April's Affections and Intrigues: Love and Mystery Bloom

Shana Galen

mom, wife, author of fast-paced, adventurous Regency historicals

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159 comments posted.

Re: I Kissed a Rogue (9:07am March 10, 2016):

Thanks, Pen!

Re: The Rogue You Know (10:47am September 2, 2015):

Peggy, it sounds like all the strictness made you want to rebel. But you also don't want to go too far. Your choices seem completely reasonable. Thanks!

Re: Earls Just Want To Have Fun (6:59pm February 3, 2015):

Thank you, Sue!

Re: Sapphires Are an Earl's Best Friend (6:10pm March 6, 2014):

I agree, Sue. They can be so funny.

That's why I like series too, Kara.

So true, Sharon! The secondary characters can show us more about the world and through different "eyes."

Re: Sapphires Are an Earl's Best Friend (1:01pm March 6, 2014):

Thank you, Colleen :-)

Re: Sapphires Are an Earl's Best Friend (11:34am March 6, 2014):

They sound like a great couple, Karin. I always like Peabody and Ian in JD Robb's books.

Re: Sapphires Are an Earl's Best Friend (11:02am March 6, 2014):

G S Moch, that's true. I think because we don't have to develop them much, we can do fun things with them.

Thank you for stopping by, Cate!

Thank you, Diane. You're so sweet, and Amazon better get you the book soon!

Thanks, Richard. :-)

Re: Sapphires Are an Earl's Best Friend (11:01am March 6, 2014):

Thanks, Denise. Good luck!

Thank you so much, Linda!

I have been so lucky with covers,Bonnie.

That's a great point about Austen's books, Pam. I hadn't thought about that. Thank you!

Oh, Peggy, I'm so sorry you're ill. I hope you get better soon and good luck!

Re: Sapphires Are an Earl's Best Friend (10:58am March 6, 2014):

Kalynn, I hope you find something that appeals :-)

Thank you, Kelly.

Oh, thanks so much, Mary!

Thanks for stopping by, Sarah. Great answer, and good luck!

Thanks, Cheryl! I have been so excited for readers to finally get it.

Re: True Spies (3:27pm September 14, 2013):

Thank you, Pat!

Re: True Spies (3:26pm September 14, 2013):

Clare, sounds like a great book. Add spies and you have TRUE SPIES!

Re: True Spies (3:26pm September 14, 2013):

Oh, great, Kai! I'm glad you liked the excerpt.

Re: True Spies (3:25pm September 14, 2013):

Good luck, Esther.

Re: True Spies (3:25pm September 14, 2013):

Thank you Cecilia!

Re: True Spies (3:24pm September 14, 2013):

Thank you, Linda. I love my cover designers.

Re: True Spies (3:24pm September 14, 2013):

Janie, that was my thought exactly. Sometimes I like to write different
ages/situations.

Re: True Spies (3:23pm September 14, 2013):

L Lam, thanks!

Re: True Spies (3:23pm September 14, 2013):

Sue F, if you like second chances, I think you'll enjoy this one. Thanks!

Re: True Spies (3:23pm September 14, 2013):

I hope it is lucky for you, Sue!

Re: True Spies (3:23pm September 14, 2013):

Ella, fingers crossed you enjoy it.

Re: True Spies (3:22pm September 14, 2013):

Great comments, Sandy. I agree. Thanks for the comment.

Re: True Spies (3:22pm September 14, 2013):

Lenna, when I consider my readership, it made more sense to me to have a little
older heroine. I don't think the majority of my readers are 18. We all like to read
about people like us sometimes.

Re: True Spies (3:21pm September 14, 2013):

Thank you so much, Colleen.

Re: True Spies (3:21pm September 14, 2013):

Thanks, Laura!

Re: True Spies (3:20pm September 14, 2013):

Yes, Kim, that's one of my favorite books.

Re: True Spies (3:20pm September 14, 2013):

Flora, I don't have plans for this series after LOVE AND LET SPY.

Re: True Spies (3:19pm September 14, 2013):

Good luck with the giveaway, Linda.

Re: True Spies (3:19pm September 14, 2013):

Thank you, Cheryl!

Re: True Spies (3:19pm September 14, 2013):

It was a fun story to write, Sue. I do not think I'd want to live it in real life.

