Traits of a Romance Heroine

When I hear someone describe a romance heroine, the most commonly used terms are "smart", "clever" and "intelligent". A heroine isn't required to be pretty or the belle of the ball, but she must win the respect of the hero (and the reader) with her wit.

But what if a heroine was not considered smart? I'm not talking about a learning disability or a lack of education or someone who has no common sense. What if she had a low IQ? Would she still win the respect of the hero and the reader? And how would her insecurity about her intelligence level affect her and her relationships? 

Those are the questions I had when I wrote Outrageously Yours. In this Harlequin Blaze, Claire does not bring attention to herself. Years ago she was tested with a low IQ. She was taught to hide her intelligence level so people wouldn't take advantage of her or treat her as an unequal. As I wrote the story I discovered that she had many qualities that I want to see in a heroine. She was hard-working and resourceful. Her perseverance was a quality the hero wishes he could emulate.

I have to admit, I was still worried when I sent this manuscript to my editor. What if my experiment wasn't successful? I was relieved that my editor found the heroine sympathetic. And I was glad RT BookReviews found the main characters "two root-worthy romantic heroes."

Outrageously Yours will be in stores throughout North America on April 21 and as an eBook on May 1. However, you can buy the print or digital version now on Harlequin.com.

Susanna Carr is an award-winning author known for her contemporary romances. Readers throughout the world find Susanna's stories a delightful escape that has often helped them through difficult times. Reviewers frequently describe her work as "fun", "sexy", and "a must read". Find her of Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.

My Top 10 Book List of 2011 -- Susanna Carr

As 2011 draws to a close, I wanted to look back and remember my favorite books. Some authors on the list are on my all-time favorites such as Lynne Graham and Sarah Morgan. There are also a few debut authors like Wendy S. Marcus and new-to-me authors like Meg Maguire. I can't wait to read their next books!

Here is my Top 10 listed in alphabetical order:

Bride for Real by Lynne Graham: This book was the second part of a Harlequin Presents duet. I adored Sander and Tally in the first book (The Marriage Betrayal) and almost didn't want to read Bride for Real because I knew they would suffer great hardship. I'm glad I caved in and read Bride for Real. It's intense! It's sexy and emotional. What makes this book a great read is how the characters are tested as they fight for their marriage.

Caught on Camera by Meg Maguire: This Harlequin Blaze is an amazing adventure, but what I really loved was the relationship between Ty and Kate. The reader knows that these two should be together--and as soon as possible! It's in every gesture, every word and every glance they share. The sexual tension is amazing, probably because you know how much these two care for each other.

Doukakis's Apprentice by Sarah Morgan: One of the reasons I liked this Harlequin Presents so much is because of the characters' flaws. Damon was focused on protecting his own and it became his strength as well as his weakness. The same could be said about Polly. And when Damon and Polly were together, the sparks flew! They were a dynamic couple.

Guns and the Girl Next Door by HelenKay Dimon: This is a great Harlequin Intrigue. I love the sarcasm and the heat between Mia and Holden. The storyline is action-packed, the brisk pace never lets up, and I really couldn’t predict what would happen next. Guns and the Girl Next Door is a must-read.

Lead Me On by Victoria Dahl: I adored Chase who was a mix of patience and dangerous edge. He understood Jane and offered unconditional acceptance. I also thought that Jane was a very interesting heroine. She was a bad girl desperate to be respected and valued. The journey to take a hard look at herself and stop running from her past was fascinating.

Negligee Behavior by Shelli Stevens: I couldn't get enough of Brandy’s transformation and Marco is a drool-worthy hero. He’s got his insecurities and secrets, but he’s not quite the bad boy Brandy thinks he is. This romance is filled with heart, heat and humor. If you enjoy good girl gone bad stories, then you have to read this book.

