CONTEST TODAY - SUNDAY!!! Tell us why you're thankful for romance in the comments in any post today thru Sunday -- or in Becke Davis' "The Perfect Murder" feature -- 4 chance 2 win BIG in BRENDA NOVAK'S PERFECT THANKSGIVING CONTEST! Deets below. *Last year at GTFR time, I tossed together a happy little post that confirmed my feeling that the guys drawn to romance ain't here just because of SEALs and NASCAR. At least some who read RBTB enjoy erom partly for the hawt heterosexual imagery, cause I heard from several after the post, one who especially enjoyed the featured Lacey Alexander read.
It makes me recall how thankful I am that you've helped make RBTB a place where anyone can dig on any sort of fantasy w/ the expectation of "you go, Bella!" support, even when it ain't our own cuppa. Further, I'm grateful you allow and encourage me to celebrate what I adore most about romance: hot/joyful sex, and outrageously virile men.
Following that lead, RBTB Contributing Editor and my fellow BN.com colleague, Becke Davis, appears to be a dyed-in-the-wool Bella as she steps up on the GTFR soapbox w/ the reasons she's thankful for romance. Becke says:
I give thanks for manly chests with a dusting of hair, packages that only come in one size (extra large), hot guys on Harleys, even hotter guys in darkened sheds, heroines who take multiple orgasms in stride and the hero who goes nuts because the heroine can protect her own damn self.
I love the women who are brave enough to pour their hearts and souls into writing -- and reading -- these books and I feel nothing but pity for those who scorn the romance genre. Maybe if we were guys, calling what we read and write "bodice rippers" would be emasculating. But we're women, so I say -- bring it on!
Maybe if critics actually read romance, they'd realize it's not about balls or bodices, it's about heart (okay, and heat!). I give thanks to romance writers -- you take a lot of crap for what you write, but you've enriched my life beyond belief. Thank you!
Why are you grateful for the men of romance -- and your fellow readers and authors?
***
The prize: A snazzy new Brenda Novak tote “stuffed” with ‘graphed copies of Brenda’s entire Last Stand series – including the new Perfect trilogy – PLUS Brenda’s new Christmas novella! Have your email addy in comment or available in your blogger.com profile, please.
Posts
59 comments:
I like the extra large packages. The men in romance are the ones we want in real life, an alpha male with a sensitive side.
janie1215 AT excite DOT com
Becke, you are the woman! Your list is superb. I'm thankful I wasn't drinking my coffee when I read your post or else my laptop would be covered with java. LOL
I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving. I'm still full from yesterday's carb fest!
Why am I grateful for the men of romance?
Hm, the answer to that one is pretty simple: Because there are oh-so-few men that exist in reality that are like romance heroes. I mean, I have to meet my dream guy somewhere, don't I?
That is so true Lisa K - that is why we like romance - to escape and have a happy ending. LOL. There are many good ones out there - it will happen when you least expect it.
Helen L.
I am thankful for romance novels, because it takes me away into another world. After all, without fantasies, how much fun would life be?
Hope your turkey day was full of laughter, spirits and lots of food.
Lynn R.
I have to agree with Lisa K and Jane. Where else are you going to have a package described for the current hero.Not like you can approach anyone in real life and ask. Well I guess you could but I couldn't. lol
I love those Highlanders. They all have super egos and giant packages along with great looks and protective instincts,and kilts , beautiful kilts. :)
I'm greatful for the writers because how else could we get lost momentarily and read to be taken away to the worlds they have spent the time to create for us.The friends and women here where we learn about other Authors and books we wouldn't have before.And it's so interesting to read all the posts by Authors and readers.
I love Romance with a capital L.
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com
"Where else are you going to have a package described for the current hero.Not like you can approach anyone in real life and ask. Well I guess you could but I couldn't. lol"
Carol - this cracks me up! Check out Michelle's post at B&N's Heart to Heart. I commented that I didn't see the attraction of the tight pants in historicals, and Michelle and Monica have explained why they are so hot. Because they showed off the men's "attributes!"
Hi Jane! I agree -- I've always thought men would have better luck in relationships if they only read romance. That way they could see what women REALLY want!
Hi Gannon! My son's girlfriend made such a feast, I don't think I can (or should) eat until Christmas!
Having the flu a few weeks ago helped me knock off a few pounds. After yesterday, I'm back where I started!
Lisa - I was lucky to meet my perfect guy when I was pretty young (17). Did I say perfect? I just remember what I wrote in the post about Brenda's book, so scratch that word. Or say he's perfect for me, except when we're driving each other crazy!
Helen - I'm with you, I do want that happy ending!
Lynn - I love to escape to the other worlds in romance. I've always been the type of reader who loses contact with reality when she/I is in the middle of a book. I'm in the world the author created - I'm always amazed by all the people living in authors heads!
