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Theresa Romain | Four Words to Start a Romance
May 22, 2014
Being a romance hero or heroine is often a lonely profession. It certainly is
for the characters in my newest historical romance, TO CHARM A NAUGHTY COUNTESS. The heroine, Caroline, is a wealthy widow who cements her social power by being
friendly to every woman and flirting with every man. This may not sound lonely,
but sitting at the pinnacle of society means she can never relax or be less than
perfect. All the regard she works so hard to earn is ornamental, since no
one knows her true self. Well—not quite all of the regard. The hero, Michael, has no use for false
courtesies. A brilliant, impoverished, eccentric duke, he has just as few social
skills as he does guineas. Rumored mad, he retreated from London years before to
devote himself to administering his dukedom. When cold weather ruins his harvest
and investments, though, the only solution is a quick marriage to a wealthy bride. Rumors work against him, though, and no heiresses seem willing to trade their
fortune for a title. It’s not in Michael’s nature to entrust his
responsibilities to anyone else—but with the livelihood of his dukedom’s tenants
on the line, he cannot fail. He needs the help of Caroline, the queen of
society, who also happens to be Michael’s partner in the old scandal that kicked
off rumors of his madness. After a disastrous first attempt at identifying a bridal candidate, Michael and
Caroline regroup. Point by point, she My-Fair-Ladys him through the
windings of society, teaching him how to move smoothly through its ranks. Here’s
a little snippet from the end of that first lesson: “I dislike the conversation that must be made with people one
does not know.” His voice was clipped off with every step he took.
“How can that be? You carried on at great length with the Weatherby women.”
His steady stride broke, and his gaze found hers. “You were with me.”
Her mouth dropped open; she slammed it shut. He had admitted something
astounding: that he had needed her.
How precious, to be needed for something beyond the selection of a fabric, a
pleasant afternoon call, a luscious night. For something far more valuable than
all her wealth. For herself.
“You were with me” is the beginning of their romance. This is the point at which
Michael--the duke who hates to give up any control--finally hints that he values
her help. And it’s the moment when Caroline realizes how much she likes being
seen, known, and appreciated for genuine reasons. By the end of the story, Caroline and Michael have brought out the best in each
other, and themselves, to earn their happily-ever after. And the turning point?
It all started with those four little words. Readers, it’s your turn: what four little words would win you over? Or three
words, or five…feel free to fudge it a bit. One random commenter (US/Canada)
will win a copy of TO CHARM
A NAUGHTY COUNTESS.
Comments
43 comments posted.
Re: Theresa Romain | Four Words to Start a Romance
Hi, I hope I win!
(Susan Mahaffey 12:35pm May 22, 2014)
the book looks really good i have been wanting to read this
thanks for the chance
(Denise Smith 12:45pm May 22, 2014)
I love the sound of this book. I know it will be fun to read. Hope I win a copy!
(Karen Haas 9:49am May 22, 2014)
This book sounds like a charming romance. I am a sucker for cheesy words of love, so something like this would hook me: "You are a balm to my soul."
(Cheryl Castings 10:44am May 22, 2014)
How about 'I love being with you because I really like you' -
I think the basis for a long term relationship should be a
genuine liking of each other.
(Diane Sallans 11:26am May 22, 2014)
"I love you" works for me
(Julie Parrish 11:41am May 22, 2014)
When my husband calls me "My Love", it just melts my heart!
(Robin Driscoll 11:45am May 22, 2014)
HI, everyone--so glad to be visiting Fresh Fiction today to chat about romance
with you! Thanks for stopping by, and for your comments.
(Theresa Romain 11:51am May 22, 2014)
Well, I am not one for mushy "I love you" because most times
if you are just getting to know one another that is just not
there. However, it has only happened twice with me but it was
uttering the words "ALL NIGHT LONG" that melted me.
(Tina Ullrich 12:10pm May 22, 2014)
I suppose the words "I need you in my life" would do it for
me, just thinking off the top of my head. If I really
stopped and thought for a while, I would probably come up
with a much better line. I thought that the cover to your
book was breathtaking, and I'm looking forward to reading
your book very much!! Congratulations!!
(Peggy Roberson 12:39pm May 22, 2014)
"When I looked in your eyes, I knew I loved you"
(Quina B 12:46pm May 22, 2014)
If someone told me that I make them happy or smile... that warms my heart...
(Colleen Conklin 1:02pm May 22, 2014)
Susan, Denise, and Karen--thank you, and good luck!
Cheryl, sounds like a historical romance hero could win you over. :)
Diane, so true! And in fact, Michael and Caroline become friends first. That's how
they start to trust each other.
Julie, that's always the big moment in a romance. It works for heroines too!
(Theresa Romain 2:39pm May 22, 2014)
Robin, your husband sounds like a very sweet guy.
