Berkley. The first book (and series name) is tentatively (but probably)- SERENDIPITY, named after the fictional, upstate NY town where the stories are set. The first book will be released in October 2011 and feature the town, its landmark Harrington Mansion, the estranged Barron brothers, and a vibrant cast of characters from both sides of the tracks. The tone of the stories will be deeper, more like my earlier works, CROSS MY HEART and SEALED WITH A KISS, and the hero and heroine of the first story share an unfulfilled attraction from the past. He’s a bad boy returning to his hometown to make up for past mistakes. I’m so excited for this new series!

I love to hear from readers – what do YOU love in a contemporary romance? Light stories? More serious stories with more depth? Sensual? One where the hero and heroine share a past? First meet? What’s your taste in modern day contemporary romance? 1 random poster will be chosen to win a $25 Borders Gift Card!

HARLEQUIN BLAZE LINE: WORTH A LOOK, WORTH A READ

If you are looking for a light, sexy read, then these books will be right up your alley. Blaze is a spin off of Silhouette Temptation, launched in August 2001 with Vicki Lewis Thompson’s ‘Notorious’.
It started with 4 titles a month at approx 250 pages, it is now at 6 titles a month with around 200 pages.

What I like about this line, it is more or less wide open, the stories can be light, funny, a little silly, or be dark, with crime and suspense thrown in the mix. Even some paranormal as with the ‘Love at First Bite’ mini-series. Hey, they even do occasional Blaze Historicals (of which I wish there were more of!) But the main thrust of the books (no pun intended) is hot, wild sex, and lots of it. Usually with twenty somethings looking for adventure, and ultimately finding love. That pretty much wraps it up.

But one cannot argue with the success of the line. They are hip, contemporary, throwing in references to BlackBerry and Nickelback songs, Certain current TV shows or movies, which means there will really be no reprint of these books say, 5 years from now. And at 200 pages, you can usually polish one of these off on a long plane trip, an afternoon at the beach, or over a couple nights of heavy reading, or one night even if you like to burn the midnight oil.

Toying with the idea of writing a romance, maybe submitting a manuscript? I can’t think of a better place to start than BLAZE. Check out the writing guidelines for Blaze Pretty straightforward, they are open to pretty much anything, and ‘Heroes and heroines should be in their early 20s and up.’ Personally, I wish there were more ‘and up’, but maybe that is because I am not exactly a spring chicken. Maybe a few late thirties characters with a little more mileage on them, or carrying baggage a seasoned luggage handler wouldn’t want to touch. Or what about, *gasp* some characters in their early 40’s? In all the Blazes I have read, I have only come across a few heroes/heroines in their mid-to-late 30’s. I LOVE that every book is different. Some are formulaic, but the majority are original and unique. Of the few I read lately, one was very gritty, about living on the street and finding teenage runaways, another was slap-your-thigh funny, another had sexy fairy tale twists.

The first sex scene usually appears about page 40 or 50, first we have to establish the hero and heroine and their busy lives and the many people that populate it (in the guidelines: secondary characters and subplots contribute to the richness of story and plot action we look for in a successful Blaze novel. ) The sexual attraction crackles and snaps and they act on it, many times throughout the book, usually with interesting results, whether bondage, food sex, sex toys and games, you name it. But, its not porn.
Really!
Usually these scenes are done with a sense of playfulness, eroticism without being full-bore erotica, though it comes close sometimes. It must be a fine line to walk. And I guess the real pull here is though the hero and heroine act on the physical pull between them, many times in fact, ultimately they get their HEA. They fall in love. Don’t expect marriage though, (it rarely happens) or ‘baby epilogues’. Not in these books. And that is fine, who rushes to the alter nowadays anyway? Not too many.

I will admit I only came to romance reading in the last three or four years, surprising for someone on the dark side of 40. And I read almost exclusively Historicals only. Since branching out and blogging, I have been introduced to more sub-genres and authors than ever before.