I'm also thankful for my critique partner, Rosie, for introducing me to her Chest Collection. We send each other images -- book covers or photos we've found online -- of guys with those to-die-for chests.
In real life, I'm not into guys who are self-obsessed and spend their time admiring themselves. But when I need a pick-me-up, admiring the Chest Collection is hard to beat!
I've posted a few of my favorites on my website: www.beckemartin.com on the links page. Keep 'em coming, Rosie!
I am grateful for the men of romance because as a widow I just don't get out much! The men of romance come to MY house. They take me to faraway places, fight for my honor, are infuriated by my independence, and make love to me all night and I don't have to change out of my PJ's!
They're always wealthy, heroic, HAWT to look at and if they get on my nerves I can close the book!
Louisa - I didn't realized you'd lost your husband -- I'm so sorry!
I agree with everything you said. I don't think it's a coincidence that some of my favorite men were created in the minds of women!
I love the escapism of romance. No matter what is going on in the real world, in a romance, I have wonderful characters to visit and a happy ending ensured.
Corrie - I can't tell you the number of times reading a romance has kept me from going nuts. Even when I'm swamped with work and my life is full of complications, I have to make time to read. Maybe even moreso at those times, because I really need the escape!
I'm grateful for the men of romance because of the way they make me feel when I picture myself as the heroine. Writing about them is just as enjoyable as reading about them. It's a great fantasy!
semckitrick(at)aol(dot)com
I'm grateful that I not only get to read romance, I get to write it! Romance is an addiction for me. It's a fantasy world where HEAs reign supreme.
I have a wonderful DH, who I wouldn't trade for the world, but writing romance has made our marriage hotter. There's more fun in our marriage as a result.
And Becke, does seeing the breeches in a different light make you realize that historicals can be totally, blisteringly hot???? LOL
Stacy - aren't we lucky to be the heroine to all those heroes??
Monica - I only discovered the magic of historicals about two years ago. I had no idea they were so hawt!
I'm off to hit the Michigan Avenue stores - hope it's not too crazy. I'll be back later!
OMG - Michigan Ave in terms of CHICAGO????? Damn it to hell!!! THAT would be one place I'd love to go on Black Friday. I LOVE Chicago. *sigh*
Yeah, I know, why aren't I writing. *sigh*
Buongiorno/Buona sera, Bellas (and Becke)! You know, you're all women after my heart, cause I just knew I wasnt' the only one who reads romance because of the men. I swear, sometimes I'm around romance folks, and I feel like they're looking at me like I"m some kind of lecherous person because I like the sex in romance and like to talk about it. It's just so fun. :)
I am thankful for the men of romance for keeping me warm (who am I kidding...HOT) on a cold winter's evening. I am thankful for their alpha personalities and know just how to love their women.
I am thankful for the authors who write about the men of romance. Welcoming me into their "worlds" and sharing their awesome talent with me. Without you and your books...my days would be very lonely.
I am thankful for my fellow readers of romance. Without you...I wouldn't have a TBR mountain of books to read. And I wouldn't have friends to share my love of books with.
Thank you both readers and writers of romance!!! And to those hunky alpha men of romance...my door is always open...LOL!!
Ooooopps....forgot me email address.
ktulanko AT aol DOT com
I think part of the reason I read romance it because the heros are what we wish we have at home. Books give us dreams of what our heros should be andthen we have the happy ever after!
lead[at]hotsheet[dot]com
I read/write romance for the fantasy of it all. I like to escape from real life and jump into someone else's problems and love life.
The different heroes aren't bad either!!
After reading these again, I'm still laughing over Carol L's "well, you just can't go up to a guy and ask him to describe his package, now, can you?"
Gawd, I wish I were that brave! But, thanks to you guys, I get to fulfill my love of talking about my fave descriptions of, as you guys call them, packages. I'm so thrilled that authors are treating us like big girls and understand that women get turned on "visually" in a way, too.
Welcome Kara. I know you're new round here. :)
Loisa, my condolences, as well. I always find that romance reminds me of the best things about falling in love, those heady memories. I love that you like to slip into the heroine's role. I'm so with you.
That's right, Monica - my son lives on the South Side and we spent Thanksgiving with him. We stayed downtown so we could shop today. I got a lot of Christmas shopping done but the crowds were unbelievable!
Michelle - You ARE lecherous, but then so are all of us. Ain't life grand?
Kara - oh yeah, my door is open to all those fictional hotties, too!
Virginia - I think it's interesting that so many of us like the same kinds of heroes. I take that to mean we aren't picky, we just know what we want!
Tonya - I love the fantasy, but I think what makes it special is the possibility that it could be real. That's one reason I love romance!
I love to read romance because it takes me away. It's a wonderful escape. But I've also been educated by it, motivated to look further into history or different cultures. I'm proud of my vocabulary, my grammar's pretty good and I believe in HEAs--ALL because of romance.
