Fresh Fiction Blog | Carly Phillips

I love to read and write contemporaries. I love to talk to others who read contemporaries and gauge what they have to say about current books and authors. Recently I got to thinking about the books I’ve written.

The Hot Zone - Sports Heroes
The Chandler Brothers- Brothers and their mother who wants grandchildren
The Costas Sisters- polar opposite twin sisters with an Atlantic City con family
Ty and Hunter- 3 best friends, separated by a deep dark secret
The many Temptations I’ve written over the years
THE LUCKY SERIES - 3 sexy male cousin plagued by a family curse.

I don’t want anyone to think the word "curse" means the LUCKY series is a twist on what I write. Let me be clear. The LUCKY Series is NOT a paranormal series. It doesn’t pretend to be. What the Lucky series does, finishing up with LUCKY BREAK in stores tomorrow, is to touch on the notion that a curse can actually be many thing from a streak of bad luck to a self fulfilling prophecy-and how an affected family and those who love them suffer in the process. The newest generation of Corwin men want to find love and break the curse-but they don’t know how. Derek in LUCKY CHARM reunited with the love he let go in order to protect her from the curse and is now praying that she is his lucky charm. Mike in LUCKY STREAK found a woman adept at gambling and one willing to take risks, their love being the biggest risk of all. And up now in LUCKY BREAK is the last Corwin cousin, Jason.

Jason is the most fascinating cousin because his long ago love is Lauren Perkins-of the same Perkins family whose ancestor supposedly placed the curse. The families are supposed to be enemies. Her grandmother wreaked havoc on the town and the Corwin family for years. Her sister is in prison for Arson, having perpetuated her grandmother’s legacy. So Lauren wants only to sell her grandmother’s old house and move on with her life away from the bad memories. But that's not such an easy thing to do when Jason Corwin shows up in her life again. First he insists on being the one to renovate the house. Then he whispers sweet, sexy somethings in her ear ... about staying in town. Soon a saboteur and the promise of hidden treasure changes everything - and one lucky break just might put an end ... to the Corwin curse forever.

In contemporary romance, I love humor! What do you love about contemporary romance? What kind of hero and heroine? What sort of story?

And don’t forget to enter the final LUCKY YOU Contest between now and October 16, 2009: In one page or less, tell Carly about the ultimate Lucky Break that changed your life... or the life of someone you know... or stretch your creative muscle and make up a story of the ultimate Lucky Break! Click HERE for details and instructions! And most importantly, don’t forget to order LUCKY BREAK from your favorite bookseller today!

You can check out my brand new website, see the LUCKY BREAK video, and much more at www.carlyphillips.com

Post a comment for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card so you can buy BOOKS! HINT: Lucky Break, LOL!

Comments

would love to win this contest so I can go out and buy your book:)
(Bridget Doshi 5:50pm September 28, 2009)

I love contemporary romances- I like being able to relate to the stories I read and there defnitely has to be some humor in it. Thanks for the great giveaway :).
(Amy Greenwood 2:05am September 29, 2009)

Carly Phillips: Thank you for your blog and contests.

What do I want in a contemporary romance? It must be just that, CONTEMPORARY! Not only in setting, but also in attitude. And of course, with characters and relationships that reflect the reality of life nowadays.

There I go again, using the "R" word. But that's
what makes a contemporary romance work for me. They are firmly grounded in the REALITY of today, rather than some revival of the good old days (which were probably terrible; but that's another story).

Being truly contemporary means no marriages of convenience, no shotgun weddings, no old-time roles for men and women, no lead figures who accept if not uphold the double standard. And no marriages for the sake of the hero and/or the heroine's children.

Alas, the themes I don't care for in contemporary romances are very popular with other readers. So I must grin and bear it, and keep looking for those themes I go for.

Which themes? Career women. Love under contemporary stresses. Women who are not afraid to take on challenges. Men who are at ease with strong women, who respect them and don't have to engage in power struggles with them. Marriages motivated by love alone.

This subgenre can, and at best does, allow readers to identify with heroines who take full advantage of the opportunities the modern world has to offer. We can vicariously experience the numerous possibilities contemporary life has to offer women who are bold, assertive, and adventuresome enough to explore them.