Re: True Spies (12:48pm September 13, 2013):

Do it, Dot! I'd love to enter you in my contest for a gift card.

Re: True Spies (12:47pm September 13, 2013):

Me, too, Lisa. I love all romance stories!

Re: True Spies (12:47pm September 13, 2013):

Thank you, Jennifer!

Re: True Spies (12:47pm September 13, 2013):

Cate, it's something we don't often write about in historicals because so many of
the heroes are aristocrats.

Re: True Spies (12:46pm September 13, 2013):

I agree, May! Thanks for stopping by.

Re: True Spies (10:54am September 13, 2013):

Good luck with the giveaway, Vicki.

Re: True Spies (10:54am September 13, 2013):

Thank you for taking time to comment, GS Moch. Good luck!

Re: True Spies (10:51am September 13, 2013):

Thanks, Peggy. I know we all love reading books about falling in love, but most
of us are married. I thought it would be fun to write about falling in love again.

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (7:56am March 22, 2013):

Linda, good luck with the giveaway! And great additions to the list :-)

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (7:56am March 22, 2013):

Thank you, Ada. I know my list is definitely what I'd want in a real life or book hero.

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (7:55am March 22, 2013):

Thanks, Anita. Great additions to the list!

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (7:55am March 22, 2013):

Cecilia, I completely agree. A selfless person makes a great hero or heroine.

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (7:54am March 22, 2013):

Sharlene, oh I love a good tortured hero with a deep dark secretive past! Great addition to the list.

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (9:26pm March 21, 2013):

It wouldn't be a very long book if they fell in love on page 3, right, Chelsea?

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (9:26pm March 21, 2013):

I can't argue, Kent.

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (9:25pm March 21, 2013):

Quirky, Donna. Those heroes are always fun.

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (9:25pm March 21, 2013):

Thanks, Cheryl! So glad you agree. :-)

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (9:24pm March 21, 2013):

Sara, a little mysterious, a little dangerous--love it!

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (9:24pm March 21, 2013):

Sue, a hero who does not love animals wouldn't work for me either.

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (9:23pm March 21, 2013):

Thanks, Bonnie. Good luck with the giveaway.

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (9:23pm March 21, 2013):

Lin, everyone has such great suggestions!

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (9:23pm March 21, 2013):

Thank you, Amy!

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (9:22pm March 21, 2013):

Thanks, Alana!

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (9:22pm March 21, 2013):

Donna, a sense of humor is so important. The hero has to be able to laugh at himself a little.

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (9:21pm March 21, 2013):

Janie, I can't believe I forgot courage. Of course!

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (9:21pm March 21, 2013):

Thanks, Debbie!

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (9:21pm March 21, 2013):

Thanks, Joanne!

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (9:20pm March 21, 2013):

Xoun, great list. I completely agree!

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (1:41pm March 21, 2013):

Cheryl, there's something about a strong man felled by a woman that's endearing.

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (1:41pm March 21, 2013):

I completely agree, Clare. I love a smart man. Maybe that's why The Big Bang Theory is such a popular show right now.

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (12:45pm March 21, 2013):

Colleen, sexy helps!

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (12:44pm March 21, 2013):

Anna, intelligence is a great one. I hate how so many guys on TV sitcoms are so unintelligent. That's not heroic.

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (12:43pm March 21, 2013):

May, I do love a guy who has a sense of humor and makes me laugh.

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (12:43pm March 21, 2013):

I'll take handy, Sue. I could use a guy who can change a light bulb.

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (12:42pm March 21, 2013):

Thank you, Melissa!

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (12:42pm March 21, 2013):

Linda, faithfulness is a big one. Thanks!

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (12:41pm March 21, 2013):

Definitely, Pam. The kind of guy who helps an injured puppy.

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (12:40pm March 21, 2013):

Thank you, Peggy. I do know what you mean. And have you ever noticed that what a lot of men thinks looks sexy on a man is not what women think?

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (12:39pm March 21, 2013):

Carla, flaws are important too. I know a lot of readers like tortured, flawed heroes.

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (12:38pm March 21, 2013):

Karin, I totally agree. I love it when heroes are fiercely loyal to the heroine.

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (12:38pm March 21, 2013):

Joanna, I love your list. Thank you.

