Why Is Romance So Popular

Whether a sweet contemporary or a steamy historical, romance is in my opinion the best genre out there. By why is that, you may be wondering?

Romance novels unlike other types offer you a chance to fall in love with the characters while they fall in love with each other. Despite whatever events occur during the novel, you the reader, know that in the end there will be a happy ending. And everyone loves a happy ending. Didn't all of our favorite Fairy Tales end with “And They Lived Happily Ever After”.

I also believe that romance novels are so spectacular and popular because there are so many types of romance novels available. Readers can find everything from sweeping historicals, to sweet contemporaries and paranormals to steamy eroticas.

Every romance readers journey and tastes are different so I am going to take a minute and tell you a little about mine.

An avid reader and writer since about the age of 10, I discovered the world of romance novels a little late. I picked up my first romance novel A Gentle Rogue by one of my all time favorite authors, Johanna Lindsey during my freshman year of college. And I was immediately hooked. Soon I found myself scouring the book shelves at Walden Books and Walmart looking for another great romance. In no time I fell in love with other historical romance authors like Julie Garwood, Stephanie Laurens, Julia Quinn, and Hannah Howell. Not long after that I discovered great contemporary romances by authors like Jessica Bird, Kristan Higgans, and Christine Flynn. Next I found the whole paranormal world of romance by authors like Lynn Kurland and Jessica Andersen.

Today I read almost entirely romance romance novels from various sub-genres depending on my mood.

In addition to reading romance, I began writing them around the time I got married. For me it was just a natural progression. Besides what could be better than writing about two people meeting, falling in love and living happily ever after? Nothing, right? My first romance came out in March of 2012. A sweet contemporary, The Teacher's Billionaire is the first in my series The Sherbrookes of Newport. Available now on for Kindle, NOOK, Smashwords, iTunes and KOBO. The second in the series, The Billionaire Playboy, will be out in September.

While getting The Teacher's Billionaire published was a dream of mine, it never would have happened without the support of my family and OTHER ROMANCE AUTHORS. I don't know about authors from other genres, but those who write romance are the best. They are supportive and giving. They are always willing to offer helpful advice or a kind word. And I am thankful to every romance author I have worked with along the way.

Leave a comment about your thoughts on romance, reading romance, and dating and you will be entered to win one of over several giveaways including one of 3 Grand Prizes:

1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet
2nd Grand Prize: A $130 Amazon or B&N Gift Card
3rd Grand Prize: The following Swag Pack!

To Enter go to EACH Blog listed below and comment with your email address and name. That means you can enter over 100 times.

In addition to the prizes offered by Romancing the Hop, I am also giving away a copy of The Billionaire Playboy, book 2 in The Sherbrookes of Newport series. It will be available in September.

To Purchase The Teacher's Billionaire please visit these sites:
Amazon
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iTunes
Smashwords
Kobo books

What is your favorite thing about Romance? Well, we authors are ready to share our romantic tips and favorite romance reads! Starting on Friday and ending on August 31st, over 100 Authors and Bloggers will share their favorite things about romance, reading romance, and dating.

And while we do that, we are EACH doing a giveaway. Yep. There will be over 100 giveaways on each blog hosted by that Author or Blogger.

But that's not all....

We have THREE grand prizes. You as a reader can go to EACH blog and comment with your email address and be entered to win. Yep, you can enter over 100 times!

Now what are those prizes?

1st Grand Prize: A Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet

2nd Grand Prize: A $130 Amazon or B&N Gift Card

3rd Grand Prize: The following Swag Pack!

Yep. ALL of that! Whoot! Be sure to come back here on Friday and over the weekend to enjoy some stories and facts about our favorite Romance events and reads and enter to win!