And Blaze has caught my attention. They are my guilty pleasure. Late night reading with some chocolate. And the occasional glass of wine.
I started trolling second hand books stores to pick up some older titles. There are a lot of lovely ladies writing for this line, stop by the Blaze blog to visit. Lots of giveaways and some fun posts.
The covers are gorgeous. and usually pretty accurate to the story within. Check out the cover for Ambushed, by Vicki Lewis Thompson.
Wow. I read this, and enjoyed it immensely! The ‘blaze’ is certainly alight in this book! And Gabe is to die for.

Blurb on Book: Morgan O’Connelli hated the restless lifestyle she’d had as a child. All she wants now is to create a real home in small-town Wyoming. So first she hangs up her real-estate agent shingle…then she promptly borrows the horse of the hottest cowboy in town!Cutting-horse champion Gabe Chance is blown away by the feisty redhead who unexpectedly lands right in his bed…and, soon enough, his heart! Morgan’s perfect for him in every way. Until he realizes that while she’s turned out to be everything he never knew he wanted, he’s got everything someone in her profession has ever wanted…his family’s ranch.And that’s a legacy he’s just not willing to give up–not even for the sexiest woman he’s ever fallen for….

Go ahead, check out Blaze today, there is something for just about everyone who loves all the different sub-genres out there!

Have you ever read Blaze? If you have, what do you enjoy the most about them? Or what does not appeal to you about this line? What would you like to see in a Blaze? Anything you would like done differently? Recommend some Blaze books!

Visit Karyn Gerrard at the Romanorum

She also does occasional book reviews for “The Season” Blog

ROMCON Book Store by Borders (Jeffrey & Wanda ROCKED!)

Hey there — thought I’d show you all the Romcon pictures from last weekend to energize you all for 2011!

Congrats to all winners — email SueG - sgrimsha@bordersgroupinc.com to claim your prize!

Sunday - Winner is Lisabet& Froggyprize is Kensington books!

Monday - Winner post is Sharon - you get WATERBOUND! Email me!

&
Eileen’s winner are Ellanabeth; Raelena; Estella

Tuesday & Dee’s winners Kylie; HeatherS; JaneC

Wednesday with Amanda - Lilmissmolly; Linda Henderson; Barbara Elness

Thursday & Jeaniene’s winner: Brittanyweeks

Friday with Shannon get Harlequin bks - Minnchica; Carole Fiore

Saturday with Cynthia -Caitie

What a week of winners! Come back this week so you can win too & bring friends to www.bordersblog.com/trueromance:

Monday - Sheila’s recap of Thriller Fest

Tuesday - Brownwyn Scott

Wednesday - Tessa Dare

Thursday - Sandy & All About Romance

Friday & Shannon

Saturday is Lisa Jackson!

Prizes galore so stop on by! Thx for blogging,

SueG

HAPPY ROMANCE!!

Elizabeth Hoyt & Carolyn Jewel

Elizabeth Boyle (what a sweetie!)

Romantic Times 2005 — guess who that is in the upper right, back row . . .  I’ll tell you if you guess right

Nothing like Friends & Family — that is what I consider all of you & would love to share a coupon for you to use at our Borders stores this weekend.

Not sure what to buy? Here’s a list of this weeks best selling Romances:

The Homecoming by Joann Ross
Hard and Fast by Erin McCarthy
The Wicked Wyckerly by Patricia Rice
Search by Nora Roberts
An Unforgettable Lady by JR Ward
Lady Isabella’s Scandalous Marriage by Jennifer Ashley
Daring a Duke by Claudia Dain
Chains of Ice by Christina Dodd
In Other Worlds by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Cupid Cats by Katie Macalister
Lash of Need by Nalini Singh
Undead and Unfinished by Mary Janice Davidson
Unchained, by Sharon Ashwood
Demon Blood by Meljean Brook
The Missing by Shiloh Walker
Cold Sight by Leslie Perrish
Money, Honey by Susan Sey

& if these don’t tickle your fancy tell me what is on your list?