Paper Marriage Proposition by Red Garnier is a very sexy and dark love story. I enjoyed this twist with the revenge theme. This heroine was out for blood and I loved that! Landon is an Alpha male, and Beth is just as much an Alpha. They both protected their own and fought for their family.

The Secret Princess by Jessica Hart: Harlequin Romance author Jessica Hart is an auto-buy for me. She creates the best heroines. In this book, Lotty is privileged and doesn't know what she's capable of. When she meets Corran, she gradually becomes the woman she could admire. Lotty discovers that behind the designer clothes and gracious smile, she has courage and determination she always wanted.

When One Night Isn't Enough by Wendy S. Marcus: This Harlequin Medical is a sexy romance filled with emergency room medical drama. I have a soft spot for reformed bad girl heroines like Ali, and Jared had quite a few intriguing secrets. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more stories by Wendy S. Marcus.

Witness Seduction by Elle Kennedy offers great suspense and a hot love story. (It is a Harlequin Blaze, after all!) I adore Caleb. Not only is he protective, sexy and alpha -- the best combination! -- but he's also kind of shy and awkward around Marley. He's my favorite kind of hero.

What was your favorite book of 2011?

"Old School" Romance and "Today's" Romance -- Susanna Carr

I'm noticing a trend on author blogs and social media that annoys me. Lately authors have been quick to point out that their books are not "your mother's/grandmother's romance," "old-school" or "80's bodice-rippers." (Don't even get me started on the bodice-ripper term.) Maybe this is annoying me more lately because I have a birthday coming up and I realized I'm the generation they're talking about, but I have to wonder if these authors have read a romance from the 1980s. How many romance books have they read that were written twenty or thirty years ago?

I read my first Harlequin romance in 1980 and was immediately hooked. These stories were tightly focused on a romantic relationship between two people I could care about. I still have quite a few of those books on my shelves and revisit the stories once in a while. There are none of the controversial elements in these stories that many claim were in all of the "old school" books.

I agree that there were some romance novels in the past that had objectionable content. And I would point out that there are some romance novels now that have objectionable content. But I would never claim that all the books being published today have the same content.

Now I see that a few publishers are launching digital only romance lines and bringing back some romance books that have been out of print. Books from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Many of the books that will be re-released are from bestselling superstars, but quite a few of them are from little-known authors. The publishers know that these books will find an audience despite the fact they were written decades ago.

And isn't that what authors want? To write a book that will sell for years and years? And don't readers want to find a book they love so much they share it with their mothers, aunts and grandmothers? How many readers can't wait to share the books on their keeper shelf with their daughters and granddaughters? I'm sure there are many.

So enough of drawing the line between "old school" romances and "today's" romances. Let's focus on telling a story that will be enjoyed for generations.

Book Apps -- Susanna Carr

I was reading an article in the USA Today about "The 10 Coolest Book Apps for Fall." I couldn't imagine there was much competition, but oh, I was so wrong. Book apps now include:

Archival film footage, audio recordings, color animation, instructional videos, interactive maps, interactive quizzes, read-aloud options in children's books, social network integration, study tools and virtual tours

Wow! Those are cool book apps, and I'm sure the article was just a small sampling of what is available. But I have to wonder if that many bells and whistles are a good thing. I don't know if I want these many distractions when I simply want to read a book.

And I can't help but notice that the emphasis is on multimedia. That's great, but is the written word no longer enough? Even the journalist who wrote the article wonders if the definition of a book is changing!

Favorite Onscreen Couples -- Susanna Carr

I was flipping through a magazine the other day and saw an article about romantic couples onscreen. The article stated that the following were the most favorite couples:

Julia Roberts and Richard Gere

Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler

Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks

I'm sure these pairings are popular, but the most favorite? What about the classics like Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy? Or Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers? And let's not forget about the movies made outside Hollywood. I'll watch any Bollywood movie that pairs Shahrukh Khan and Kajol.

I continued to skim the article to see what made these couples the most favorite. The writer suggested that these were the most favorite onscreen couples because they appeared together in more than one successful romantic movie.

