Friday 31 August 2012

Romancing the Hop -all about Romance!


What is your favorite thing about Romance? We authors are sharing our romantic tips and favorite romance reads! Starting today August 31 and ending on September 3rd, over 200 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 200 giveaways by authors or bloggers.
 
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 200 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! (USA only - sorry!)
 
Yep. ALL of that! Be sure to leave a comment here, and then visit some of the other writers. Enjoy stories and facts about our favorite Romance events and leave comments for more chances to win!
 
Why do I write romance?
 
Short answer – because I’ve always written romance!
 
Well, not always. My first stories, as a pre-teen, were school or theatre stories, but once I hit adolescence, I read romance and I wrote romance. My teenage stories, written for my friends, had 1940’s movie-type romance, usually with our current heart-throbs as the male heroes. I wrote stories inventing romances between our favourite teachers, and later, about the boys my friends and I liked. I’m sure I could be sued if any of those had ever gone further than my friends’ hands!
 
Of course, even those stories were supposedly based on ‘real’ people, they were still imaginary. In fact, my first published novel was a re-hash (and fuller development) of a story I’d written in my teens – names and places changed, of course! In later novels I developed my own characters, who became as real to me as the earlier characters in my stories.
 
I’m a romantic at heart, maybe because (or despite the fact that) real life has proved different for me. Writing romance allows me (and hopefully my readers, too) to relive the magic of falling in love – the delicious anticipation as you wait for the next time you’re going to meet up, the simple pleasure of holding hands, even the lightest touch on your back as he escorts you into a restaurant, the exchange of glances across the table.
 
The most sensually romantic scenes aren’t the bedroom scenes. They’re the scenes where tender looks and the briefest of contact can make your heart sing. Your heartbeat quickens, you feel those delicious tingles down your spine, that shiver of excitement, and the whole world’s a magical place because you’re in love.
 
Here’s an excerpt from my contemporary romance ‘Fragrance of Violets’ when Abbey’s sister Louise has asked her if she’s fallen for Jack:
 
Abbey hesitated.  “I – I honestly don’t know. There’s a kind of attraction but that could simply be because he oozes confidence and charisma or –” She shrugged helplessly. “I just don’t know.”
 
“So does your heart beat faster when you’re with him? When you think about him? Do you get a tingle deep down inside you, and then start wondering what it would be like to go to bed with him?"
 
“Louise!”
 
“Well, do you?”
 
“No!” This time the denial came out too strongly. Quickly she went on, “And even if I did, that would be lust. Not love.”
 
“Falling in love starts with being attracted to someone, for whatever reason. Then, as you get to know them, you find you like them as a person – or not, as the case may be. But you already know Jack, you know what he thinks and believes and likes and doesn’t like.”
 
Abbey shook her head. “That was when we were teens. We’re different people now.”
 
“I bet you’re not all that different. Does he still look the same or is he fat and bald now?”


Abbey laughed. “Of course he isn’t, and he does still look the same except –” She considered for a moment then smiled. “He’s matured. He still has those gorgeous blue eyes, of course, and sometimes you can read what he’s thinking, but other times they’re more guarded. And his hair’s slightly darker than it used to be, it’s kind of golden now but he has the same mannerism of pushing it back from his forehead and then taking his hand right down to the back of his neck. And when he grins, he reminds me of teenage Jack, it’s a kind of quirky grin that makes him look younger. His shoulders seem broader but his hips are slim and he looks good in jeans because he’s got a real sexy walk – What?” She broke off as she saw Louise grinning at her. “What? You wanted to know what he’s like, and I’m telling you.”

“You’ve fallen for him.”

“Why on earth do you think that? I’m just describing what he’s like now.”

“If you were just describing him, you’d simply have said ‘oh, pretty much the same, maybe broader than he was’ and left it at that. But you’re aware of everything about him, aren’t you?”

Abbey looked at her sister for a moment and then nodded. “Yes – yes, I suppose I am.”

It was true. Jack set all her senses on fire, not just when she was with him, but whenever she thought about him too.

And here, from my recent release ‘Changing the Future’, are Lisa’s thoughts when she’s sitting at a lecture with Paul, having met him again six years after their acrimonious breakup.

Paul’s nearness distracted her, especially the faint musky scent of his aftershave which was disturbingly familiar. Carefully she moved her arm away from the armrest between their seats where his elbow rested, but she couldn’t stop herself from glancing at his firm thigh. How many times had she stroked his thigh, sliding her hand sensuously back and forth? Sometimes she’d tormented him by almost, but not quite, reaching his groin; other times she’d put her hand over the bulge in his trousers and he’d given her his smouldering sexy grin.

Heavens, why was she thinking about that now? Her cheeks grew hot. She had to distance herself from this agonising awareness of him. There were moments she could hardly believe it was all really happening, and she wanted to look round to convince herself it really was Paul sitting next to her. Moments, too, when she longed to put her hand on his leg again, feel his hand covering hers, and then lifting it to kiss her fingers, sending delicious electric shocks through her. Moments when she wished they could wipe out the past and start again.