Thanks for being a Friend & fellow Romance reader — Until 2morrow, Happy Romance!

& don’t miss Friends & Family 7/16-19/10:

The Eternal Kiss of Darkness, by Jeaniene Frost

Book Summary:
An immortal war has been brewing in the darkness…and now one woman has stumbled into the shadows.
Chicago private investigator Kira Graceling should have just kept on walking. But her sense of duty refused to let her ignore the moans of pain coming from inside a warehouse just before dawn. Suddenly she finds herself in a world she’s only imagined in her worst nightmares.
At the center is Mencheres, a breathtaking Master Vampire who thought he’d seen it all. Then Kira appears—this fearless, beautiful…human who braved death to rescue him. Though he burns for her, keeping Kira in his world means risking her life, yet sending her away is unthinkable.
But with danger closing in, Mencheres must choose between the woman he craves, or embracing the darkest magic to defeat an enemy bent on his eternal destruction.
Setting: Like most of my novels, the setting takes place over multiple areas: Chicago, Illinois; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Anaheim, California; Yucatán, Mexico and Atlanta, Georgia.

Subgenre: Paranormal romance
Hero: Mencheres
Heroine: Kira

One sentence summary: Locked in an eons-old feud with an ancient enemy, the last thing Mencheres expected was to fall for the lovely human he’s forced to hold captive in order to protect the secrecy of his race.

Scene you like most and would never cut:
I have too many favorite scenes to pick just one. Some of them would reveal too much if I described them, but here are three non-spoiler scenes that I especially loved while writing: a midnight walk in the forest with my hero and heroine, a scene with an ancient Egyptian black magic ritual, and a scene with two vampires scoring blood on the Haunted Mansion ride in Disneyland.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying:
“I give up” is something that would never cross Kira’s lips, and she proves that many times in this book.

What celebrity is your hero like:
This is an easy question, because I’ve always had one actor in mind when I pictured Mencheres: Oded Fehr. If you don’t recognize the name, Oded played the sexy gigolo Antoine in Deuce Bigalo: Male Gigolo, as well as the Med-jai warrior in The Mummy and The Mummy Returns. Here are a couple pics of the yummy Oded: . and here:

What celebrity is your heroine like:
Kira looks a lot like Milla Jovovich in the first Resident Evil movie with her shorter, amber hair, light eyes, and feminine yet tough attitude:

What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing:
Kira is a private investigator, trying to get promoted from things like cheating-spouse surveillance to more significant cases.

What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: Mencheres is one of the oldest and most powerful vampires in my novels, so he’s Master of a huge line of vamps who depend on him for their safety and well-being. Vampire society operates under a form of Feudalism in my series, so in return for his protection, the other vampires under his line pay Mencheres ten percent of their incomes unless/until they strike out to become their own Masters.

What you think readers will like best about this book:
A few readers who’ve gotten an early look tell me they really like the dynamic between Mencheres and Kira, the revelation of Mencheres’s background, Kira’s strength, and, uh, some of the unexpected things that Mencheres can do with his telekinetic powers (for a milder example of what I mean, here’s a scene snippet from EKOD: http://www.frostfans.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=942&p=19926#p19926 )

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet:
I’d have to say this would be split between Vlad and Ian. I get a lot of requests for books on both men. Out of them, the character who has the best shot of getting his own book is Vlad. I already have at least two complete stories with him in my head, and he’s at a place in his life (and the series, heh) where he’s almost ready to meet his heroine. Ian, on the other hand, is not ready at all to cease his hell-raising, promiscuous ways. Sorry, ladies. *wink* Give the naughty vampire a little more time.