Becke, my chest collection has stalled only because I'm expanding to thighs and huh, um...glutes (the maximus the better.)I promise to share those as well.
Michelle, I love that you enjoy the sexier reads as well. Have you read any Lora Leigh--let's chat!
And may I say, Monica, not only is the romance hot in your historicals, but I've grown to appreciate the power of...fruit just from reading them. Dio mio!
Oh yeah, Michelle, you and me both. Neither of us is shy, but that's NOT going to happen!
When I was a teenager it was supposed to be all "free love" and "women's lib" but I think THAT was a fantasy. Romance writers have it right - at least in my book!
Rosie - I'm waiting for some pictures so I can expand my collection!
And may I say, Monica, not only is the romance hot in your historicals, but I've grown to appreciate the power of...fruit just from reading them. Dio mio!
Umm, did I happen to mention at National that I refuse to eat bananas? It's one of the fruits I can't abide. But I do confess that there are lots of ways to use food in a romance scene. *grin*
Gotcha covered, baby! And I can't believe I forgot to mention I once accepted a dare to "survey" men about their choice of underwear. You know, boxer's or briefs.
I think it would be interesting to question men (on a purely scientific quest in the vein of Romance University) how they perceive or describe their...
packages. Come on, wouldn't it?
Monica, I have to thank you for enlightening me on the clever little uses for bananas which I adore--remember that conversation? *big,lascivious grin*
I'm grateful to romance because it gives you hope that you can (hopefully if your lucky!) find a guy who you can love as madly as heroins do in their own books.
kaylajohnson3969[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
I like romances because as many others said, it takes you away to another world. I think it can also be educating in a healthy way of at least what happens or what could happen in a love scene. For inexperienced women, it might be a way to safely give them ideas of what they could do without having to actually do it in real life... As for men & romances, the best comment I ever heard from a male about it was that he liked his gf/wife reading them because he got to benefit from her knowledge! I think he is one smart man! LOL (No, darn, he is not my dh.)
plus341[at]comcast[dot]net
Marjorie - That's a really good point. I've been married for most of my life, but I know a lot of college girls who love romance, too. Now, I'm not saying college girls are inexperienced, any more than I'd say being married gives you extensive experience.
We all only know what we've experienced ourselves (or what those close to us have experienced). These books do provide a safe way of finding out how others think and do things that your mother never taught you!
Kayla - I hope your wish comes true!
Rosie and Monica - God help us if the two of you ever start blogging together. You bring out something wild in each other -- I feel like I should run for cover (I mean this in a good way) when you both start getting into it!
I am thankful that Nora Roberts appreciates Alan Rickman, Die Hard and Yipee-Ki-Yay as much as I do!!
Reading Bed of Roses on the Subway to go shopping and see the parade on T-day, the other riders must have thought I was totally insane the way I burst out laughing.
Bed of Roses is now in my all time fave pile of books to read!
Thanks NORA!!!
And Tessa Dare's triology. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
There are certain author's who are bringing me back to reading Regencies and she is one of them!!
Hi Ev - Tessa Dare's trilogy was great, wasn't it? And I'm with you on Alan Rickman -- I watched Love, Actually on Thanksgiving (for the hundredth time) and it's a feast for the eyes. Not just Rickman, either.
So sorry I wasn't here earlier -- but,just now recovering from almost 30 for Thanksgiving and then the day after spent with Mom and sister downtown...both lovely and both exhausting.
I'm thankful for all of this. For Michelle, for all the Bellas, for the contributing editors et. al., for all the wonderful romances I might not have picked-up, for all the laughs and tears.
30 for dinner? It would take me months to recover from that!
I'm grateful for the men in novels for spicing up my life!! I don't get in trouble for falling in love with these guys, like I would if they were real. The heroes are the men I never knew in real life. I value reviews by other readers. I am verrry thankful to all the wonderful authors who are busy writing for us readers. They are so generous with their blogs and sites and giveaways!! Thanks, Sue suehussein@aol.com
Welllll.....Let's just say "They keep the juices flowing"!!! Hehehe.
mitzihinkey at sbcglobal dot net
I must say I am very thankful for my kids.
Qlady - I hope one day you will meet one of those heroes in real life!
Hi Mitzi! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
Rain Maiden - I'll second that. My kids are 22 and 26 -- now I can just relax and enjoy them!
Good for you, Becky. I never stop worrying and now I have a granddaugher to love and worry about. LOL.
patoct@yahoo.com
Why am I grateful for the men of romance?
because Most of them always 'perfect' in my mind :)
love to be here Becke !
uniquas at ymail dot com
Hi Pat - no grandkids for me yet, unless you count my two grand-dogs!
Hi syenni! I do love those "perfect" covers, although I sometimes shudder to think those guys might have horrible voices in real life, or something to shatter the illusion!
men of romance just seem to be 'the perfect one' when reading about them anyways. One can dream for a while that they have the perfect one.
yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net
Post a Comment