I think many women need some kind of escapism into a world where the heroes are gorgeous and romantic, and say and do all the things they’d love real-life men to do (but often – usually? - don’t).  Otherwise why would romantic fiction be so popular?

What do you think is the most thrilling aspect of falling in love? Leave your answer here (and your email address) for the chance to win a PDF copy of one of my contemporary romance novels (your choice).

Then visit some of the other romance authors for more chances to win books and other goodies. Click here for the list.
http://carrieannbloghops.blogspot.co.uk/p/romancing-blog-hop.html


55 comments:

  1. I agree about the sensual scenes rather than the bedroom ones, Paula! I'm an escapist, so I love the whole romance of attraction - even with those seemingly out of our reach (as in Jane Eyre). I prefer the lead-up of romance to the actual 'end result'.

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  2. for me the thrilling aspect of falling in love is finding out about the other person. kinda like unwrapping a nummy piece of chocolate

    parisfan_ca@yahoo.com

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  3. Paula- you are so right. It's all about the romantic tension, the lingering looks and tentative touches. Don't get me wrong- bedroom scenes are fine by me, but I love falling in love all over with those scenes that establish the romance. Happy hopping.

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  4. Nice post! I think I read and write romance mainly because you're guaranteed a happy ending. And of course I love all of the emotional (and sexual) tension built between the first and last page. :)

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  5. The most thrilling aspect of falling in love, I think, is the tingling feeling and the feeling of complete and utter comfort. I can't really describe it (hence why I'm not a writer).

    kesummer69 at gmail dot com

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  6. The most thrilling aspect of falling in love is the anticipation and sexual tension that builds up.
    janna@jannashay.com

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  7. I think there isn't any one thing about falling in love that is special.. it's all that. But the best is finding it 'more' than a momentary thing and the connections and hopes about who they are start to solidify into something that you can rely on...

    thank you for participating

    glhince@gmail.com

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  8. I think the most thrilling aspect of falling in love is discovering new things about each other and finding out new things you have in common

    fencingromein at hotmail dot com

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  9. Rosemary - I agree about the lead-up, with the development of the initial attraction.

    Lauri - love your analogy with opening a piece of chocolate!

    Rosanna - romantic tension sums it up. I like the bedroom scenes too, but only when it's part of the loving relationship that has developed.

    Sharon - happy endings are great,aren't they?

    Kelsey - you summed it up very well, the tingling feeling combined with the comfort.

    Janna - anticipation plays a large part in the build-up of romance, doesn't it?

    Gaela - love your description, and completely agree with you!

    Shannon - yes, it's so good to find out more about someone, and especially to find the things you have in common.

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  10. Paula, I agree with all of the above comments that the anticipation is the most thrilling part of falling in love. The whole world looks different and you feel like a different person, too.

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  11. Great way to describe it, Linda - the whole world looks different. Yes, indeed!

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  12. What a fun hop! The anticipation is key for me. I think that is why I sometimes enjoy a good YA read. It is often all about the anticipation. delphinareadstoomuch at yahoo

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  13. I agree about the looks and soft touches. I suppose it's all about the anticipation.

    fitzgerald_sue at yahoo dot com

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  14. The anticipation!

    Diana
    bookofsecrets(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  15. Anticipation is the best part of falling in love!
    sqwalker2@hotmail.com

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  16. Thanks all -it seems like anticipation is what we all enjoy, both in real life and in romance novels!

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  17. A great post, Paula - and thought-provoking.
    Like you I wrote stories for my teen friends and my younger sister. I thought I was writing, but I now realise I was escaping.
    And I wonder if that's why we write romance now? As you say 'real life has proved different' - it can be pretty humdrum at times and our fictional worlds offer a great respite from it.
    I also totally agree with you about sensually romantic scenes. You describe that so beautifully.
    Great excerpts.
    Lynette

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  18. Many thanks, Lyn - and yes, reading and writing are both forms of escapism, I think.

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  19. The thrilling part is making a unique connection with another person.
    bituin76 AT hotmail DOT com

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  20. Fallling in love, it's like starting a new journey. everything is thrilling.
    tessa.bamberg@kolumbus.fi

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  21. The most thrilling things about falling in love are exploring all the differences that each person brings to the relationship. New adventures await when you fall in love.

    koonie2888 at yahoo dot com

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  22. I really love the surprises in romance.
    Jesse
    jesse.kimmelfreeman@gmail.com

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  23. The most thrilling aspect of falling in love has to be the "honeymoon" phase when reality hasn't hit and you're madly in love. Of course if you can last beyond that stage, then you can reap the rewards of a loving and committed relationship.
    mcv111 at hotmail dot com

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  24. For me it's all the little things combined. That butterfly feeling in your stomach, how just a look from them can make you blush, and how their touch can just set you off :)
    Thanks for the awesome & amazing giveaway!
    cassandrahicks1989@yahoo.com