What’s next:
I’ve turned my focus back to Cat and Bones with THIS SIDE OF THE GRAVE, Night Huntress World, book five, which comes out February 22, 2011. For readers who can’t wait to get a hint as to what trouble Cat and Bones have gotten into this time, I’m happy to say that the entire first chapter of THIS SIDE OF THE GRAVE is available at the end of ETERNAL KISS OF DARKNESS.

And now, a question for readers. As I mentioned above, one of the supernatural powers that my hero Mencheres has is telekinesis. What supernatural power do you think it would be cool for a vampire to have? Everyone who answers in the comments will be entered in a drawing to win one of three copies of ETERNAL KISS OF DARKNESS. International entries welcome. Thanks, and good luck!

-Jeaniene Frost

First chapter and more teaser scenes: http://jeanienefrost.com/night-huntress-world-books/eternal-kiss-of-darkness/

& don’t miss Friends & Family 7/16-19/10:

Setting: Modern day Fairview, a small, coastal city in the Pacific Northwest.

Subgenre: Paranormal romance/urban fantasy

Hero: Captain Reynard, younger son of family of landed gentry from the 1700s. He is an immortal guardsman of the Castle, a prison for the supernatural. After two and a half centuries trapped in the dungeon, he’s more than ready for a vacation.

Heroine: Ashe Carver, witch, kick-butt monster slayer, and librarian. As a single mother of a ten-year-old daughter, Ashe is also desperate for a holiday. But, instead of getting some R&R, she’s being stalked by vampires, demons, lawyers, and a killer rabbit.

One Two sentence summary (c’mon, I can’t do anything under 100,000 words!): Faced with a custody battle, Ashe Carver has hung up her stakes and taken a job at the public library, determined to show the courts and her ten-year-old daughter that she’s as good a mother as she is a hunter… but after centuries guarding a supernatural prison, Captain Reynard strides into her world like a hero from the library’s Must Reads. Smokingly gorgeous, passionate and courageous to a fault, he has only weeks to live unless Ashe finds the thief who took his soul.

Scene you like most and would never cut: Ashe and Reynard’s first love scene. They’ve both got huge emotional barriers and even bigger challenges at a survival level, but they finally connect and surrender to each other. They’re both looking for a shot at life before it’s too late—and for Reynard, every second counts. The fact that they can find joy in the face of such odds is incredibly affirming.

The scene gave me a chance to go deeper into the characters than I had before. This moment really moved me. I wanted so badly for everything to work out for Ashe and Reynard, and at times I had serious doubts.

Never mind that the fate of an author’s characters is completely at your own whimsy. I have these oddball fantasies like: what would happen to my characters if I were hit by a bus before I finished the book? Would they be stuck in limbo forever? The thought is utterly horrible to me. Yeah, writers are very weird people. But at least I watch for speeding cars.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: Ashe is a tough girl—she’s had to be—but there’s a softer, feminine side buried under the motorcycle gear and bad attitude. However, she would never willingly wear anything baby aspirin pink. She’d fall on her own stake first.

Your hero, is he a boxer or brief kind of guy: Given that Reynard is used to historical dress, I would assume boxers, if anything.

Ancillary character you had the most fun with: I love the character of Errata Jones, the radio announcer of 101.5 FM CSUP, “the radio station denies and defies the normal in paranormal.” Writing her spots is often a highlight for me, because I can be totally loopy and serious at the same time.

Your heroine’s favorite hobby: Ashe enjoys any sort of extreme sports. Rock-climbing, wind-surfing, vampire origami.

Your hero’s favorite hobby: Reynard didn’t get much hobby-time as a Castle guard, but travel fascinates him—not a bad thing, since he ended up a time traveller of sorts. He’s also an avid horseman.