This is what the contemporary romance subgenre can do that other romance subgenres can't do as well, or can't do at all. Therefore contemporary romances should do it for all it's worth. And then some!
(Mary Anne Landers 2:13am September 29, 2009)

Hi Carly, Congratulations !!!
I've loved all your series and this one is no exception. You really were ment to write romantic comedies ;-)
Can't wait this last Lucky book !!
(Joeelle Jappissont 3:16am September 29, 2009)

Some time I like Humor and some time I like something Scary about this time of year you think of scary because of Halloween and funny is good to if you can get them togetter.
[email protected]
(Stacey Smith 5:21am September 29, 2009)

I love romance books with humor.

Thanks,
Tracey D
(Tracey Dent 5:32am September 29, 2009)

I read ONLY contemps. Love your HOT series and Chandler brothers especially. I have read just about all of your books. Thanks for your books and your contests.

As for what contemps I read, straight, funny and seal type, etc. - sorry no vamp, paranormal, werewolf, shapeshifter and the like.
(Pat Lieberman 7:20am September 29, 2009)

I'm a big fan of contemporary romances. Even better if it's a series. I love to see minor characters in one book get their own
chance at a HEA. And I'm a sucker for a good romantic comedy.
(Mary Hundley 7:20am September 29, 2009)

Hi Carly! Yeah today is the day. I'm going out as soon as I drop the kids off at school, I should just pre order but I worry I won't get it in time. anyway for me I love contemporary I can't get into historicals, and I confess I have not read or seen Twilight the vampire thing just isn't something I can get into. I like that contemporary It could be real for the most part. I can see myself in the story. As for Hero's I know I have discussed this with you on your website but I'm a sucker for the cocky, gorgeous, yet nice Athlete. Heroines I like all sorts the strong confident who was once shy, the uptight not willing to trust at first and the hero has to earn it and then he does of course then he messes things up and has to win her back
(Michele Benard 7:30am September 29, 2009)

This would be a new genre for me. Can't wait to check it out! Thanks for the info!
(Erin Reisman 7:38am September 29, 2009)

I agree with you, I like humor in my romance. I like humor in a lot of other genres, as well. Dying is easy, comedy is hard.

As for types of characters, I don't know if I have a type. I am sure, if I look back on the books I liked and didn't like, I would find some sort of pattern.

Honestly, it's all in the writing. If you write it good, I'll read it good. :-)
(V Scott 8:28am September 29, 2009)

hi, all! thanks for visiting me here! I love contemps too. A good solid story that I can RELATE to - in time, place, setting, but also lets me get LOST!
(Carly Phillips 8:45am September 29, 2009)

Thank you for the opportunity to win one of your books!
(Joanne Reynolds 9:25am September 29, 2009)

Congratulations on your new book Carly! I like humor, a great setting and characters who have the strength to deal with some tough situations.
(Maureen Emmons 9:27am September 29, 2009)

Love the cover on your book! Sure would like to read it!
(Sherman Hughes 10:11am September 29, 2009)

Thanks for the visit. Humor in contemporary fiction is wonderful. I also look for solid, likeable characters with interesting family connections. Luckily, your books have it all! Thanks for the contest.
(G S Moch 10:20am September 29, 2009)

Lucky Break sounds awesome. Love your writing.
(Crystal Broyles 10:26am September 29, 2009)

Hi Carly,
I love any kind of romance book with humor and with modern characters I can relate with. i am hot one for too much suspense or scary things real life is scary enough.
(Gigi Hicks 11:03am September 29, 2009)

I love any romantic setting, be it contemporary or otherwise. The humor aspect is always good because it usually relates to myself in some way. Some silly thing I've done that wow other people have done also.
(Theresa Buckholtz 11:29am September 29, 2009)

Congrads on the new book! Love the cover! Keep the books coming! Love them hunky, studmuffins!!
(Lisa Glidewell 11:34am September 29, 2009)

Thanks for the Lucky Break today! Thanks for the opportunity to enter your contest! Have a great day!