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  25. I think the most thrilling aspect of falling in love is the loving feelings that you get just being around the person you've fallen in love with. It's kind of like a feeling of being high, haha. :)

    craigcrystal(at)ymail(dot)com

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  26. Romance is all about building lasting relationships :-) Great blog and a fun hop!

    krystalshannan@yahoo(dot)com

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  27. I love reading romance books because it is an escape away from real life, knowing in the end that the girl gets the guy and they live happy ever after....I have met my Love and we do have a Happy Ever After...

    ronnkelly3@aol.com

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  28. I think it is how being with that person makes everything all better. Like nothing can go wrong is his arms. Thank you for the giveaway.
    kaylyndavis1986@yahoo.com

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  29. The most thrilling thing about falling in love is the possibilities!!!

    thanks for the contest!!
    forettarose@yahoo.com

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  30. Thanks for being part of the hop

    bacchus76 at myself dot com

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  31. Thank you all for your comments. I love all your ideas about the most thrilling part of falling in love :-)

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  32. The most thrilling aspect is the chase!

    Thanks,
    Tracey D
    booklover0226 at gmail dot com

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  33. I read and write romance for the Happily Ever After...and for the love scenes!

    Plus each book written or read is like finding new friends and discovering new and exciting places and adventures...even if the story never leaves one setting.

    It's the magic of love and romance.

    debrastjohn08@yahoo.com

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  34. I think the most thrilling aspect of falling in love is the realization that they are "the one". That moment when it clicks that after waiting and looking for your other half, you've finally found them. There's no other feeling quite like it!

    Barbara
    bbsbooknook@aol.com

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  35. The most thrilling aspect is that all the feelings are new, intense and beautiful!
    verusbognar (at) gmail (dot) com

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  36. For me the most important aspect of romance is the growing intimacy and chemistry {non sexual} between people.
    Thanks for participating in the hop and giving us all a chance to win.
    bidelia78@yahoo.com

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  37. What a great hop! Grand prizes, old friends to visit and new ones to meet… and chances to win at each stop too. I’m in Blog heaven! :-}
    <^_^>
    The most thrilling thing about falling in love is the tingles. You get all tingly when you know you're gonna see him real soon. your stomach is doing butterfly somersaults and you're nether parts get quite tingly. Tehe.
    Thanks for being part of the hop and for the chance to win.
    reneebennett35(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  38. I agree with anticipation! Love to read romance books because I like to know that at least someone is getting an HEA, even if the characters are only fiction! Thanks for joining the hop and the awesome giveaway!
    ehaney578 at aol dot com

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  39. I have to say that feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you know you are about to see or talk to the person that you have fallen in love with. Especially if it the very first time you have loved someone, because that first time is the most special.

    sam1slim1@gmail.com

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  40. Thanks for the awesome hop and giveaways! This is so much fun! Thank you! My favorite thing about romance is the romance. lol I love the characters, the plots, the HEA's, the love. I love it all!
    shadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com

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  41. Thanks tons for the hop! I only read romance. My fav is Lora Leigh! Going to parade Monday with brothers and sisters! Should be FUN!
    swkimbell@yahoo.com

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  42. Knowing you have someone that you can depend on and trust with everything. Great giveaway.

    blinkysthebest at aol dot com

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  43. I agree with the anticipation:) The butterflies in your stomach when that person walks in the room...How you have each others complete attention...That first dance when evreyone else in the room disappears...then it can be the simple things that let you know you care...Thanks for the awesome hop and giveaway!
    allysonbrann06@yahoo.com

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  44. I like the happily ever after.
    Thanks for the giveaway.

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  45. The yearning and all encompassing feeling for that person... magic.

    maryjooller {at] yahoo [dot] com

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  46. I love romance because I get to fall in love over and over. Just such a wonderful feeling.
    Mel
    bournmelissa at hotmail dot com

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  47. The thrilling part is when he finally calls to talk to you. To wanting to be with you. The early stages of romance are usally the most thrilling.
    edor628@verizon.net

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  48. For me the most thrilling part is the beginning when you first realize they like you too.

    AnnaM.
    doxisrcool at aol.com

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  49. I agree, for me the most thrilling part is also the beginning when you first realize they like you too and all the little things/details.
    Thank you for being part of the blog hop. :)

    yazmin.z.rangel(at)gmail(dot)com

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  50. The most thrilling aspect? The butterflies and finding all the things you have in common.

    snhoveln(at)gmail(dot)com

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  51. The most thrilling part is falling in love with the right person. AT least that's what I think
    Thanks for the great giveaway!
    red_tigergirl2(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  52. I agree with most falling in love with the right person..
    Thanks
    BeckeyWhiteATgmailDOTcom

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  53. Learning about each other.
    sstrode at scrtc dot com

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  54. when it all works out - so much of life is almost right.
    tjandbcd at optonline dot net

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  55. Thanks for being a part of the hop. I hope that you had a great labor day weekend! I think that the most thrilling aspect of falling in love it either the feelings, the knowing that you love them for who they are and they love you for the same, etc.
    jessangil at gmail dot com

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