What you think readers will like best about this book: Non-stop action, hot sex, and killer rabbits.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: Ashe and Holly Carver (Ashe’s sister and the heroine of Ravenous) have a half-brother, Brendan, on their dad’s side. He’s actually only mentioned in the Monsterpedia on my web site—he doesn’t have anything to do with the witchy side of the family—but a number of readers have picked up on his existence and started asking me when he’ll get a book. Soon, I hope—I’m planning some new Dark Forgotten stories right now!

What’s next: The next book after Unchained will be out in the spring of 2011. The title is still up in the air. It is about the young hellhound Alpha, Lore, and some very nasty, evil enemies that show up in Fairview.

**

Ashe is a slayer not only of vampires, but also any supernatural creature that threatens humans. What do you think would be the most dangerous monster to face? Vampires? Werewolves? Demons? The cable guy? How would you get rid of them? Give us your opinion, and somebody will win signed copies of the first two books in the Dark Forgotten series: Ravenous and Scorched.

And if you’re looking for inspiration in dealing with monsters, check out Ashe’s advice for shooing the undead and the fanged from your life by clicking on the following:

Gayle Callen
IN PURSUIT OF A SCANDALOUS LADY (May 2010)

Setting: early Victorian England
Subgenre: Historical Romance
Hero: Julian Delane, Earl of Parkhurst
Heroine: Miss Rebecca Leland

One sentence summary:
Julian believes that Rebecca is the model in a scandalous nude painting—but what will he do to prove it?

Scene you like most and would never cut:
Julian and Rebecca are in disguise and on the run, trying to figure out the truth of a family scandal while being chased by a bad guy. One of my favorite scenes—besides when she realizes they’re going to have to pretend to be married every night—is when Rebecca decides to get the upper hand, and at the next inn, quickly pretends she’s a widow and he’s her servant who’ll have to sleep in the stables. She thinks she’s teaching him a lesson until he bursts in through her window. She’s having the adventure of her life, and never imagined serious, staid Julian being so dashing and dangerous.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying:
After a sickly childhood, Rebecca is convinced she’s going to travel and experience the world—she has no plans to settle down, and thinks perhaps illness will never let her live long enough for that.

What celebrity is your hero like:
I don’t normally see my characters as famous people, but if I think about it… I’d have to say Gerard Butler. Julian doesn’t look like your typical refined earl—Rebecca thinks he looks like a boxer, with a slightly broken nose, and enough bulk to make him slightly intimidating. But she won’t be intimidated…

What celebrity is your heroine like:
I’ve been seeing clips of Iron Man 2, and Rebecca reminds me of the brunette Scarlett Johansson, with her heart-shaped face and full lips.

What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be
doing:
Being that this is Victorian England, my heroine is a lady, but instead of looking for a husband, she wants adventure since she was trapped in her sickbed much of her childhood.

What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be
doing:
Julian is an earl, whose father almost ruined the earldom and their estates in scandal, so Julian has spent his life rebuilding his finances and taking care of his family. He thinks he’s all business, always in control—until he meets Rebecca.

What you think readers will like best about this book:
I think it’s a great romance—two people who think they want something else in life find themselves caught together by danger, forced to confront the way life has changed them. Love helps them rediscover who they really are.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet:
I’m actually about to start that right now! Leo Wade, the younger brother of the blind hero of THE VISCOUNT IN HER BEDROOM was a true scoundrel, who instigated scandalous rumors about the heroine. I ended that book leaving the reader thinking he learned his lesson, but he’s up to his old tricks in THE WEDDING SCANDAL.

What’s next:
The next book of the “Scandalous Lady” trilogy, A MOST SCANDALOUS ENGAGEMENT, comes out in December. The second heroine accused of being the nude model promises the hero she’ll tell him everything about the painting—if he briefly pretends to be engaged to her.

I also write medievals as Julia Latham. What’s your favorite historical time period and why? One lucky commenter will win a copy of IN PURSUIT OF A SCANDALOUS LADY.

“The Gift of Love,” anthology, & the story by Lori Foster.