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (12:37pm March 21, 2013):

Leona, a gentleman, yes (but maybe not always) ;-)

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (12:37pm March 21, 2013):

Thanks, Jean. A sense of humor is also important--and sexy!

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (12:36pm March 21, 2013):

Kathy, absolutely. Devotion should be there.

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (12:30pm March 21, 2013):

Bonnie, thanks for stopping by!

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (12:30pm March 21, 2013):

I can't argue with that, Debbie!

Re: If You Give A Rake A Ruby (8:09am March 21, 2013):

Good luck with the giveaway, Lisa!

Re: When You Give A Duke A Diamond (4:59pm September 11, 2012):

"I don't care for heroines who are doormats. Authors walk a fine line in historicals, because women didn't have much power."
Kim C, that's very true. it can be difficult to write a strong historical heroine without being completely anachronistic. I like the challenge.

"I like a variety of heroines...after all this is what makes stories interesting. However, I'm not much for a heroine who whines or dwells too much on the "woe-is-me" or is too opinionated (It would not seem realistic in regency/victorian time eras)."
p c, I agree. We all act like that sometimes, but it's probably not our most heroic characteristic.

"I love heriones that are strong and spirited. I think they can be the most fun as you are never really sure what they will do at any given time."
Larena, those are my favorite types of heroines too!

"I love romance novels with strong ladies and I love the Regency period. I cannot wait to read your book. Sounds wonderful! Thanks!"
Teresa, thank you for stopping by and for reading Regencies!

"Agree with the concensus here about strength, but there's a fairly wide range of it. The 3 qualities that most annoy me are whining, a temper that is often insufficiently motivated, and too much angst"
Janet, interesting. I like your mention of these qualities. I sometimes see aspiring authors using a heroine's temper as a way to show she is strong, but she can't just fly off the handle for no reason. And angst is a popular thing lately, especially in certain genres. Thanks!

Re: When You Give A Duke A Diamond (2:49pm September 9, 2012):

"Love your books and this one sounds great!"
Thanks so much, Vicki :-)

"...One who might have a few scars and disadvantages but works above and beyond them - no victim mentality - so I born into a situation, I can rise above it."
Carla, I agree with you. These types of characters are inspiring to read about--and fun too.

"I am interested in the divorce statistics you researched. Of course, it shows that it was certainly a man's world back then. I wonder how many men were denied their divorce petitions."
Connie, thanks for letting me know you received the book. I hope you like it. I am sure there are records of how many cases came before the court. I haven't seen anything about how many total cases there were and how many succeeded versus failed. I have a feeling that since most of the people who applied for divorce were wealthy and influential, they were going to make sure it was granted.

Re: When You Give A Duke A Diamond (8:55am September 9, 2012):

"I like heroines that are independent, feisty, and don't wait around for the hero to rescue them, in fact I love it when they rescue the hero."
Barbara, no wonder we get along so well! I couldn't agree more :-)

"I like heroines that are strong. Would love to win your book.Thanks."
Linda, I love heroines like that too. Good luck with the giveaway.

Re: When You Give A Duke A Diamond (9:45pm September 8, 2012):

"Loved your diamond book. Can hardly wait for the next book."
Kay, thank you! Sounds like you've already read it.

"I like a strong, sassy heroine. I like her to have a sense of adventure, and also a sense of humor."
Diane, those are the perfect combination, in my opinion.

Re: When You Give A Duke A Diamond (9:44pm September 8, 2012):

"I like heroines that stand up or themselves, but I also like some humor in the story."
Carol, humor is so important to me, especially in a book like this where I deal with some serious topics too.

"I hate heroines that are too stupid to live. Honestly, the heroine must be smart and able to stand on her own. I would like to see more heroines that are the lead in the story (like many UF heroines)."
Jennifer, I don't know that historical will ever have heroines like in UF, but no book should feature a TSTL heroine.

"I like unique characters. Your trilogy heroines seem to be very different. I appreciate that and look forward to reading more about them.
G S Moch, thanks! I hope you're able to pick a copy up or win it.

Re: When You Give A Duke A Diamond (9:42pm September 8, 2012):

"I love strong heroines...one with a mind of their own!!!! Looks like a great book!!!"
Thanks, Bonnie. I think you'll like my courtesans.