The Perfect Scottish Historical Romance

 

Highland Bride

Published By: Zebra Books

Date Published: 2002

Pages: 340

Genre: Historical Romance

Reviewed By: Christina Tetreault www.christinatetreault.com

Rating: (1-5) 5

Summary:

Highland Bride is another book in Hannah Howell's The Murrays series. In this book we meet Gillyanne Murray, a high spirited young woman who has yet to fall in love. While her father is away at Court, Gillyanne decides to visit the dower lands that were gifted to her by her father's family. Not long after her arrival 3 lairds from surrounding areas arrive demanding that she marry one of them. Though she does not wish to marry any of the men, she wishes to avoid a battle even more and she agrees to marry Sir Connor MacEnroy. As the two learn to live as husband and wife they must deal with treachery and family secrets. And soon only Gillyanne can save Connor only from a life with no love but from an execution

 

Christina's Thoughts:

I had read other books in The Murray series before and went into this book expecting to enjoy it. I was not disappointed. Hannah Howell creates wonderful characters that readers can fall in love with. Gillyanne is an independent woman who is willing to stand up for what she wants. I loved the scenes when Gillyanne bests each of the three lairds forcing them to retreat and rethink their strategy. Connor is an honorable man who only has the best interest of his clan in mind. He is even more likeable because although Gillyanne is not your typical Scottish lass, he does not try to change her. He accepts her and eventually falls in love with her.

Overall opinion

Hannah Howell does a fabulous job of setting a great romance in the the Scottish highlands. She is able to include just enough description to transport readers while not bogging them down. At the same time her characters are well developed and likeable.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romance. In fact I would recommend all the books in The Murray series.

Interview with Erotic Romance Author Lynn Myshe’ Joseph

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

When I was 13.- I had an assignment due in creative writing when I was a freshman in high school- I spent 2 weeks on it, editing and rewriting until I thought it was perfect-My teacher at the time told me it was the best and well-written piece she had ever seen for a 13 year old and that the imagery was amazing- I knew then. I was done!

How long does it take you to write a book?

For a novella, about 2 weeks-that includes re-writing and such but without my editor.

For a novel, since I am still working on my first one, it has taken me so far 3 months- once I am complete with my other 2 novellas I’m gonna focus on my novel

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I HAVE TO HAVE rock music playing- from the old to the new, I got to have rock in the background- I don’t know, it just inspires me to add to a scene, or take away from one!

What do you think is the best way of publishing a book these days?

I hear great things about self-publishing, but I haven’t gone that route- I have a publisher, whom I adore.

I think its up to the author on which way they want to go- its all bout marketing!

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

In my head- I have about 20 different plots in my head right now and more than 20 written down in my journal. My ideas are sometimes my own, sometimes, hehehe.

Information wise I try to stick to the places I have been- I’m from Chicago, but live in Plano, TX, a suburb of Dallas, so I can use areas around both since I know the areas so well

If I am looking for a certain piece, such as writing about BDSM, the internet is GREAT!

When did you write your first book?

Just did at 30- I've been writing for 14 years and always heard from friends and family that I let take a look at my works that I was good, hell , even great.

I finally took the plunge about 3 months ago and decided, it was time for the world to see!

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I have 3 kids (4 if you count my husband..lol) so I spend tons of time with them. Family game nights, relaxing, movies. Other times, I’m reading. Reading other authors that I know, or finding new ones

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

That I have the power to create what I want and not answer to anyone about it If I want to write about an alien woman that is asexual but wants to settle down with a human male, I can and its all mine. I control the outcome, characters, flow, everything about the story and that excuse my French, is a huge turn on!

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I have written 1 and working on 3 more. I have to say my favorite will be the novel I am working on. I’m just in love with the whole idea, the world, and the people. Ugh! I can’t wait to get it out there!

Can you tell me and your readers something about your main characters?

Hmmm….I have a few, but I will give a little insight to one of my Doms, Seth Jacobs.

Seth is a quiet guy, kinda temperamental, but a true- blue all American Texan that will melt your heart- and your panties! He is so fun to write about, not only because he is dead sexy, but he allows himself to be vulnerable, without being weak. I love that about him. I hope everyone else will too!

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

Since I am just getting my name out there, I haven’t heard much. I do have a group that critiques my works for me and I always hear that the stories are wonderful. My characters are strong and they love my “voice”!

What do you think makes a good story?

Plot, plot and more plot. Sure, you can have a sexy guy and girl, they have amazing sex, fight, more amazing sex, conflict and then that’s it.

Uh. No.

I prefer to be pulled into the story to where I am identifying with the hero or heroine in some way. Characters have to appear flawed, yet, the story has to make sense

What are your favorite book genres in writing and reading? Why?