[email protected]
(Katherine Reese 11:56am September 29, 2009)

Sounds like a hot story! Count me in!
(Melissa Cleaver 11:57am September 29, 2009)

I agree with you - I like to see humor in contemporary romance as well as strong heroes & heroines. Thanks for the giveaway!
(Cheryl Snyder 12:05pm September 29, 2009)

Congrats on the release, count me in!
(Teresa Warner 12:07pm September 29, 2009)

Sounds like a great book! Can't wait to read it!
(Melissa Cleaver 12:27pm September 29, 2009)

Sometimes a curse has positive results. Hope Jason and Lauren get their Lucky Break!
(Karin Tillotson 12:33pm September 29, 2009)

I can't wait to read this book. I generally read suspense, but the right author, say, you, for example, can make a Contemporary Romance worth reading!!
(Kelli Jo Calvert 12:48pm September 29, 2009)

Sounds like a terrific book! Count me in!!!
(Mitzi Hinkey 12:52pm September 29, 2009)

Looking forward to this next book!!! Humor is a plus... I love a good laugh!!! :)
(Colleen Conklin 1:04pm September 29, 2009)

I am so glad Lucky Break is finally out. I have waiting till the whole series was done to read them. It was not easy waiting either. I love all of your books.
(Judy Anderson 1:19pm September 29, 2009)

Congrats on your latest release, Carly! I enjoy reading your books because they are fun and sexy! The covers aren't too bad, either! ;)
(Cheryl Castings 1:38pm September 29, 2009)

I love humor in a book especially if it puts the hero and heroine in odd situations. I can not wait to read Lucky Break.
(Annetta Stolpmann 1:49pm September 29, 2009)

Well Carly, here's the "Lucky" entry for your giveaway!
(Vikki Parman 1:57pm September 29, 2009)

I'll be looking for the book this week -- please enter me in the giveqway.
(Alice Laidlaw 2:42pm September 29, 2009)

What I love to see is that the heroine has a good sense of humor. She can laugh at herself without you getting the sense she is demeaning herself. I also want characters that are likable that I could see myself enjoying hanging out with in real life. Congrats on your latest release Carly.
(Cherie Japp 3:37pm September 29, 2009)

Congrats on your latest release Carly! This series sounds great and I definitely have the books on my wishlist!
(Jody Faltys 3:48pm September 29, 2009)

The romances of today are much better than the romances of the 60's, 70's. They were a tad unrealistic. Nowadays they're realistic, while being romantic. Proving it CAN be done! Yours are both, definitely!!!
(Anne Harris 4:03pm September 29, 2009)

My favorite contemporary stories always have a bit of humor, and sexy romance, smart and mouthy characters who talk to each other, no big misunderstandings, and give me a great HEA.
(Cathy MacDonald 4:43pm September 29, 2009)

I would love the chance to try one of your books, so far I've only looked at them.
(Diane Sadler 4:50pm September 29, 2009)

Congrats on the new release. I do love humor in romances. I love the dialogue between the hero and the heroine.
(Jane Cheung 4:53pm September 29, 2009)

I really enjoy your books. Just picked up Lucky Streak so I still need the other two. Can't wait to get them.
(Linda Henderson 5:23pm September 29, 2009)

Check out all your visitors! THANK YOU. If you haven't read me not, come on, why not? Try LUCKY BREAK! ;)
(Carly Phillips 5:31pm September 29, 2009)

Really like your books. Keep them coming
(Judy Pflueger 6:47pm September 29, 2009)

My lucky break?? Being hired by the Police Department where I met my soon-to-be-husband. Yum!! That might make a good plot line for a contemporary romance. 2 officers, 1 department, potentially screwy policies, etc.
Looking forward to reading your new book.
(Susan Driskill 6:53pm September 29, 2009)

I love contemporary romance. The best ones, in my opinion, have a balance of humor and real emotion.
(Kara Conrad 7:00pm September 29, 2009)

I love to read a romance book that makes me laugh out loud and I also love them where there is some mystery to it to and you try to figure out who the bad guy is.
(Sherry Strode 7:43pm September 29, 2009)

I've always loved a humorous story - it doesn't matter whether it's a contemporary, a historical or paranormal, humor always adds that special touch to a story.
(Barbara Elness 7:48pm September 29, 2009)

Carly, I have read your books for more years than I care to count. I love your Lucky series because when I read I want a humorous romantic story. Please keep them coming!
(Rosemary Krejsa 8:12pm September 29, 2009)

Hey Carly, how are you today? I just wanted to stop in and show some love. Don't count me in for the contest okay. I will see you in the jungle and have fun blogging here today.