"I really like a funny heroine with a stuffed-shirt hero that can't help but be drawn to her."
Michelle, those are the best, right? I think Julie Garwood writes those situations very well, and I love her books.

"Sounds like an interesting heroin. Can't wait to read."
Thanks, Pamela. Good luck with the giveaway.

"I like strong heroines!"
Me, too! Thanks for stopping by, Darci.

"I do not like those who know there might be danger about and go into the building, room, cellar, etc. anyway!"
Deanna, like in the horror movies right? Ugh. I have those stupid women. They're just there to get killed.

Re: When You Give A Duke A Diamond (9:38pm September 8, 2012):

I" don't care for whiny, I-need-a-man-to-take-care-of-me
heroines...Bella Swan from Twilight fits this bill to a "T"."
Amy, I don't like that sort of heroine, either. I didn't have an issue with Bella Swan, though. Maybe it was because she was in high school? But an adult needs to stand on her own.

"I don't like timid, meek heroines unless they grow to be more than that over the course of the book."
I agree, Janie, and I love seeing that process.

"What I do like are heroines who are intelligent,
brave, and capable even if they are naive, inexperienced,
and/or innocent. You know, the type who can think for
herself, show some resourcefulness and able to adapt.
Having a quick sharp wit and down to earth quirkiness is
also a plus."
Kamla, I think I should print this comment and put it above my laptop. Those are excellent characteristics. Perfect description of a heroine!

"Who cares about suitable? "Fallen" men and women are more
interesting! They spice up your life. :-D"
Karin, you know I agree with you :-)

Re: When You Give A Duke A Diamond (9:35pm September 8, 2012):

"I like a strong heroine, one with plenty of backbone and can stand up for himself in all situations."
Shirley, I do too! I like reading those heroines and writing them.
"But now I'm burning with curiosity!! What happens if the husband LOSES his CrimCon suit? Does the divorce still get granted in the long run?"

Lynn, I'm sure I have no idea which publisher you are talking about :-) If the husband loses his CrimCon suit, the divorce isn't granted. He's stuck with her, or she with him. A very wealthy, powerful man would use his influence to make sure the suit succeeded.

"As an avid reader especially Victorian romances, I found your information about divorces or lack of quite interesting."

Thanks, Pat! It really wasn't until the Victorian Era until a woman could sue for divorce.

"I think it takes all types of heroines. It sure would be a boring time if all heroines were alike. it's up to the author to make the story strong and make it work."
Leah, it is the author's responsibility. I always take the credit or blame for my books and characters. And I want to write something different as much as you like to read something different.

Re: When You Give A Duke A Diamond (9:30pm September 8, 2012):

"Boy if we could only go back to the olden days and allow so few divorces. Life would be better and we old have happier children."

Dottn,ie Vining, that's probably true. People would be more careful about who they married too. I think the quickie marriage business in Vegas would disappear.

"I don't enjoy a heroine who is wishy washy faint of heart. She needs to be a lady with a backbone but not in your face."
Theresa, I know exactly what you mean. She should be feminine but strong.

"...I'm sure another reason for less of them, is the shame it would have brought to the family name."
Oh absolutely, Linda! A divorced woman was an outcast, even 30 years ago.

"I like strong heroines. Ones that I don't like: stupid heroines..."
May, I agree. It's amazingly easy to write a stupid heroine too. I'm lucky my editor calls me on it when my heroine does something stupid.

Re: When You Give A Duke A Diamond (9:26pm September 8, 2012):

"I have to say that I enjoy reading all the different facets of heroines - however the only one that is a bit of a turn-off for me is the one that is a bit too head-strong."
Peggy, that makes sense to me. The heroine shouldn't be the hero. That's not the kind of book you expect when you pick one up that's a romance. I always feel the characters should be equally matched.

"It is a very interesting concept."
I thought so, too, Cathy, and courtesans are something new for me. I'm glad you want to read more because I have 2 more after this one :-)

"I don't really have a particular type of heroine that I don't enjoy reading about. I guess if I had to pick I would say a heroine who complains about things..."
Chelsea, that really would be a horrible, annoying heroine. Why would you want to spend a while book with someone like that? I agree!