Well... pfft. That's no way to judge. These couples may very well deserve to be called favorites, but for different reasons.

A favorite onscreen couple may only have made one movie together, but it's the kind of movie you want to watch over and over again.

A favorite onscreen couple has chemistry. It's magic when they're onscreen. They make you believe they should be together. They may or may not have a happy ending, but you are emotionally invested in their journey.

Which romantic couple onscreen is your favorite?

What's Your RITA IQ? -- Susanna Carr

On July 1, the Romance Writers of America announced the 2011 RITA winners. The RITA awards celebrate the best of romance fiction.

And, once again, I haven't read many of the books. In fact, the only one I've read is Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis. (And you should read it, too!)

I swear, I should have read more than that. And my RITA IQ isn't so stellar when I look at the list of finalists. How did I miss so many great books?

Needless to say, I'm adding a few of these books to my TBR pile.

How many RITA books have you read? Here's the list:


Winner for Best First Book: Pieces of Sky by Kaki Warner

Winner for Romance Novella: "Shifting Sea" by Virginia Kantra in Burning Up

Winner for Young Adult Romance: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Winner for Paranormal Romance: Unchained: The Dark Forgotten by Sharon Ashwood

Winner for Novel with Strong Romantic Elements: Welcome to Harmony by Jodi Thomas

Winner for Contemporary Single Title: Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis

Winner for Romantic Suspense: Silent Scream by Karen Rose

Winner for Contemporary Series Romance: Suspense/Adventure: The Moon That Night by Helen Brenna

Winner for Contemporary Series Romance: Welcome Home, Cowboy by Karen Templeton

Winner for Inspirational Romance: In Harm's Way by Irene Hannon

Winner for Historical Romance: His at Night by Sherry Thomas

Winner for Regency Historical Romance: The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig

Pink Diamonds -- Susanna Carr

I'm happy to announce that I have a free online read on my redesigned website. "In the Pink" is about a brazen jewel thief who is determined to get her hands on a pair of pink diamond earrings. This romance story first appeared in my novella collection Pink Ice. The first chapter is up now and new chapters will be posted on every Tuesday and Thursday of this month.

There are a couple of reasons why I chose to make the diamonds pink. First, it makes for a great cover! (Lee at Author Sound Relations made the "In the Pink" cover on my website. Doesn't she do gorgeous work?) Second, after I did some research, I discovered that pink diamonds are extremely rare and that only the very elite knew about them until recently. One source claims that the most expensive diamond ever sold was a pink diamond.

I also read that diamonds are the most popular gemstones, but I'm not sure if this is true. While the diamond is usually found in engagement rings, I see lots of women wearing other stones such as ruby, jade or sapphire. One of my friends wears turquoise because it's supposed to bring good luck. I'm partial to topaz because it's my birthstone.

What is your favorite gemstone?

Free Kindle Books and Tips -- Susanna Carr

Do you have a Kindle? If so, here's a resource that I want to share: Free Kindle Books and Tips. The daily blog lets you know about the Kindle books that are offered for free at Amazon in the United States. I was happy to see several romance and women's fiction titles in the daily selection. The books posted on the blog range from fiction and non-fiction, and the only books not listed are public domain and erotica.

This blog also gives you tips, tricks and information on using your Kindle. Did you know that you can return an e-book within 7 days of purchase? You can find out more here. Were you aware that you can add free music to your Kindle? There are also free Kindle games and apps. Blackjack anyone?

Most Kindle readers I know would like to learn how to how they can add books from other sites onto their Kindle. This blog offers information on how to transfer books onto your Kindle. I haven't tried it yet because I have really bad luck with technology. I need to gather up the nerve because I have quite a few PDF e-books that I want to load onto my Kindle.

I hope you find the Kindle blog helpful! What are your favorite resources for readers and book buying?