Setting: Contemporary
Genre: Romance
Hero: Jack Burke
Heroine: Briana Charles

One sentence summary: At first Jack only wants a mommy for his special needs daughter, but he soon realizes only one woman will do – because he’s loved her all along.

Scene you like most and would never cut: If this wasn’t a romance, telling my favorite scene might be a spoiler! LOL. But as a romance, we all know it ends happy. So… my favorite scene is where Briana is in a bad car wreck – which is how Jack lost his first wife. Knowing what he’s already suffered in a situation like t his, Briana’s worry for Jack is worse than her physical injuries. It’s then, after knowing he could have lost her, that Jack realizes just how much he loves Brianna. For me, it was a really great “feel good” moment all around.

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: Briana loves Wendy, Jack’s daughter, like her own, so she would never be caught dead doing or saying anything that might wound Wendy’s little heart.

What celebrity is your hero like: I always envision Timothy Olyphant – for everything – because I like him so much. LOL He epitomizes all things masculine, honorable and sexy!

What celebrity is your heorine like: Let’s say a younger Sandra Bullock, for the same reason – I admire her a lot! Truth is, while I love movies, I seldom can name actors or actresses. For me, they’re just the characters they’re playing at the time. So Briana could be Sandra in the movie, “All About Steve,” and Timothy could be Sheriff Bullock in “Deadwood.” Yummy!

What is your heroines occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing: Briana is still in college, but also working part time to help care for, and teach, a special needs little girl – Jack’s daughter, Wendy.

What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing: Jack is an engineer because he can largely work from home, giving him more time to be with Wendy.

What do you think readers will like best about this book: My hope, as with every book, is that readers will enjoy the emotional punch, along with the humor and sensuality that somehow comes through in all of my books.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: Every week, sometimes every day, I hear from readers who want stories for the children in my Visitation series – Willow and Clay, Austin and Cory. One day I’ll find the time to go back to Visitation! I have stories all picked for each of them, but as in most things, we can’t do it all. But I do promise that if/when I get to wander back to that town, readers will find out immediately on my facebook fan page – http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lori-Foster/233405457965 - and on my website – www.LoriFoster.com

What’s next: I’m currently hard at work on three single titles that’ll be coming out back-to-back in 2011! It’s a new series with uber-alpha, hunky heroes. Fun and mega sexy. The first one is “IF YOU DARE,” and the second is tentatively titled, “A TRACE OF DANGER.” No idea on the title for the 3rd yet. Right now, we have the stories planned for June, July and August, but that could change, so readers should either sign up for my newsletter, or check the website occasionally. Prior to that series will be a lead-in novella in the spring.

I enjoy writing related books because one often leads to another. But usually by the 5th book, I’m ready to move on. The muse wanders off to new ideas, and there’s nothing I can do about it. But I hear from a lot of readers who want more, when I don’t have any more. LOL. So readers – do you enjoy series, or do you prefer stand alone books? If you do like series, how many are too many? And do you prefer for the plots to intertwine or do you like them related by characters only?

Thank you again to Borders for allowing me and the other authors of “The Gift of Love” to visit, and thank you to all of YOU for stopping by to say hi!

Authors in the book:
1. Lori Foster – You already have info on my story, so here’s the backcover copy for the book!
In this heartwarming anthology of never-before-published stories, eight award-winning and bestselling authors come together to celebrate their love of family and the enduring bonds that enrich all our lives.

Families come in many configurations and every one is unique, made up of the personalities of each member. But the love that connects families is universal. Whether it is the love of parents for their children, the love between a husband and wife, the love between siblings, a love that transcends generations, or even the love for a family member never met, the family ties that bind us to one another are the strongest and deepest emotional connections we experience. Our family affects the kind of people we become, how we treat each other, and how we view life. In The Gift of Love, eight exceptional writers offer a variety of unique perspectives on what family love means and how it impacts our lives in ways profound and often surprising.

