For the Love of Romance
By: Marie Force
Over the weekend, a friend asked me if I’d read this year’s hot new book. You know, the one everyone is talking about. I said, no, I haven’t. She asked if it’s on my radar, and I said no, it isn’t. It’s not a romance. She stared at me, agog. You read only romance? Well, um, yeah. I have so little time to read for fun why would I read anything other than what I most enjoy?
What do I love so much about romance? I love going into a book knowing it’s going to end well for our fearless couple no matter what obstacles the author may choose to put in front of them. I love reading about unforgettable characters who, even though they may be riddled with flaws, are still deserving of love. I love the journey from the moment our hero and heroine meet, to the point where they know this person is different from all others, to the instant they realize they’ve fallen in love and will do anything to keep this most important person in their lives forever. What’s not to love about that?
I know I don’t have to tell the folks at Romance Junkies that romance rules, but just in case you’re wondering, it plays a central role in my life as a voracious reader and an avid writer. Ironically, however, I am one of the least romantic people you’ll ever meet in real life. To me, romance is my husband washing my car or making dinner when he knows I’m wiped out. For him, a romantic gesture involves me sending him out for a 50-mile bike ride on a Sunday when the kids are underfoot. None of these things would be very interesting to read about in a romance novel, but they work for us.
So what works for you? What does a grand romantic gesture look like to you? Do you read only romance or do you venture out of the genre from time to time? I’ll give a copy of Fatal Affair to one respondent. Thanks again for coming by to say hello! I look forward to hearing your thoughts on romance.
About Fatal Affair:
On the morning of the most important vote of Senator John O’Connor’s career he is late—again. His best friend and chief of staff, Nick Cappuano sets off to O’Connor’s apartment expecting to roust him from bed and hoping he is alone. But what Nick finds is that O’Connor, the handsome, amiable Senator from Virginia, has been brutally murdered, and Nick’s world comes crashing down around him. Complicating the disaster, the detective assigned to the case is none other than Sam Holland, Nick’s one-night stand from six years earlier, the woman who broke his heart and haunts his dreams. With six years worth of unfinished business hanging between them and more than a few scores to settle personally and professionally, Nick and Sam set out to find the senator’s killer while trying—and failing—to resist the overwhelming attraction between them that seems to have only grown over the years.
It soon becomes clear that the senator’s past holds secrets that not only led to his death but now endanger Nick and Sam as well. Working together to find a killer and to rediscover the love they thought they lost long ago, they must put the past behind them and build a future that offers a world of new opportunities for both of them—including an offer from the Virginia Democrats for Nick to finish the last year of John’s term.
And about me:
Marie Force’s first romantic suspense, FATAL AFFAIR, will be out June 21, 2010 from Carina Press. Book 2 in the Fatal Series, FATAL JUSTICE, is coming soon from Carina. She is also the author of LINE OF SCRIMMAGE and LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT. Of LINE OF SCRIMMAGE, Booklist said, “With its humor and endearing characters, Force’s charming novel will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers, reaching far beyond sports fans.” Wild on Books said, “LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT by Marie Force is most definitely a keeper. It is an astounding book. I loved every single word!” A third contemporary, EVERYBODY LOVES A HERO, is due out Feb. 1, 2011. Since 1996, Marie has been the communications director for a national organization similar to the Romance Writers of America. She is a member of RWA’s New England, From the Heart and Published Author Special Interest Chapters. While her husband was in the Navy, Marie lived in Spain, Maryland and Florida, and is now settled in her home state of Rhode Island. She is the mother of two children and a feisty dog named Brandy. Find her at www.mariesullivanforce.com, on her blog at http://mariesullivanforce.blogspot.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Marie-Force/248130827909 and on Twitter at twitter.com/MarieForce. Marie loves to hear from readers. Contact her at marie@marieforce.com.
il ike a smile or a wink
congrats on the book
This is Marie again… I am showing up as Guest Author 🙂
Nice to see you here, Judy, one of my best new reader pals! Tell that girl at work she’s missing out on the BEST books out there!
Monica, I agree that it’s the little things and I did tell DH that I was singing his praises on FB. I think he grunted. I LOVE to tell him his approval rating is almost back to zero, congratulations! Gotta hate those negative numbers. Haha! He just rolls his eyes.