Cookbooks can be false advertising -- Susanna Carr

What is it about cookbooks? I flip through one and all sense of reality vanishes. The glossy pictures show a relaxed and smiling cook as she whips up something delicious for a small army in her state-of-the-art kitchen. I'm rarely relaxed when I cook, and the appliances in my kitchen plot against me, but yet, I think hey, I can make that dish.

I didn't learn how to cook until I was about 20 years old. I had some college roommates who tried to teach me Indian cooking, but they didn't know much more than me. Especially the one who thought if a teaspoon of spice is good, a tablespoon would be better. After sweating and gasping for air through more than one meal, I went and bought an Indian cookbook by Madhur Jaffrey. I eventually learned how to cook through trial and error. I use the cookbook to this day but I know most of the recipes by heart.

Last weekend I decided I was in a breakfast rut and I needed to do make something different. I flip through a beautiful cookbook that promises me a leisurely and healthy breakfast. My day would start out right. My time in the kitchen will be pleasant. No, spiritual. Downright sacred.

I really should have known better. The cook promised that the meal would take no more than 20 minutes but I was still preparing it after the hour mark. The kitchen looked like the cabinets exploded, leaving piles of bowls and utensils.

My stove now needs a thorough cleaning. Have you noticed that those glossy cookbooks never show the pile of dirty dishes in the sink? I have to admit that the breakfast tasted great. If it didn't, I think I would have had a meltdown like Julie in Julie and Julia. But I swear I'm more relaxed scrambling an egg.

Or, even better, pouring milk over cereal. The next time a cookbook promises me a Zen-like experience in the kitchen, I will remember the current state of my kitchen (which I'm still scrubbing down) and decide there is nothing wrong with a bowl of Cheerios. Do you have a favorite cookbook?

Speed Dating at the Library -- Susanna Carr

Who knew your local librarian will also play matchmaker? According to The New York Times, libraries are trying to attract patrons who "came of age in the Age of the Internet." One way they are trying to get young professionals into the library is by hosting literary speed dating. Each participant brings their favorite book and spend a few minutes to chat about it until they have to rotate and move to a new station.

Can you imagine the deception and dishonesty? (Sorry, but I see the potential flaw in every plan. Just ask my family and friends. It's a blessing and a curse.)

But, seriously, how many men would bring an unread copy of Eat, Pray and Love, hoping to score? Sure, you could spot those guys quickly, but it might be a little more difficult to figure out that the guy with the copy of Romeo and Juliet never read it or saw the movie in his 9th grade English class.

And then there is the level of honesty on your part. What if your favorite book is a romance? Would you take a copy to a speed-dating event? I don't think I would. Not only would the romance reader have difficulty finding common ground with a guy who wouldn't have read anything like it, but some men get a little uncomfortable (or immature) with romance fiction.

But then, watching them squirm could be highly entertaining.

I know it's been said that one's bookshelf reveals a lot about a person, but I don't think this applies in literary speed-dating. In those situations, the person has an ulterior motive in their choice of book. Some try to impress, some are trying to connect, and some choose a book because it represents something positive or interesting about them.

So... if I had to participate in a literary speed-dating event, my favorite book would depend on my attitude. I'd choose To Kill a Mockingbird if I wanted to play it safe and Gone with the Wind if I wanted to play. And if I was going to be completely honest? I'd take the romance I was currently reading and brace myself for long night.

What favorite book would you take to a literary speed-dating event?

Stuck in a Book -- Susanna Carr

Over the weekend a teenage girl asked me, "Which book would you want to get stuck in?" In other words, if I could be part of any fictional story, what would be my choice?

That gave me some pause because I haven't really viewed a story or a series in that manner. First, I would be stuck, and who would ever want to wish themselves in that situation? Second, I would have no control over the events because I would be a character, not the author. And third, I would enter the world as myself, not the heroine of the story. (Unless I staged a coup, which I totally would.)