"...I enjoy it when the heroine has some unusual skill,
especially if it is a skill generally associated with males."
Diane, I love that too! In THE ROGUE PIRATE'S BRIDE, Raeven could fire a cannon, fight with a sword, and sail a ship. She was so much fun to write, and the hero appreciated her talents.

"Weak heroines don't hold up for long at least until they get a backbone."
Alyson, that's true. The author has to toughen them up or readers will lose interest. I would.

Re: When You Give A Duke A Diamond (9:22pm September 8, 2012):

"this one sounds humourous and entertaining."
Thanks, Cecilia! Good luck with the giveaway.

"I have trouble with shallow, indecisive heroines"
Renee, I do as well. Those sorts of people really aren't heroines.

"I like the Strong and Brave. Showing weakness to me is a failure."
Cheryl, we all want to imagine ourselves as the heroine, and weakness is not something we aspire to.

"I just love your stories and can read them over and over!!!"
Charlotte, thanks so much :-) I read them over and over too--but not necessarily by choice. :-)

"I did not know that they had to go through so much to divorce back then..."
I know, Colleen. It was really tough until pretty recently. Maybe it's too easy now?

Re: When You Give A Duke A Diamond (9:19pm September 8, 2012):

"Usually there is a life altering experience so that she gets over that...or she dies."
LOL, Sheila! If she dies, she's probably not the heroine. I just can't think of any books with heroines who would say those things, but I probably don't read as widely as most of you.

"It strikes me that everyone seems to put today's rules into the 1800's."
Excellent point, Sandra! The books we write are anachronistic in that way. I freely admit it. I think writers who can write the sweet but powerful heroine (Julie Garwood comes to mind) are awesome. I'm not one of them.

"I like weak heroines that grow strong through the story."
I do too, Beth. I wrote one in NO MAN'S BRIDE. It was difficult to make sure she was likeable initially.

"If at the end of the book, they deserve to be happy, that is great!"
Marjorie, I agree completely!

"I prefer the strong, more adventurous type of heroine, one with a sense of humor. The spoiled ones irritate me."
Anna, that's my preference too and what I write best.

Re: When You Give A Duke A Diamond (9:15pm September 8, 2012):

"...It's just extra entertaining when what the heroine wants is the...hero. :)"
Susan, I know exactly what you mean! It is fun when a hero or heroine knows what they want. Thank you for your kind words about the Sons of the Revolution series. This series is more about friends, and I like that because my female friends are so important to me.
"...I really enjoy reading about heroines (or heroes for that matter) who are the underdog."
Carrie, that makes sense to me. First impressions are important. I get more readers telling me they dislike the hero than my heroine in this book, but most have been able to get over it. I like underdog books too. I'm not so great at writing them.

"I don't like the mild meek types that get lead around story to make events happen. I like those that reach out and take what they want."
Me, too, Cate! Those characters really exemplify the label of "hero."

"I don't like the spoiled heroine. If they annoy me I don't warm up to them even if they change later."
Rita, you and Carrie sound like you're in agreement. I don't think many of us like spoiled heroines. I sometimes warm up slowly to Susan Elizabeth Phillips's heroine because they are spoiled. But then she tortures them so much, I feel bad for them by the end.

Re: When You Give A Duke A Diamond (9:08pm September 8, 2012):

"I like both strong and meek heroines. It depends on the story."
Sally, a good story will make any character interesting--at least think so.

Hi Shana!

"The only type of heroine I don't like are if they are boring..."
Jeanne, you don't sound stubborn to me. You sound like you know what you like. if you read a lot, as I know you do, you probably come across all sorts of characters, and it's not the characteristics of the person that are so important but the story and how their characteristics play out.

"I love heroines that are strong and that stand up for themselves. Because that shows that women have not always been meek."
Cynthia, women have definitely not always been meek. The fun thing about the Regency is that when you write a strong female character, the men have to adjust their attitudes.

Re: When You Give A Duke A Diamond (9:04pm September 8, 2012):

"I really don't like meek mild heroines that can't stand up for themselves."
Sue, I don't either. We like to picture ourselves as the heroine. We don't want to picture ourselves as wimps, right?

"I like strong heroines, sounds like a book I'd like to read."
Thanks, Wilma!