Peace and love,
Paula R.
(Paula Robinson 9:46pm September 29, 2009)

Hi Carly,
I love contemporaries with a little mystery, great characters with depth, humor and quirky personalities, with a great love story added to the mix. It was fun reading your blog here! Your book LUCKY BREAK sure sounds "flipping awesome"!!! Can't wait to read it!
(Michele Rioli 10:07pm September 29, 2009)

hi,i love reading many different books for my hobby,to be honest i never read one of your books yet but i hear great things about them so i would love to read one of your books!thanks,[email protected]
(Shannon Flora 10:08pm September 29, 2009)

I like contemporary romances because they I can easily relate to them.
(Linda Finger 10:49pm September 29, 2009)

Love books with a sense of humor. We all need that, now more than ever. I've always liked the beauty and the beast type scenario. It doesn't lend itself to humor as well as some others, but I like it.
(Patricia Barraclough 10:50pm September 29, 2009)

I'd love to try your book carly. Please enter me into your contest!
(Mari M. 11:09pm September 29, 2009)

I love a story that brings a smile to my lips & a book that makes me laugh with delight is a joy. Humor is an element that will encourage me to read on & seek out further work.
(Mary Preston 11:18pm September 29, 2009)

Like you I love them w/ humor. I think the best are when the leads have dialog w/ a healthy dose of bantering & teasing.
Congrats on the newest release.
Thanks for the chance to be able to get "Lucky Break", I could use some luck.
(Jo Ann Jansing 12:04pm September 30, 2009)

Contemporary romance is good to read if it is believable. I agree a sprinkling of humour is always welcome to help take us away from our everyday problems.

Please enter me in the draw.

Thanks.

Carol
(Carol Thompson 1:41am September 30, 2009)

what a LUCKY BREAK it would be to win the GC. Please give me the chance.
(Robyn Lee 10:43am September 30, 2009)

your books sound amazingly fresh! This would be a great LUCKY BREAK to have! Please....
(Katie Smith 3:59pm September 30, 2009)

Hi Carly Congratulations on the release . I'm so glad that Lucky Break is finally in the stores. I love all your books.
(Emma Stuck 5:01pm September 30, 2009)

I love humor in contemporary romance, too. As of the heroine, I need someone who isn't a doormat and unafraid to sport her intelligence.
(G. Bisbjerg 8:18pm September 30, 2009)

Congrats on the latest!! Can't wait to read this one, too :)
(Fedora Chen 11:42pm September 30, 2009)

Love your books (and the pics on the front!) Thanks!
(Shelley Troutt 1:07am October 1, 2009)

I love all your books Carly. I loved Gabby and Derek in Lucky Charm. I have to read the next two. I'm a little behind in my reading. :) Thanks for the contest and the up dates.
Carol L.
[email protected]
(Carol Luciano 9:16am October 1, 2009)

You are one of my favorite romance authors.Looking forward to reading Lucky Break
(Teresa Ward 5:36pm October 1, 2009)

I love your books! I have now collect them all! I can't wait to see what's cpme next from Carly Phillips! I know it will be good!
(Lisa Glidewell 3:14pm October 30, 2009)

I have read 2 of your books and enjoyed them. I love humor in the books I read and like strong women and hunkey men...LOL.. I have loved cinderella since I was 6 and am still looking..but he will have to knock on my door now. Married 23 yrs, divorced 24 and happy..Now retired and enjoying reading more and gardening...Keep up the great writing..
(Brenda Hill 10:47pm November 8, 2009)

I've enjoyed all your series, but since I'm kinda a sports fan, the Hot Zone was my personal favorite... well until the next series comes along.
(Cate Sparks 2:23pm December 3, 2009)

April's Affections and Intrigues: Love and Mystery Bloom

Authors To Watch

Fresh Fiction Blog
Get to Know Your Favorite Authors

Carly Phillips | Lucky Break

Comments

Services

SPECIALS

FOR AUTHORS

We Love

April's Affections and Intrigues: Love and Mystery Bloom

Authors To Watch

Fresh Fiction BlogGet to Know Your Favorite Authors

Carly Phillips | Lucky Break

Comments

Services

SPECIALS

FOR AUTHORS

We Love

Fresh Fiction Blog
Get to Know Your Favorite Authors