I think my choice would boil down to which is more important to me, the cast of characters or the world-building. For example, if I wanted to get stuck in Pride & Prejudice, stage a coup and get Darcy for myself, I would still have to deal with the likes of Mrs. Bennett and Lady Catherine de Bourgh. And if I had to deal with them for any length of time, I might be tempted to poison their tea. Considering how ill-suited I am for the Regency period, I would be the one who needed to approach tea time with caution.

If I made my choice through world-building, I would probably consider something like a Harry Potter book. Those stories are heavily populated so I could always meet someone new, and the rules of magic would keep me occupied. But, knowing my luck, I would probably be a Muggle. Everyone would have a special power but me. Or worse--I would be the character who dies horribly in order to show the gravity of the situation.

Basically, I would be the victim of a suspicious death in either scenario. I'd like to think that this isn't a commentary on my personality, but rather an indication that being a secondary character is hazardous to one's health. Until I find a book that offers me a pain-free yet adventurous life, I'm not going to make a choice.

Oh, and the teenage girl's choice? Vampire Diaries. Because she has a crush of Stefan. Clearly she hasn't thought this through.

Which book would you want to be stuck in?

Christmas in July -- Susanna Carr

I usually write about a good girl tapping into her inner vixen, but my novella in the Wicked Wonderland anthology has a bad girl trying desperately to be good. "Hot for the Holidays" is a lighthearted and sexy Christmas romance that has a bad girl heroine meeting her match with a bad boy hero.

You see, Rachel Bartlett had a big relapse and indulged in the most amazing sex with her rival Justin O'Rourke during the office Christmas party. Now everything Christmas reminds her of that wild night. She is actually getting hot for anything that has to do with the holidays (or so she thinks!), and Justin is using it to his advantage. (She's not paranoid about this, he really is!) This is a disaster. She has worked hard for her good girl image and she's not going to let bad boy Justin ruin it for her.

But wouldn't you know it? She relapses again with Justin. Rachel decides it's time for a full Christmas detox. She will travel somewhere hot for the holidays, a place that doesn't celebrate a "traditional" Christmas. Then she'll get Justin and this inconvenient holiday tingling out of her system for good.

Her brilliant idea takes a hit when Justin winds up driving her to the airport. Worse, they get stuck in a major snowstorm and are stranded in a town considered the picture-perfect Christmas destination! Rachel knows she's about to earn a permanent spot on Santa's naughty list!

An sneak peek from "Hot for the Holidays" in on my website. It will be up for a limited time, so read it today. Enjoy!

Fall Fun from Susanna Carr

Due to technical difficulties with her computer, Susanna can't be here to blog today. However, she asked me to run a special contest in her stead for all Totebag readers.

Susanna recently blogged about tasting Pumpkin ice cream for the first time. She loved it.

Now she's inviting you to tell her about some of the best things you love about Fall. Is there a special recipe or treat you love to make around this time of year? What's your favorite thing about this season?

Leave a comment here and Susanna will pick two winners on Wednesday (Oct. 8th) to receive a book from her backlist. ;)

http://www.susannacarr.com/

****Maureen and Virginia are the two winners! Ladies please email Lee at totebag@authorsoundrelations.com with your mailing addresses and we'll get the books in the mail to you. :) Thanks!****

Airplanes - Susanna Carr

As the title suggests in my newest Jenesi Ash release, MILE-HIGH MISTRESS is set on an airplane.

It's kind of strange that I wrote a story with that setting because I really don't like flying on planes. I don't have a fear of flying, but I dread the ordeal. The lines, the delays, the missed connections, the turbulence, the claustrophobia, the weirdo sitting next to you for the next couple of hours, the air sickness… what's not to hate?

There was one time I had to take a flight that lasted 36 hours (including two quick stopovers to change planes.) I swore then and there that I would never get back on a plane. But, of course I had to do it all over again because I wanted to get back home!