"I don't have any particular heroines. I like variety. But I ahve never read a Regency novel with divorce. It sounds really interesting."
Pam, I've never written a book with a divorce, so we're alike in that regard. I don't think you'll find this book too outside the box, but maybe it has a few new elements.

"I don't like those meek, mild type that make you want to slap them and yell "Stand up for yourself"."
LOL, Mary! Yes, any time you want to slap a character is a bad thing.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (2:45pm February 25, 2012):

Thanks for coming back again, Lexi! Of course I stop by and reply. I read all of the comments on my blogs because I know it takes your time to stop and submit a comment.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (2:44pm February 25, 2012):

Sharyn, I try to stay away from the news. It seems every time I watch it I hear another sad story.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (2:43pm February 25, 2012):

Lisa, obviously I love books with an adventure element. I also like lots of action in my books.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (2:42pm February 25, 2012):

Molly, that's awesome. I hope you enjoyed the ones you have.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (2:42pm February 25, 2012):

Linda, thanks for stopping by!

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (9:45pm February 24, 2012):

Thanks again to everyone who stopped by and said hello. I always love blogging with Fresh Fiction!

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (9:36pm February 24, 2012):

Jennifer, I love the HFN. I think I sort of did that with Lord and Lady Spy, but readers know it's coming!

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (9:08pm February 24, 2012):

D Kenny, I definitely like being able to wonder how the characters will ever find their HEA. I want to be kept guessing!

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (9:07pm February 24, 2012):

Leanna, I guess I never thought about it until I started writing them, and then I tried to think about what it was I enjoyed and to write books that conveyed that. The "take-me-away" factor is really important to me.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (9:06pm February 24, 2012):

Renee, I like some philosophy once in a while! I agree with you completely. Thanks!

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (9:05pm February 24, 2012):

I may be biased, Jeanne, but I think historicals transport us to other worlds the best too. I just love the manners, the clothing, the carriages. It's so...romantic!

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (9:04pm February 24, 2012):

Lexi, I certainly couldn't ask for more! Thanks for chiming in.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (9:04pm February 24, 2012):

Margie, when I hear stories like yours it makes me so happy I am an author. There have been many times in my life when things were going badly. What got me through them, more often than not, was a good book.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (9:02pm February 24, 2012):

Na, you brought up something that's so important. I want to be able to root for the hero and heroine too. Sometimes when I'm writing a book that's not going well, I realize it's because one character isn't coming across how I want.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (9:01pm February 24, 2012):

Peggy, I don't think that's weird at all. I imagine most readers put themselves in the heroine's shoes. I know I do when I read.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (9:00pm February 24, 2012):

Deb, I was thinking today about ways I can relax, and reading definitely came to mind.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (8:59pm February 24, 2012):

Me, too, LL. Thanks for stopping by.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (8:59pm February 24, 2012):

Stacie, I completely agree. Sometimes I reading literary fiction, and I have no idea if at the end I'm going to be happy or sad or annoyed. I like knowing the ending is going to make me sigh.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (8:58pm February 24, 2012):

Margay, you've hit on one of my favorite things about romance--that build up to the declaration of love. There's just something so fun about it!

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (8:57pm February 24, 2012):

Linda, that's a great comment. Romance novels can be uplifting. We all need that some days.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (8:56pm February 24, 2012):

Sue, I think romance novels are a really healthy form of escape. thanks for stopping by.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (8:55pm February 24, 2012):

Kanya, I have definitely held a sleeping baby in one arm and a romance novel with my free hand. There's nothing like a good book to make those long hours in the middle of the night go by more quickly.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (8:54pm February 24, 2012):

Earlene, I'm the same way. There are a lot of places I don't want to visit or can't, and I feel like I know something about them if I read about them.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (8:53pm February 24, 2012):

Robin, I agree completely. There's nothing worse than a story where the characters don't have any problems.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (8:53pm February 24, 2012):

Anna, I feel like there's so much negativity around all the time. It's nice to pick up a romance and know you're getting something that ends well.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (4:58pm February 24, 2012):

Cheryl, me too! I think all the media types disparaging romance as fluff
should read one. There are some really great writers writing romances.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (4:57pm February 24, 2012):

Mary, your life sounds like mine. But maybe it's a good thing our lives aren't
as exciting as those of some of the characters in books.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (4:56pm February 24, 2012):

Me, too, Tara!