Hi Patty, my new FB pal! So glad you enjoy my posts on FB that show what a nut house I live in, thanks mostly to Brandy the lunatic dog! Jake the funny boy and Emily the typical teenager contribute to the madness, but lately Brandy is the star of crazy ville USA! I hope you enjoy FA!
Hi Laurie, what’s up with these people you want to give free stuff to? 🙂 I am sure she’ll be back soon and if not we can pick someone else. Maybe require they give their email address if they want to enter future contests? Would that make it easier on you? Thanks for coming by to say hello (and for hosting me last week!) And BTW, I am with you on the sub-genres of romance that don’t do it for me. I know paranormal and urban fantasy are wildly popular, but neither are my cup-o-tea.
Hi Dina, so glad you’ve enjoyed my other books. FA is very different, so be prepared for more murder and mayhem. I had reviewer ask: Where has my Marie Force gone? after reading FA. I guess I am now officially a genre hopper!
Hi Fedora, wow, what a lovely gesture! Can I have dibs on that to use it in a future book? 🙂
My husband’s grand romantic gesture was keeping a journal of our relationship while we were dating; he gave it to me when he proposed. *sigh* I still cherish it, of course–it was such a way of wearing his heart on his sleeve for me 🙂
[…] Romance Junkies Blog | For the Love of Romance romancejunkies.com/?p=856 – view page – cached Over the weekend, a friend asked me if I’d read this year’s hot new book. You know, the one everyone is talking about. I said, no, I haven’t. She asked if it’s on my radar, and I said no, it isn’t. It’s not a romance. She stared at me, agog. You read only romance? Well, um, yeah. I have so little time to read for fun why would I read anything other than what I most enjoy? Tweets about this link […]
I venture to other genres, but ost have romance in them. Enjoyed your other books.
Hey Marie!
I’m strictlly a romance girl. Not a fan of paranormal, urban fantasy, sci-fi, but enjoy several other sub-genres. I love the happily ever after, but occasionally (very occasionally!) a “happy for now” is an ok way to end.
I hope you’ve had a great release week! I’m still waiting on your winner at my blog – dislike naming a new winner repeatedly! Personally, I can’t imagine not checking back when I’ve entered a contest, but it happens so frequently.
Have a great fourth!
(Don’t enter me in contest, please – I already have my copy!)
Hi, Marie! I am so looking forward to reading Fatal Affair! Love your FB writing style and know I won’t be disappointed! And your reviews are awesome! =)
I read across genres but mostly romance. I love reading and writing about grand gestures of romance. But there’s nothing that means more to me than when my hubby brings home a surprise candy bar or does something else thoughtful like empty or load the dishwasher. An unexpected hug and kiss are nice too! And stean cleaning your car seats! That is amazing!!!
Monica
Hey Marie.
I don’t have any one to do something for me. But I would appreciate the little things.
We have a new girl at work. She is a reader. She asked me what I read and I said, Romance and Romantic suspense. I got the “oh” comment. Like I was reading the worst stuff. I love romance novels. They are great pick me ups
Hi ladies,
So glad it’s not just me who is a romance snob. I hadn’t realized how bad I’d gotten until my friend asked me straight out. Um, well, no, I don’t read anything else. LOL! I agree with you Libby that I want a stress-free read that I know is going to end well. Even though Fatal Affair isn’t entirely stress free, it does end well. I promise!
Joanne, I agree so totally! Yesterday my puppy poo’d in my car TWICE (go ahead you can laugh, I did, after it was all cleaned up!) and at 10 last night my hubby was out steam cleaning my seats. I’d rather have that than all the flowers in the world. I very much appreciate that stuff!
Pam, we’ll forgive you for straying once in a while as long as you always come home to romance! 🙂
Great to meet you all! Thanks for coming out to play today!
Hi Marie great post! Fatal Affair sounds like a great romantic suspense.
I admit I do read outside of romance from time to time, though it is pretty rare. I love romance and my time is limited these days so they seem to be what I grab for when I want to tune out from everything.
I knew I wasn’t the only one! I used to read other genres but now I only read romance. I don’t want stress, I just want to know I’m getting a happy ending.
~Lindy
A romantic gesture is one that just speaks to your heart, whether it be a smile, a comment or a meal created by someone you love. Doesn’t have to be a big gesture, just one that comes from love.