Erotica and Romance. That falls into a broad range but it is what it is. I love them both as you can intertwine the two at any time. Or they can stand alone and still have a damn good story. I love Erotica as when I am writing, I get deep into the scenes and, yeah I have to stop and fan myself! With romance, you can explore so many romantic ideas without being super cliché. I love them both! I am exploring the paranormal side of writing now- we will see how that goes!

Who are you favorite authors to read?

Ha! I have SOOOO many, but I must mention Shayla Black. I have followed her from the beginning and she has introduced me to tons more. Larissa Ione, Casea Major, just off the top of my head. I constantly look for new authors and I am always reading and leaving reviews for them

Thanks for having me!!!!

Here is how to contact Lynn

Twitter
Lynn's Blog
Facebook

Where to purchase Submit To Your Fantasies
Amazon
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A Gem For Regency Lovers

An Unlikely Hero

Author Gail Eastwood

Published By: signet Regency

Date Published: July 2012

Pages: 240

Genre: Historical Romance

Reviewed By: Christina Tetreault www.christinatetreault.com

Rating: (1-5) 4

Summary:

The twin daughters of the Duke of Roxley, Vivian and Ventia, have beauty, brains, wealth and rank, but they refuse offers of marriage and test all their suitors beyond limits. Frustrated the Duke throws a house party so that his daughters can find husbands.

The twins older brother Nicolas asks his best friend Gilbey Kentwell, the Viscount Cranford, to attend. Gilbey only agrees to attend and help keep an eye his best friend's sisters, because he knows he is no candidate for their hands. But when he learns the secret they are hiding, and then finds they are threatened by a blackmailer, things begin to change. Soon Gilbey wonders if he can help the twins while at the same time keep from losing his heart?

Christina's Thoughts:

This is the first book I have read by Gail Eastwood. I picked it up for two reasons, one I enjoy regency period romance and two she is a fellow New England based author. And I am glad I did. Ms. Eastwood did an excellent job of creating her characters and setting. The characters were likeable and sympathetic. Actually the twins reminded me a bit of my identical twin daughters. The hero while handsome did not come across as the usual Adonis that is featured in many romance novels. For me this made him a bit more realistic. The addition of a blackmailer gave the story more conflict and kept the reader guessing . My only complaint was the twins names Vivian and Ventia were in my opinion a bit to similar and at times a bit confusing.

Overall opinion

I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys regency romance. However, I would point out that if a reader enjoys hotter romance they will not find it in this book. The hero and heroine do no more than kiss.

Jessica Andersen's Sky Keepers

A Must Read For Paranormal Romance Lovers

Sky Keepers

Author: Jessica Andersen

Published By: Signet Eclipse

Date Published: 2009

Pages: 454

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Reviewed By: Christina Tetreault www.christinatetreault.com

Rating: (1-5 )  5

Summary:

Sky Keepers is the third book in the Jessica Andersen's incredible Final Prophecy Series. In this book readers really get to Michael Stone, who was a secondary character in the first two books. Michael has a dark secret that has skewed his magical abilities toward the underworld. As a way to redeem himself he sets out to save Sasha Ledbetter, the daughter of a renowned Mayanist who died the previous year.

Sasha, a chef, spent her entire life hearing about the ancient group of warriors known as the Nightkeepers, but she never believed in them. Then Michael Stone comes barreling into her life.

Soon Michael and Sasha must join forces to prevent the forces of evil from getting stronger. At the same time they must confront the passion that burns between them.

Christina's Thoughts:

I have a love hate relationship with Jessica Andersen's Final Prophecy series. I love the world and the characters that the author has created. They are life like and jump off the page to the point that you almost expect them to be standing next to you. The author does a marvelous job of interweaving action, drama, and romance into every chapter of the book.

I hate the series because once I start reading a book from it I CAN NOT PUT IT DOWN until it is done. The books suck me and I just need to know what is going to happen next. I can not say this about many book,

Overall opinion

I loved this book just as much as I did the first two in the series. I consider it a must read for any paranormal romance readers out there. Since it is part of series, I would recommend that people read the first two books before picking this one up. There are some references to events in the previous two scattered in this one. I can not wait to dive into the next book in the series which is sitting on my Kindle right now.