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (4:56pm February 24, 2012):

Marjorie, if you think about it, you usually have the characters floating
around in your head while you're reading the story and then sometimes
after, so it's nice to read about characters you like.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (4:55pm February 24, 2012):

Cheryl, your post was spot on. It's definitely that warm fuzzy feeling I love
as a reader--and a writer!

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (1:35pm February 24, 2012):

Me, too, Linda. Sometimes I buy a book just because I'm interested in the hero's profession or the time period.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (1:34pm February 24, 2012):

Dawn, I couldn't agree more! My life is so not exciting--and that's probably good. I would not want to have to fight a pirate with my sword. I do like reading about such adventures, though!

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (1:33pm February 24, 2012):

Brenda, I was going to say, I bet you'd like Lord and lady Spy. I always write some adventure in my books. I can't seem to make a "drawing room" novel work. My hat is off to those awesome writers who do!

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (1:32pm February 24, 2012):

Jennifer, I'm so glad you mentioned the romance part of romance novels. Sometimes I read romance that aren't all that romantic. Lately, I've been trying to make sure my own books are high on the romance scale.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (1:30pm February 24, 2012):

Heather, I have to say that it's much easier to write a romance when you're falling in love than when you've just broken up with a boyfriend. But it still provides a much-needed distraction.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (1:28pm February 24, 2012):

Debbie, me too. It's so nice to pick up a good book at the end of the day.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (12:21pm February 24, 2012):

Jane, I'm with you. Love it when the damsel rescues the hero!

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (12:21pm February 24, 2012):

Colleen, I have really learned so much from romances. I remember when I was in Scotland years ago, and all I wanted to do was see Culloden. I knew as much about it as the guide. Okay, almost as much.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (11:59am February 24, 2012):

Holly, I've always had jobs where I worked mainly with women, so i can't imagine what it would be like to deal with men so much. I'm sure I'd chalk it all up to research!

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (11:58am February 24, 2012):

Thanks, Sharon. In real life, going through hell to be together often breaks the relationship up. It's a strong couple who can stay together after something like that. That's why we admire those romance heroes so much!

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (11:57am February 24, 2012):

Carla, it would be nice to be a trend-setter! Maybe everyone got tired of pirates for a while? And you're right. Almost all of those fairy tales are romances.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (11:56am February 24, 2012):

Gayle, I love those too, especially if the author can pull it off at the end. I know you just won Joan Swan's FEVER. That book really made me wonder how the hero and heroine would ever end up together.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (11:55am February 24, 2012):

GS Moch, I don't know how people read books without HEAs all the time. I couldn't do it. I don't mind them once in a while, but I need my HEA fix!

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (11:54am February 24, 2012):

Patti, I love your post!Twenty years is quite an accomplishment. That's a real love story.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (11:54am February 24, 2012):

Susan, I find giving myself reading time is a nice reward for me. It's something calorie-free and relatively inexpensive to indulge in.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (11:53am February 24, 2012):

Susan, that's so true. I have a lot of drama in my life (created by my 2-year-old). I prefer my drama all in a book!

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (11:52am February 24, 2012):

Christine, I hope it happens for you too. It's so hard to find the right person.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (11:52am February 24, 2012):

Dawn, think how much fun it is to write these books--some days, anyway. I get to become the characters for a little while too.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (8:34am February 24, 2012):

Renee, I love that! I'm sure that makes romance especially sweet for you.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (8:33am February 24, 2012):

Chelsea, people sometimes ask me how I write fresh stories since it's
always a romance. Every romance develops differently, though, so every
book is fresh.

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (8:32am February 24, 2012):

Kathleen, I think all of our Prince Charmings have their not-so-charming
days. That's real life. It's nice to escape it for a little while!

Re: The Rogue Pirate's Bride (8:31am February 24, 2012):

Sigrun, I always like to learn something new when I read too. One of my
friends said she recently knew all the answers on Jeopardy because of all
her reading of historical novels.

Re: Lord and Lady Spy (9:03pm September 8, 2011):

Oh, Jeanne, it would be tough to make Edward, Adrian's brother, a hero. I could try it, but I'm not sure it would work.