The authors are donating a portion of their proceeds from The Gift of Love to The Conductive Learning Center of Greater Cincinnati, a charitable organization.

2. Jules Bennett: My story, Ava’s Haven, was taken from an experience from someone very important in my life. It deals with emotions and tragedy that I cannot even fathom. This book is perfectly paired with the charity One Way Farm in how it helps children. Anytime I can aid in helping a child in any way, that is such a rewarding experience.

3. Lisa Cooke: When I was seven years old, my oldest sister (then 12) died from complications due to Cerebral Palsy. So when Lori contacted me and asked if I’d contribute a story for this charity, I felt as though I’d been given an opportunity to help other children in a way I couldn’t help my sister. It’s been an absolute blessing.

4. Ann Christopher: Why am I participating? Because Lori asked! And because, as a mother, I understand the value of a program that provides early intervention so children can have the tools they need to succeed in school.

5. Gia Dawn: Doing the Gift of Love Anthology has been a super thrill for me. I think we all look for a way to give back, to create some meaning from our writing. This gave me the opportunity to do something altruistic, and to work with Lori, one of the most amazing women I have ever met. It has been a fabulous experience.

6. Heidi Betts: Helen Keller said, “I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.” So even though I’ve always wanted to save the world, I think Helen is right–that’s a rather large undertaking. I can, however, do small things here and there that make the world a better place. So when Lori invited me to participate in THE GIFT OF LOVE, I didn’t even have to think about it; I knew it was for a good cause, I knew it would be helping people, so my answer was a resounding YES! Being part of THE GIFT OF LOVE also gave me the chance to write a story I never would have been able to do otherwise–one dealing with physical injury and addiction. (Fans of America’s Next Top Model will probably recognize where part of my inspiration came from. ;-)) Enjoy! And remember to do a good deed whenever and wherever you can! (Heidi Betts, “Skin Deep”)

7. HelenKay Dimon: The one word I use to define how I feel about my life is grateful. This is true both on a personal and professional level. My life isn’t perfect or stress-free, but I am truly blessed compared to the difficulties some other people face every day. My professional good fortune started a few years ago. Lori Foster ran a writing contest on her website. She provided this amazing opportunity for unpublished writers to get their work in front of an editor. I benefited from Lori’s generosity. Over the years I watched her put together anthologies to benefit different charities and thought those books were the perfect way for those of us who have been blessed to give something back. When Lori asked me to participate this year, I didn’t hesitate. Knowing the proceeds would go to special needs kids only made the anthology more special. I love this story and the celebration of family. I hope you do, too!

8. Paige Cuccaro: I had been a fan of Lori Foster’s writing since way back during her Harlequin category days. But when she came to talk to my writers group, something like ten years ago, I became a fan of the woman behind the writing. Lori’s a genuinely kind, caring and giving person. Which isn’t to say that she won’t hand it to you straight when asked, but I like that about her too. She’s smart, talented, opinionated and funny! So when she asked me if I’d like to write a short story for one of her many charity causes I jumped at the chance. I mean, who wouldn’t? I’m in a book with Lori Foster AND I get to help out a worthwhile cause. Win, win, right? Plus, The Conductive Learning Center, of Greater Cincinnati is a great place and they make a real difference in the lives of children and their families. I have a very close cousin with special needs so I know every penny helps and the support of others makes everything a little easier. I’m so grateful to Lori for giving me the opportunity to make a difference.

GIVEAWAY - HOT OFF THE PRESS - 3 randomly chosen commenters will be chosen - GOOD LUCK!:
Winning ticket is good for ONE ($125) Reader Registration to RomCon 2010 - July 9-11, 2010 in Denver, CO. Winners must be US residents. The base ticket grants admission to all RomCon 2010 award ceremonies and core reader events, but does not include meals, travel, or hotel accommodations. Meals are available for purchase when the attendee registers. There is a $25 fee to transfer the winning ticket to a different reader attendee. The ticket has no monetary value and cannot be redeemed for cash. Unclaimed tickets expire June 15, 2010.