And this summer I have to take a plane to the RWA conference in San Francisco and to the Lori Foster/Dianne Castell Reader Writer Get Together in Ohio. I am really looking forward to both events, but I'm dreading those plane rides!

Any suggestions on how to make flight travel more comfortable?

Susanna

http://www.susannacarr.com/

Milk, Cookies and Cheese - Susanna Carr

When I was very young, my sisters and I would read Santa Mouse by Michael Brown on Christmas Eve. The story is about a lonely mouse who wanted to show Santa his thanks for the presents he received each year. So he wrapped up a piece of cheese and left it by his stocking. Santa was so pleased by the thoughtful gesture that he asked the mouse to come work for him.

As you can imagine, my sisters and I decided to add a slice of cheese to Santa's tray of milk and cookies. This tray was important and everyone fought over who got to do what. The milk was poured into a Santa mug that had his hat as the handle, and the cookies were made from a recipe handed down by my great-grandmother.

The cookies, milk, and slice of cheese were lovingly placed on a metal tray. The tray was used exclusively for this occasion because it had a depiction of children leaving a bottle of Coca-Cola for Santa. We placed all of this next to the fireplace where our stockings were hung. On Christmas morning, we were always thrilled to see a big bite taken out of the remaining cookie!

Did you leave out a tray for Santa? What was on it?

Susanna

http://www.susannacarr.com

Giving Books - Susanna Carr

My family has a tradition when giving books as gifts. The person who gives the book inscribes a message on the inside front cover and then adds the date or occasion after the signature.

Sometimes the message offers hope and encouragement (I see this a lot in the cookbooks I receive. Hmm…are my relatives trying to tell me something?) Other times, the message will let me know why this particular book was special to them and why they are passing it on.

Just the other day I grabbed one of the cookbooks and saw my great-aunt's inscription. The spindly handwriting on the inside cover triggered a memory of the day she gave the book to me. It was decades ago and she passed away not long after, but I can remember the smell of her perfume and the sound of her laugh.

This tradition not only jogs my memory and gives me something to connect with my relatives, but it offers a part of family history that can't be found in scrapbook. Who else has a family tradition when it comes to books?

Susanna

http://www.susannacarr.com/

Favorite Mysteries - Susanna Carr

Today my first Harlequin Spice Brief is released. "Anything You Want", written under my Jenesi Ash pen name, isn't a romance but an erotic mystery.

When I was growing up, I read the Nancy Drews, Trixie Beldens, and a few of the Encyclopedia Browns. I read my first "grown up" mystery when I was a freshman in high school. My mother was trying to lure me away from romance novels and bought me Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express.

She thought the romantic setting of the story would appeal to me. I don't know why she was more comfortable with me reading about a gruesome death rather than reading about a loving couple finding happiness, but we won't go into that. The story interested me, and although her work lacked sexual tension and a romantic plot, I started adding an Agatha Christie book to my to-be-read pile.

I discovered that I prefer the detective short stories when I took Detective Fiction as one of my university courses. This class allowed me to read so many great short stories that started with a bang, cleverly and quickly presented all the facts, and then gave me a twist in the tail ending. I did a term paper on Agatha Christie's favorite detective, which was Harley Quinn, a mysterious, paranormal figure who starred in some of the most creative short stories she produced. And as much as I like Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot, Harley Quinn is my favorite Agatha Christie detective, too.

Do you have a favorite mystery writer or favorite fictional detective?

Susanna

http://www.susannacarr.com/

http://www.jenesiash.com/

Exotic or Familiar? - Susanna Carr

I just read WIFE FOR A WEEK by Kelly Hunter. This Promotional Presents was a very fun read. One of the pleasant surprises about this book is that it was set in Hong Kong.

I don't think I've read a romance set in Hong Kong before, which is kind of shocking since a lot of romances promise exotic locales. Well, exotic for me. One of my life goals is to visit London, which sounds very cosmopolitan, dynamic, and unlike anything I've ever experienced. I've read so many romances set in London and I want to see it first hand.