Tina, sounds like there is quite a story there! Hope it has a great hero.
Peggy, thank you! I love that cover art too. The heroine's mischievous expression
is just perfect.
Quina, have you ever thought of writing romance? :)
Colleen, that's a wonderful compliment! I like to hear that too.
(Theresa Romain 2:42pm May 22, 2014)
The apple of my eye.
(Sylvia Leija 2:44pm May 22, 2014)
"I'm here for you" would be a great start. Thanks for the post and giveaway.
(G S Moch 3:03pm May 22, 2014)
I think I have one of your books on my shelf!! Guess I'd better get busy. :D
(Joy Johnson 3:56pm May 22, 2014)
I have your Matchmaker series, and they're on my TBR pile.
(Jk Vaid 4:25pm May 22, 2014)
Sounds great. I also like "you are the best."
(Michelle Fidler 5:22pm May 22, 2014)
Oh definitely, "I need you" would win me over, or "I miss you."
(Barbara Elness 6:52pm May 22, 2014)
I'm lonely without you.
(Lynne Mauro 7:10pm May 22, 2014)
You are my soul mate or I can't live without you. Of course, those words would only work if I felt the same way.
(Cathy Phillips 7:29pm May 22, 2014)
"You are the best thing that ever happened to me" is what my husband wrote on the card he gave me for our 36th wedding anniversary. It melted my heart! More than 4 words, I know but so touching.
(Debbie Kelly 8:29pm May 22, 2014)
L, Sylvia, and GS--so much goodness in just a few words!
Joy, that's so cool! Which book is it? Hope you enjoy. :)
Neicrunel is spam, yet I like the phrase "the clang" between the mutants.
Onomatopoeia!
JK, thank you for getting hold of my books! This is the second Matchmaker
book, but you can read each story on its own/in any order.
(Theresa Romain 10:18pm May 22, 2014)
Michelle, I hope someone tells you that all the time. :)
Barbara, those would work for me too. Maybe I need to direct Mr. R to this
thread…
Lynne, knowing that one is missed is really powerful, isn't it?
Cathy, so true! Those words fizzle if the feeling isn't returned.
Lenna, that makes me think of the line from As Good As It Gets: "You make
me want to be a better man." That's pretty much the only part of the movie I
remember (well, that and the fact that Jack Nicholson's character was a
romance novelist), and I think it stuck with me because it was such a powerful
compliment.
Debbie, that is beautiful! Hope you two enjoy many more anniversaries.
(Theresa Romain 10:22pm May 22, 2014)
You give meaning to my life.
(Janie McGaugh 10:32pm May 22, 2014)
"You own my heart."
I can't wait to read this book, Theresa!
(Marcy Shuler 10:45pm May 22, 2014)
I'm sorry, I'm sitting here cracking up at the first
comment. I can just imagine a hero saying "Hi, I hope I win"
to the heroine and winning her over with those five words.
It can happen though!
As for what can win me over? Nothing that I can think of.
Words don't mean to much to me, it's the person's actions
that matter.
(Alyn Yang 11:35pm May 22, 2014)
You had me from hello. ;-)
(Lisa Hutson 12:41pm May 23, 2014)
Pretty cover. Sounds like a great book.
(Sue Brandes 7:45am May 23, 2014)
I love historical romances and I love the cover. Can't wait to read this book either! Thanks Theresa!!
(Bonnie Capuano 8:58am May 23, 2014)
This sounds like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win. As for words that would win me over - anything positive. My husband tells me all the time I make him happy - or make him laugh - or just that I'm so smart. Those kind of positive words make me feel the luckiest person - I've got on one of "the good ones" and I know how blessed I am.
(Nancy Reynolds 10:49am May 23, 2014)
Well, I'm a romantic, but I tend to be somewhat cynical as
well. I would need something a bit more than just words to
win me over.
(Karin Anderson 11:05am May 23, 2014)
This made me think of the line in Jerry MacGuire - You had me at hello.
(Pam Howell 11:33am May 23, 2014)
Looking forward to reading this book.
(Deb Diem 11:46am May 23, 2014)
A sincere "I love you" would win me over.
(Anna Speed 11:48am May 23, 2014)
I love you!
(Denise Holcomb 2:16pm May 23, 2014)
I am a die-hard romantic, so I'd love this book!
(Maria Proctor 2:35pm May 23, 2014)
I love you, babe!
(Denise Austin 5:11pm May 23, 2014)
"You make me smile!"
(Mary McCoy 6:17pm May 23, 2014)
I love you!
(Betty Hamilton 4:32pm May 25, 2014)
Life's better with you!
(Beth Fuller 10:23pm May 25, 2014)
What a lovely book! A sincere "I love you" would win me over.
(Bonnie H 11:46am May 28, 2014)
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