SUGAR CREEK

Setting: the picturesque small town of Destiny, Ohio
Subgenre: Sexy, small town contemporary
Hero: Mike Romo
Heroine: Rachel Farris

One sentence summary: Rachel Farris returns to Destiny to help her grandmother save the family apple orchard, but she soon butts heads with gruff, sexy cop Mike Romo, who is convinced her family stole the orchard from his fifty years ago.

Scene you like most and would never cut: Only one? Probably the sexy scene where Rachel and Mike find themselves locked in the concession stand at their old high school. Or … maybe the fun, impromptu touch football game scene where Mike and Rachel are thrust back together, both physically and emotionally, when they least expect it. Or … maybe the scene where Mike finally confides in Rachel about the enormous loss he suffered at age twelve that’s haunted him ever since. See? Clearly, I can’t pick just one! ; )

Thing your heroine would never be caught dead doing/saying: Chic, fashionable, big-city-girl Rachel would never be caught dead doing farmwork in a big sun hat and hideous clothes. However, she’s caught doing exactly that, by Mike, and when he actually mistakes her for her grandmother at the time, it’s her worst nightmare come true.

What celebrity is your hero like?: Ricky Paull Goldin who plays Jake Martin on All My Children. Physically anyway : )

What celebrity is your heroine like?: This is a fictional character, not a celebrity, but Rachel’s definitely got a tiny bit of Carrie Bradshaw running through her veins.

Book’s most interesting accessory or prop: Mike’s handcuffs. That’s all I’m sayin’. ; ) Oh, and a pair of leopard print boxer shorts also come into play. (But not at the same time as the handcuffs.)

Fave setting in the book: I love the warmth of the apple orchard, and also the friendly feeling of Creekside Park, but my favorite place in Destiny is the bookstore on the town square, Under the Covers, where Rachel and her girlfriends dish about guys, love, sex, and everything else.

Book mascot: A fat tabby cat named Shakespeare.

What is your heroine’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should she be doing?: When the book begins, Rachel is an account director at a prestigious advertising firm in Chicago, and though this suits her well in some ways, as the story goes on, she discovers something that inspires her more.

What is your hero’s occupation, or if unemployed, what should he be doing?: Mike is a hard-nose, by-the-book cop and the job fits him perfectly.

What you think readers will like best about this book: I hope they’ll like the sexy, funny banter between Mike and Rachel, which occurred really naturally and made the book a joy to write. I also hope they’ll be moved by the loss in Mike’s past.

The person that readers want you to write about but you haven’t yet: As SUGAR CREEK is only the second book in the series, I’m getting requests for many of the other characters – Tessa, Amy, Logan, Adam Becker, Lucky Romo, the list goes on. And as for who’s next, I’m keeping that a secret for right now, but I’ll just say that I think readers will enjoy what’s coming up.

What’s next: Book 3 in the Destiny series, WHISPER FALLS, comes out in January ’11, and in the following November, we’ll travel back to Destiny for a holiday-themed book which I’m working on right now. I’m super excited to be writing a Christmas book, and I’m also thrilled to announce that I’m now contracted to write at least six Destiny books, so this is a good time to get on board!

I’d like to thank Sue at Borders for her wonderful support of the Destiny series, and I’ll also take this opportunity to send out a big thank you to all the readers who made the first book in the series, ONE RECKLESS SUMMER, a success. To learn more about Destiny, I hope you’ll visit me online at www.ToniBlake.com, and you can also find me on Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace.

And now I’d love to hear from you! Right now, small town series are hot in the romance world. Are you personally drawn to small town romances? Why or why not? What do you think the appeal of the small town romance is?

Giveaway: Comment to be entered to win an autographed copy of ONE RECKLESS SUMMER, Book 1 in the Destiny series.