Re: Lord and Lady Spy (9:02pm September 8, 2011):

It was fun to think about my dream cast, GS Moch. Everyone here has so many great suggestions.

Mary, I'm really thinking about Clive Owen now. He is so sexy.

Ooh, Deb. I like Catherine Zeta Jones for Sophia, but I think Richard Gere is too old for Adrian. Maybe a younger Richard Gere.

Re: Lord and Lady Spy (6:07pm September 8, 2011):

Cate, I know what you mean about that huge TBR pile.

Good luck, Nylne.

Thanks so much, Anna!

Re: Lord and Lady Spy (6:05pm September 8, 2011):

You're welcome, Erin. Good luck!

Diane, you have very good taste. I think I might have to change my mind because both Cavill and Armitage are pretty gorgeous.

Hi Cathy, I think Sean Connery would be great for Lord Melbourne. Great suggestion!

Thanks so much, Gail.

Re: Lord and Lady Spy (2:29pm September 8, 2011):

Thanks, Colleen!

Cheryl and Marjorie, the Castle stars are great choices. That's such a fun show.

William Hurt is a great actor as is Helen Mirren, Alyson. She's a little old for Sophia, but if she wanted a role in the movie, I could write her a part. No problem!

Ora, you have very good taste.

Carla, great suggestions on the guys. I hadn't thought of Cate Blanchett, but I like her so much. She's a really strong female actress.

Sue, we can always work George Clooney in.

Re: Lord and Lady Spy (2:26pm September 8, 2011):

That's an awesome idea, Diane! I wonder if the actors would actually read the book.

Ooh, Clive Owen! Great suggestion, May. I didn't even think of him. Now I'm wavering...

Sue, good point about Kirstie Alley and the English accent. Maybe she could be an upstart American in the movie version?

Barbara, I always loved Patrick Swayze.

Good point about Reese, Sherie. I really like her too.

Re: Lord and Lady Spy (12:20pm September 8, 2011):

You know what, Pam? I'm not a big Daniel Craig fan either. That's why I added that touch of Brad Pitt.

Thanks, d Kenny. It's been a while since I've seen Hopkins in anything.

Ooh, Peggy! You are good at this! Thank you so much for the suggestions.

Barbara, I doubt they'll make a film of it. But I think it would be fun if they did.

Thanks, Christine!

I'll be back later to read more comments.

Re: Lord and Lady Spy (12:18pm September 8, 2011):

Me, too! Darci. Thanks for the comment.

Bex, I can totally see Gerard Butler as Adrian. Good call.

Thanks, Diane. I can see I have a lot of Liam fans.

Thanks, Shirley. I confess I have a weakness for Hugh Grant.

Re: Lord and Lady Spy (12:16pm September 8, 2011):

Thank you, Sonia. I agree Liam is so good at being bad.

Re: The Making of a Gentleman (8:13pm October 20, 2010):

Thanks so much for all the comments. I didn't realize how much readers like to learn new things. I'll keep that in mind as I write my next books. Thanks, Fresh Fiction, for having me!

Re: The Making of a Gentleman (2:40pm October 20, 2010):

I agree, Valerie! Thanks for commenting :-)

Re: The Making of a Gentleman (12:23pm October 20, 2010):

Thanks, Debra!

Re: The Making of a Gentleman (10:39am October 20, 2010):

Thanks, Debbi!

Re: The Making of a Gentleman (10:38am October 20, 2010):

LOL, Michele! People definitely point it out when I get things wrong. Fortunately, that doesn't happen much. I've done a lot of research and visited England, but I'm sure if a Regency person were to time-travel and read my books s/he would say, "That's not how it was!"

I like to learn new things, too. That's one reason I enjoy writing historicals, Joanne, Marjorie, Jl, and Barbara.

Thanks, April!

Re: The Making Of A Duchess (7:11pm June 2, 2010):

Thanks, Jane and Sigrun. I love Kathryn Caskie and Karyn Monk's books. Lisa, your Myrtle Beach escapades sound too fun. Thanks everyone for the support.

Re: The Making Of A Duchess (1:57pm June 2, 2010):

Thanks for the book recommendations, Kelli and Jacqueline. I'm adding them to my TBR list. Good luck to everyone!