I was raised by intellectuals. I was told romance was ‘trash.’ And
we did not fill our minds with trash. Since I didn’t know any better, I simply believed it. That’s
the definition of prejudice!
Then the worst happened. Both of my parents became
terminally ill at the same time. Because I was a nurse, and they wanted to die at home, I
coordinated with hospice and cared for them there. A fellow Red Cross nurse who knew what
I’d be going through just shoved a book in hands and said, “Here. Read this.”
I’m glad she didn’t tell me it was a romance novel or I would
have politely refused it. That book changed not only my opinion, but it also changed my life.
The book was Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. It was so intelligently written and
such an incredible escape when I badly needed one. Every time my parents had visitors or
were napping, I was reading that book. When I reached the end and learned that there was a
whole series, I hungrily read on.
Now, I should probably be embarrassed by this, but remember, I
had never read a romance novel—so the fact that I didn’t know I was reading one until I was
well into book 2 is something that makes me (and other readers) chuckle. Anyway, it was a
terrific introduction to modern romance novels. I do think making a distinction is important.
The genre has changed!
Women are no longer accepting ‘damsels in distress’ or ‘bodice
rippers.’ Thank goodness! And that began long before the Me Too movement. If I were to
recommend 4 other books for a new romance reader, it would be nearly impossible. There are
so many subgenres of romance now. I would just ask that they find something that speaks to
them after reading the back cover blurb. Something current. Something fresh. Don’t just pick
a book because you’ve heard of the author or it ‘sounds like’ a romance novel. The best
stories have at least a little romance in them. Romance novels are just great stories. Be open-
minded and enjoy them.
Dawn Forrest is ready for a big change. She's determined to
put her criminal past behind her and only use her
extraordinary psychic abilities for good from now on.
Luca Fierro is a Phoenix shifter and rookie cop with
something to prove. The last person he should tangle with is
a newly reformed bad girl, especially one as irresistible as
Dawn. But he needs her help to find a missing child, and
every minute counts. This case is going to put their skills
to the test and force them to keep their sizzling attraction
at bay...
Romance Paranormal | Romance Suspense [Sourcebooks
Casablanca, On Sale: March 26, 2019, Mass Market Paperback / e-Book, ISBN:
9781492645559 / eISBN: 9781492645566]
Ashlyn Chase describes herself as an Almond Joy bar. A little nutty, a little flaky, but
basically sweet, wanting only to give her readers a satisfying, entertaining experience.
She holds a degree in behavioral sciences, worked as a psychiatric RN for several years and
spent a few more years working for the American Red Cross. She credits her sense of humor
to her former careers since comedy helped preserve whatever was left of her sanity. She is a
multi-published, award-winning author of humorous erotic and mainstream romances.
She lives in beautiful New Hampshire with her true-life hero husband who looks like Hugh
Jackman with a salt and pepper dye job, and they’re owned by a spoiled brat cat.
I did not discover romance until my 50's. I would sneak a look at the blurbs and the stories sounded interesting, but the bodice ripper covers put me off. I finally found a printing of Julie Garwood's historical romances with covers featuring lovely fabrics and jeweled broaches. I loved them and never looked back. I still don't like the bodice ripper type covers, only now half naked men seem to be the vogue. There are many well written romances out there, but the stigma of the genre remains. When I was the children's librarian at the county library, everyone else who worked there definitely DID NOT read romance, so I got the job of ordering. They all read J. D. Robb, Iris Johansen, Lisa Gardner, and several other authors who write romantic suspense. The misconception of what are really romance books and their quality is wide spread. People don't realize how much research good authors put in to suspense and historical romance among others. Off book topic, thank you for serving as a Red Cross nurse. I am a R.C. disaster volunteer and a R. C. Service to the Armed Forces volunteer. I have called on our nurses many times to help clients with ordering replacement medications and devices. I actually had to call one tonight for a family of 6 who had a house fire. It is so helpful to have them to take care of that part of a call. Thank you for the giveaway. Have a great Spring. It will eventually get to New Hampshire. (Patricia Barraclough 12:28pm March 29, 2019)
I love how varied the romance genre is. (Jana B 8:32pm March 29, 2019)
I drifted away from romance during the bodice-ripper years and came back to it somewhere in the early 2000's to discover that it had changed for the better. I also discovered paranormal romance, which has become my favorite genre. (Janie McGaugh 8:46pm March 29, 2019)
It was many, many years ago, but I was slightly embarrassed when I first started reading romantic fiction. Then a lovely lady mentioned that there was always something new that could be learned from them, perhaps something about places in the United States, another country, customs, or just odd bits of information. Nowadays, I simply pick up my book and enjoy. (Anna Speed 11:43am March 31, 2019)
I read across many genres and enjoy romance novels occasionally. There are so many different subgenres that there is something for everyone. (Jaime Minter 11:47am March 31, 2019)
Sound great I so want it to go with my other ones by you. (Stacey Smith 9:12pm March 31, 2019)
I love paranormal romance! (Melanie Rosen 10:06pm March 31, 2019)
Agree. So many options/genres now! (Samantha Tennant 12:25pm April 1, 2019)
I love Paranormal romance! This book sounds amazing I can't wait to read it 😊 Thank you so very much for the opportunity. (Melissa Fowler 10:22pm April 1, 2019)
Fantastic cover! Love his smile! (Amber Niebaum 10:52pm April 1, 2019)
I love all genres of romance and read everything in between, it's a great escape and lulls me to sleep nightly! (Amber Mancebo 11:00pm April 2, 2019)