But I think my favorite settings when it comes to romance are the sun-drenched islands. I live in the Pacific Northwest where it's usually cloudy and cold. Reading about these tropical paradises is a great way to escape the constant drizzling rain.

Yet there are times when I'm homesick for the Midwestern farm towns of my youth and I purposely look for a book that will remind me of those days. The familiarity of small town living comforts me, no matter how it looks outside my window. I'm so glad that romance publishers offer such an array of locales, so I can find exactly what I need depending on my mood.

Which setting do you usually prefer? The exotic or the familiar?

Susanna

http://www.susannacarr.com/

Friendship - by Lee Hyat

I've been told I should blog so I'm going to give it a try. I thought I was being clever when I decided to give it a go because I'm going to run a contest but now that it comes down to it, I find myself feeling awfully unsure about what to say or how to say it.

I've spent a lot of time lately sifting through memories from the last few years and I'm totally amazed at how far I've come emotionally, mentally and in every other way that matters most. If you'd asked me a few years ago if I had lots of good friends, I'd have said, No. I have acquaintances, but no really good friends.

Things have changed - touch wood - and I'm so much richer today than I was back then in the friend department. I have friends. Really good friends. Friends who care and call and keep in touch and generally look out for me because I'm still so naive in many many ways. It's a warm fuzzy feeling when you can pick up the phone and always have someone to call who will put aside her busy schedule and take ten minutes (or more, considering most of my phone conversations are never short!) and listen to me pour my heart out.

I also realized that all my friends, in one way or another, are bad girls. They all push the envelope in some way or another. They shoot from the hip and dare to dream. They dare me to dream and support me every step of the way. They don't let me hide behind my armor of timidity or take the easy way out. I'd be so lost without them. Truly lost.

One such friend, who is really important to me, is the lovely Susanna Carr. She's bright and warm and funny and she's big on qualities like loyalty and support which rank very high in my book. She may not always agree with my point of view but she's always been there when I needed a friend. I love her sense of humor - it's helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel more times than even she herself is aware of. She's the quiet type but she's also very gutsy and full of the bad girl attitude that I so love.


I hope all of you are just as wealthy in the friendship department. It's so wonderful to make friendships that withstand the tests of time and really last. They can bring such a great feeling of satisfaction and contentment. The internet has several definitions for the true meaning of friendship but I think for each of us, it's totally unique and can't be pinned down to one standard meaning.


So, for my contest, I'd love to hear from you about what friendship means to you. What are some of the qualities you look for in a friend? Are your friends bad girls too? Are you a bad girl? :) Lots of choices here on what to comment on so please jump in. I'd love to hear from authors as well - authors are readers too so my contest is open to anyone and everyone who wants to join the conversation!


On June 8th, I'll pick five winners from the people who comment and each of you will receive, a copy of Susanna's BAD GIRL BRIDESMAIDS... (which, I'm sooo proud to say is dedicated to me!) So please, let's talk about friendship.

Susanna Carr asks: How Old Were You?

Whenever a reporter does an interview or feature on me, they always make a point of my age when I first started reading romances. I was ten years old, and it was a Harlequin.

Yes, that was young. Some say it was too young.

For me, it came at the right time in my life. I was already a permanent fixture at the local library and the selection of books was beginning to bore me. When I got my hands on the Harlequin, it opened a new world. I got to read about women who faced life-changing dilemmas. They took action, made mistakes, and persevered to get what they wanted.

Despite what the grown-ups in my life thought, I didn't read the romances because of the sex! Don't get me wrong: I didn't exactly skip over those parts, either. *G* But I loved reading about two people falling in love. That was the exciting stuff.

I'm glad I started reading romances early in life, but I wouldn't recommend it for everyone. How old were you when you started reading romances?